Consumers Energy Foundation Announces Winners of the Put Your Town on the Map Competition

Jackson, Mich. Thursday, June 04, 2026

Consumers Energy Foundation has announced the winners for this year’s Put Your Town on the Map competition. Winning a total of $50,000, three Michigan communities will receive $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 to support historical, restorative and heritage-based projects.

“Supporting strong, vibrant communities is at the heart of the Consumers Energy Foundation’s mission,” said Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We are proud to continue investing in the communities we serve and to enrich neighborhoods for generations to come.”

The 2026 winners are:

• City of Durand (Shiawassee County) Received the first-place prize of $25,000 to move and refurbish a refrigerated rail car in Durand, supporting the city’s National Railroad Memorial project.
• Tuscarora Township (Cheboygan County) Took home the second-place grant of $15,000 which will support renovations and improvements to DeVoe Beach in Indian River, including new picnic tables, playground equipment, and access to the water for people of all abilities.
• Yates Township (Lake County) Received the third-place grant for $10,000 to fund the development of a Black Heritage Trail – helping to share the story of Idlewild, a historic area for African Americans during segregation.

These winners join more than a dozen community projects across the state supported through the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Put Your Town on the Map competition, each aimed at strengthening local communities, revitalizing public spaces and creating lasting, meaningful impact for residents.

The Consumers Energy Foundation  is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2025, the Consumers Energy Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $17 million in support of Michigan nonprofits and communities. For more information, visit consumersenergy.com/foundation.

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Media Contact: Megan Kirk, 947-957-3982, or megan.d.kirk@cmsenergy.com