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Capital Campaign

Our Story
As we celebrate our 120th anniversary of service to our community, the Greater Muskegon Woman's Club is initiating a Capital Campaign to raise funds to restore our clubhouse to its original purpose and appearance.  The Organization began in October 1890, in a private home.  Thirty charter members, determined to make a difference for themselves and their community, joined hands to improve the lives of all women.  Among their accomplishments was the establishment of the first area Well Baby Clinic, a resolution to support Women's Suffrage, and also to clothe the poor of the county.  They longed for greater fulfillment . . . they succeeded!

Our Mission Statement
The Greater Muskegon Woman's Club serves as a community catalyst and cultural touchstone for all women; to unify and empower through education, service, scholarship, philanthropy and social activities; to provide and preserve a unique, historic meeting place in the heart of Muskegon's renaissance district.

Why A Capitol Campaign
The city of Muskegon, our county seat, is experiencing a dramatic rebirth.  This historic building, a landmark, a legacy and a community gathering place, is one of the crowning jewels in our downtown.  As one of the nation's few remaining dedicated clubhouses in continuous use by a Woman's Club, it enhances the cultural history of our city, embraces its heritage, and provides a unique, upscale setting for social and business events.

As we transition into the current century, our goal is to continue to serve our community with choice literary, musical, philanthropic and artistic offerings in keeping with the tradition of the Club.  However, today our mission and continued success requires us to:
  • Refurbishing and upgrading this historic gathering place to better accommodate receptions, conferences, business meetings, and banquets
  • Manage The Muskegon County Women of Achievement Hall of Fame
  • House the archives of the history of local women, as contained in historic documents of the Greater Muskegon Woman's Club
  • Provide a facility that meets ADA requirements

The Next Hundred Years of Service
The Woman's Club intends to re-ignite the passion set in motion 100 years ago of empowering Muskegon women.  Representing the marriage of the Old Muskegon and with the New Muskegon, our updated facility will enable the Club to expand its outreach to other non-profit organizations, continue to support service projects, and be an integral part of the area's growth.  The Muskegon County Women of Achievement Hall of Fame will promote and encourage excellence in leadership while celebrating the role models of our community.

Why Now
The Greater Muskegon Woman's Club has been a self-supporting, nonprofit entity housed in a clubhouse built with private funds and maintained for the last 106 years by the women of the Club.  Now the Club is turning to the community it has serviced since 1890 for help in restoring this landmark building, to keep it as a focal point in Muskegon's Heritage District and to preserve its position as an elegant, historic center for all.  As the city of Muskegon rebuilds, we see this as the time to refresh and refurbish this local treasure.

The Design Plan
Our stately red brick colonial revival style building is sorely in need of exterior tuck pointing and interior refurbishing.  The plan, as presented by Mr. Israels, includes rearranging an interior wall to provide larger rest areas and a much needed elevator.  Keeping the integrity of the style, the butler's pantry and kitchen will be upgraded to commercial facilities, enabling us to offer on-site meals for community functions and rentals.

We will keep the original functionality while restoring reception areas to their former glory with classic color and furnishings.  These include:
  • the Parlor for intimate gatherings or pre-event receptions
  • the Ballroom for larger events, dances, performances and seated meals
  • the Tea Room to house the Muskegon County Women of Achievement Hall of Fame, tea parties, and smaller seated meals and meetings
  • the Cloak Room as a lounge and rest area
  • the Stage for speeches, musical recitals, performances, and displays
  • the Kitchens for catering events and cooking classes
Improving these rooms will increase their use and bring to the community a unique and upscale meeting space.

The Challenge
To assure the Club's presence for future generations, a thorough study has concluded that $700,000.00 must be raised to fund this much needed capital project.  The aim is to achieve this goal over an eighteen month period.  In order to reach this goal and maintain the ongoing operation of the Club, assistance from corporations, foundations, and individuals is needed.  We invite all women to be Members and all donors to become Friends and be active in our Woman's Club.

Your donation will contribute to the cost of necessary capital improvements and enhancements for the Club.  Your investment ensures that the citizens of Muskegon will learn about the very important past the Club has played in our county's development and will propel them into a future enhanced by the gifts this organization offers.  The history of the Club parallels the history of the empowerment of women in America.  Your participation will preserve this period structure as a useable monument to be a vital part of the renaissance of Muskegon.

The Greater Muskegon Woman's Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.  Your investment is tax deductible as stated by law.

To pledge your support for The Greater Muskegon Woman's Club, please click here for a donation/pledge form.
"We believe your organizational goals and focus are intended to enhance our community,
and that is something we wholeheartedly support." 
Chris A. McGuigan, President
Community Foundation Muskegon County
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