2025 Community Builder Award Finalists

At Cunningham-Limp, building better communities goes beyond the projects we develop, it’s embedded in our mission and reflected in the partnerships we form and support. That’s why we’re honored to present the second annual Community Builder Award, a recognition of individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community.

This year’s top nominees and finalists exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and vision across northwest lower Michigan. Their work spanning affordable housing, addiction treatment, youth and family support, and community development truly represents the heart of what community building is all about.

Also, community building doesn’t happen in isolation. The individuals and groups recognized this year have shown what’s possible when passion meets perseverance, and when collaboration takes root at the local level.

These nominees remind us that meaningful progress often begins quietly in classrooms, clinics, construction sites, and community centers and grows through consistent, intentional work over time. They are the change-makers who uplift others, address urgent needs, and create lasting solutions that ripple far beyond their immediate reach.

This award is our way of saying thank you for showing up, digging in, and building better communities.

2025 Top Nominees:

• Central United Methodist Church
• Generations Ahead
• Holly Hack – Charlie Golf One
• Jon Stimson – Homestretch Nonprofit Housing
• Marvin D. Radtke, Jr. – Green Lake Township
• Michael’s Place
• Nancy Gray – NMC Neurodiversity Support Center
• Nora Dunlop – Goodwill Northern Michigan
• Paula Lipinski – Addiction Treatment Services
• Sid Van Slyke – West Shore Bank
• Single MOMM
• The ROCK of Kingsley
• Wendy Irvin – Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region

Narrowing the Field: 2025 Finalists

With so many powerful nominations, narrowing the list to a group of finalists was no easy task. Each nominee brought unique strength and impact to the table, making the decision both inspiring and incredibly difficult. After careful review and consideration, we are proud to announce the 2025 Community Builder Award finalists:

• Central United Methodist Church
• Jon Stimson – Homestretch Nonprofit Housing
• Nora Dunlop – Goodwill Northern Michigan
• Paula Lipinski – Addiction Treatment Services
• Sid Van Slyke – West Shore Bank
• Single MOMM
• Wendy Irvin – Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region

Each finalist will be awarded $500 to donate to a nonprofit or charity of their choosing. The recipient of the Community Builder Award will receive $2,500 to support a nonprofit of their choice, with the winner announced on July 24, 2025.

We are incredibly grateful for the important work these finalists and all this year’s nominees are doing every day to strengthen our communities. We hope you will join us to celebrate their impact and find out who will be named the 2025 Community Builder of the Year.