Laurie Craft
Laurie Craft joined the staff of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation in 1990 and has worked in a number of capacities for the Foundation. She currently serves as a Program Director, with an emphasis in neighborhood, community and economic development.
In her role, Laurie is responsible for assisting the Foundation’s Resource Committee and Board of Trustees in making decisions regarding grants. She works with nonprofit organizations and various community initiatives, reviews and evaluates requests for Foundation assistance, and assesses the impact of the Foundation’s funding in the community.
Laurie has been active in philanthropy at the national level, serving on a number of committees for the Council on Foundations, including the Professional and Organizational Development Action Team, the Fall Conference Planning Committee, and co-chair for the ProNet Steering Committee. Laurie has also served on the local and statewide LISC Advisory Committees, chairs the Coalition to End Homelessness Steering Committee, and serves on several other local and statewide committees.
Prior to joining the staff of the Foundation, Laurie was employed in the business sector. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Miami University and a Master’s degree in Public AdministrationNonprofit Management from Grand Valley State University.