Welcome!

January 26^th, 2006

Welcome to my blog! The purpose of this blog to give my perspective on key issues in philanthropy, a view inside the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and to note trends that will likely have an impact on the social fabric of the greater Grand Rapids area.

I lead off with some insight into the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Over the past 18 months, the staff and board of trustees participated in a dynamic strategy development process which involved an intense review of every aspect of this Foundation along with noting key trends affecting the philanthropic field. We asked hundreds of people - "what do you think?" We listened and we will continue to reach out and listen. AND we have decided that instead of viewing strategic planning as an "event" that occurs every three to five years, that the Foundation is applying the rigor necessary to track its progress on key metrics, note trends and make adjustments on strategies and goals continually.

Our vision: We envision a magnetic, interconnected West Michigan community.

Our mission: . . .is to build and manage our community's permanent endowment and
lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

Our key strategies:

* Lead significant social change
* Grow current and future philanthropic resources
* Engage donors to take actions to make a difference
* Deliver organizational excellence

Future posts will note our progress and we look forward to the community's view on key issues and trends. Thanks all! Diana