Drought Conditions!

September 9^th, 2007

Once again - I am so overloaded that I can't find the time to blog! Thus the title "Drought Conditions"! I have so much going on - my plate is definitely full! But here's the news from Grand Rapids, Michigan. :-)

Many great things are upcoming in our greater Grand Rapids community - the long-awaited opening of the new Art Museum, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company's expansion and new Peter Martin Wege Theatre and the opening of the J.W. Marriott Hotel - okay so the hotel is not a not-for-profit but it is a wonderful addition to an ever growing cosmopolitan city and we are holding our annual donor recption there - it is beautiful!

Not wanting to rain on the parade and good news, I just keep thinking about the increasing foreclosure rate, the high poverty rate and all the things that are not the "chamber of commerce" view of Grand Rapids.

The Foundation funded the architect search for the Art Museum and made a gift to the construction, and made a gift to the Ballet expansion - - - - we know that these are key additions to our cultural fabric of our community.

While a good percentage of our grantmaking is focused on social issues/community development, we recognize the importance of the adding to the cultural aspects of our community. It is definitely NOT FLUFF!

More to come!