What Our Donors Say

Click on a name to read more about one of the donors who helped build the Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Herb and Glenna Knape

One of the many ways the Knapes give back to their community is through a donor advised fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Today, the fund allows them to organize their charitable giving. In the future, it will allow their children to continue their parents’ legacy of giving.

Gil and Pat Davis

One of their favorite ways to give is through Grand Rapids Community Foundation charitable gift annuities. A gift annuity gives back now with tax benefits and lifetime payments, and will continue giving in perpetuity as part of an endowment fund.

Perry and Hazel Lawr

As far as he knows, the Lawrs' savings and investments all came from Perry’s earnings as a railroad engineer. But while the Lawrs were careful spenders and deliberate savers, they make a habit of helping others in simple, quiet ways.

Marvin Stahl

In 1987, Marvin and Dorothy Stahl donated their beloved summer home on Baldwin Lake to the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. It was sold, with proceeds establishing the Marvin Stahl Fund. In his estate plan, Stahl also established a Charitable Remainder Trust for the broad benefit of the community. He chose to make both gifts unrestricted, meaning that the Community Foundation’s volunteer board of directors can make grants from his permanent fund based on changing community needs.

Tom and Mickie Fox

If you grew up or lived in West Michigan in the 60s through the 80s, you’re sure to remember the voice of Tom Fox. Tom owned a number of jewelry stores throughout the Midwest with headquarters in Grand Rapids. He was an early master of TV advertising and is well remembered for his “Hi, I’m Tom Fox!” opening to his ads.

Lou VanderHave

There are many ways to give, and retired Grand Rapids Public School teacher, Lou VanderHave, will always be able to provide for students with the Lou VanderHave Theatre Scholarship Fund. Designated in his estate plan, the scholarship fund through the Community Foundation shows Lou’s passion for students, teaching and theater.

Allan and Claudia Carlson

To date, Allan and Claudia Carlson have given the largest gift to the Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good. To meet its ever-changing needs, the Grand Rapids community will benefit from the Carlson’s special gift forever.

Brian Cloyd and Agnes Kempker-Cloyd

Former Board of Trustees member, Brian Cloyd and his wife Agnes Kempker-Cloyd believe in their responsibility to contribute to the community, and one way they are doing so is through a planned gift with the Community Foundation.

Harvey Lemmen

As an active member of the community, still volunteering at 85 years old, Harvey Lemmen has left a lasting impact on Grand Rapids. Contributing to education and health organizations around town, Harvey has also chosen to include the Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good in his estate plans, becoming a member of the Metz Society.

Dareather Greer

Early in 2006, Dareather became a member of the Metz Society when she included the Community Foundation in her estate plans and arranged her promised gift to be used for a scholarship fund. These scholarships will help provide African American girls educational opportunities that Dareather has made her life’s work, teaching in the Kent Intermediate School District.

Bill and Norma Sprague

Introduced to the Community Foundation by a friend, Bill and Norma Sprague were two of the first to invest in the IRA Charitable Rollover. Instead of forming a private foundation, they have experienced the benefits of the Community Foundation’s professional staff, allowing them to share with the community through a Donor Advised Fund and scholarship fund.