Making change since 1922

Our Grand Rapids Community Foundation

For West Michigan to grow, we need to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to help design the future of this place we call home. With the talent, diverse perspectives and ideas of many, we believe that inequities must be dismantled and then together, we can build an inclusive economy and thriving local community. 

Give Now Give Later

Gifts, Growth, Grants + Leadership

We Love Our Community!

As Kent County's philanthropic leader, the grants we award each year are made possible by financial gifts from donors—people who care about the greater Grand Rapids community and want to see it thrive. Our endowment relies on donor gifts and market growth for its success.

We lead by bringing people together to solve complicated community problems, realizing that for some issues there are no immediate solutions or simple answers.

By The Numbers

Community Impact

  • $306 Million in Assets

    At the close of the fiscal year (June 30, 2016), the Community Foundation held assets totaling just over $306 million.

  • $13 Million in Grants + Scholarships

    Last year, over $13 million was invested in community and students in the form of grants and scholarships.

  • For more detailed financial information, you can download the 2015-2016 annual report below.

    Annual Report (PDF)

Philanthropists Among Us

The Community Foundation wraps up all the things we care about—education, health and children. It's here to enrich our community, and that’s important to us. We’ve been involved with the Community Foundation for many years and see good things happening. The people who work there and those who support it are powerhouses.

Phil and Kathy Vogelsang
Learn About Our Donor Groups

Welcome

If You're Looking for a Grant or a Scholarship, You're in the Right Place

  • Apply for Funding

    Each year we make grants to support nonprofits in Kent County, perhaps your project could be one of them. The application for our main grantmaking pool is open year-round. Grants from this fund are awarded six times per year after review by our staff, volunteer Community Action Committee and Board of Trustees.  

    Check out the guidelines, process and other funding opportunities below. 

    Apply for Funding

  • Apply for Scholarships

    Since 1945, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been a major scholarship provider in Kent County, awarding more than $1 million every year to hundreds of students pursuing a higher education.

    Apply for Scholarships

Community Happens Here

Learn More About us and the Work we do

  • People Make it Happen Here

    Wondering who does all the magic behind community philanthropy in Kent County? Meet the staff of the Community Foundation.

    Our Staff

  • Community Leadership

    While making grants to nonprofits is core to our work, there's something else we do that sets us apart—we call it Community Leadership.

    Our Initiatives

  • We Are Here!

    Located in the heart of the Arena District of Grand Rapids, our building is accessible and open to nonprofits looking for a space for a gathering.

    Find us