Inside the Community Foundation

We're All About Growing This Place we Call Home

For nearly 100 years, we've been making grants in Kent County, helping nonprofits prosper and students succeed. We do this with the help of generous donors and the expertise of grantees. 

We've always been extremely proud of being part of the Grand Rapids community, and now that we're at a point in our lives where we can give back and doing it through the Community Foundation just makes sense to us.

Tom + Mickie Fox - Donor Advisors

By the Numbers

Community Impact

  • $10 Million Raised

    Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Last year, we were entrusted with over $10 million from our donors.

  • $13 Million in Grants + Scholarships

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

  • Further Financial Information Available Below

    Our Recent Audit (PDF)

Grand Rapids Community Foundation People

Committed to Our Community

Our Staff

The staff at Grand Rapids Community Foundation is comprised of professionals who are dedicated to their work and to serving the people of Kent County with respect and a high level of personalized service. 

Trustees + Committees

Each person on our 12-person Board of Trustees serves two-four year terms. The Board meets six times a year and members also serve on committees and in advisory roles.

Community volunteers serve on a variety of committees and help make decisions on scholarships awards, review grant applications, advise on our investments and assure the integrity of our audit.

Grantee

Tennille Harkness, Homeowner + Grantee

At Home on The West Side

Through Habitat for Humanity, Tennille Harnkess was able to become a first time homeowner in 2015. Her house, which is LEED-certified house is located near Harrison Park School, where her daughters will be Challenge Scholars. Tennille specifically wanted a house near a K-8 school and she can see Harrison Park from her front yard. Hers is one of 10 Habitat homes on the West Side of Grand Rapids being built or rehabbed in an effort to create quality affordable housing in the area.

"I love this neighborhood--it's quiet and I know my neighbors," Tennille said. "I've wanted to own a house since I was eighteen years old.

We're Glad You Asked!

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities that help guide people’s philanthropy and are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the areas they serve. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations work with community foundations to create permanent charitable funds that help meet the challenges of changing times. The foundation invests and administers these funds. For donors, community foundations offer a range of charitable giving options that provide tax benefits and strategic advice about philanthropy. For the geographic region they serve, community foundations provide leadership, expertise and capital to address social issues and serve as a resource for nonprofit, civic, government and philanthropic organizations.