Prosperity

Careers + Financial Stability

We look to fund organizations that support workforce development to increase career advancement opportunities and a sustainable living wage for low-wage workers. Consideration is also given to organization that improve financial stability for families by improving access to existing community resources.

Short-term Outcomes

  • Low- skilled, low - to - moderate income residents advance to higher skill jobs paying living wage
  • People receive public benefits for which they qualify
  • Residents gain entrepreneurial skills
  • The number and diversity of locally owned businesses grow

Recent Grants From This Area

Recipient

Amount

Date

Purpose

  • Start Garden

    Amount Awarded: $300,000

    Date Awarded: Jun. 2019

    Supporting Start Garden 100 to ensure that we are creating entrepreneurship opportunities in Grand Rapids, with a specific focus on people of color and women entrepreneurs.

  • Project GREEN

    Amount Awarded: $200,000

    Date Awarded: Apr. 2019

    Advocacy, education and convening of partners in the community around fair lending and economic empowerment for low- to moderate-income households.

  • Midwest Tech Project

    Amount Awarded: $10,000

    Date Awarded: Feb. 2019

    Addressing equity in the technology industry by engaging millennials, women, parents, students and community organizations to assist in the development of an effective tech-talent pipeline in West Michigan.

  • Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project

    Amount Awarded: $150,000

    Date Awarded: Oct. 2018

    Supporting the “Ignite: The Movement” capital campaign to purchase and renovate 1530 Madison Ave to create a permanent, sustainable, and multi-use space created through an economic and racial equity lens.

  • The Right Place Foundation

    Amount Awarded: $50,000

    Date Awarded: Aug. 2018

    Support for participation in an Inclusive Development Lab where outreach and research exercises will lead to a compelling business case for inclusion.