This grant supports Grow’s work to expand access to capital and bilingual technical assistance for small business owners through a more equitable lending model that removes traditional barriers.

General operating support to advance systems-level equity work in Kent County through data innovation, policy advocacy, and community-led strategies that strengthen opportunity for children and families.

African Collaborative Network works to equip African immigrants with skills for living-wage jobs. This grant expands its internal capacity to ensure long-term sustainability and lasting impact.

Project GREEN (Grassroots Economic Empowerment Network) empowers financial capability in our community and implements advocacy initiatives that tear down systemic barriers to economic success. The grant partnership will support advancement of their program participants' financial capabilities through more financial and credit workshops. Project GREEN will also be able to add facilitators and increase the reach of their advocacy projects, including the Rent Reporting Initiative, Child Support Credit Building Initiative, Pay-It-Forward and Annual Economic Empowerment Conference.

AQUME Foundation, established in 2021, provides tools, access, and financial investment in organizations led by people of color. This grant supports AQUME Foundation’s work to center economic justice and racial equity in philanthropy.

This grant award supports AQUME Foundation’s work to establish and provide in-depth resources to communities of color to learn about and create intergenerational wealth. They do this through philanthropy, estate planning, hands-on educational workshops, networking, BIPOC leadership cultivation, and more. This partnership was made possible by the George M. Ames Fund, Fund for Economic Prosperity, and Social Venture Investors Fund.

Support for three-year strategic priorities to empower the Hispanic community to achieve equity, self-sufficiency, and personalized prosperity.

To support growth to serve more women with increasingly diverse and enhanced services.

To support advocacy, education and convening of partners around fair lending and economic empowerment for low- to moderate-income households.

To continue relief lending efforts for excluded entrepreneurs of color negatively impacted by COVID-19.

To provide technology and training as well as end-of-life and estate planning for Black elders. Additionally, providing protection amidst pandemic conditions for incarcerated individuals and reintegration support for Black people who are incarcerated in Greater Grand Rapids. This partnership was made possible by the Lucy E. Barnett Trust for the Elderly and the Gordon and Mary Bowman Fund.

To support the Statewide Equity Fund designed to advance equitable strategies to address systemic challenges laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership was made possible by the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

Enhance Latino Business and Economic Development Center efforts to reduce economic disparity, increase civic engagement, and offer leadership development in the Latino community.

To support the continuing development of a gender and racially diverse technology talent pipeline in West Michigan that provides equitable onramps for skill building, employment and entrepreneurship.

Supporting Concentric: Multiplying New American Leaders program, increasing the impact of New American leaders through training and mentorship while sustainably growing their holistic model of connecting women to resources and opportunities. 

To support, empower and advocate for Latinx communities in West Michigan by building internal capacity, strengthening their planning, and continuing their important work. 

To support BIPOC entrepreneurs by increasing access to financial, social, and intellectual capital.

To advance meaningful data collection, evaluation of adult workforce development programs and to support Community Catalysts cohorts.