Our LGBTQ Fund was established by Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik, a West Michigan couple who chose to spearhead changes in the community after attending OutGiving, a LGBTQ philanthropy conference. Inspired by the conference and the insight that the LGBTQ community needs to initiate support for LGBTQ issues, they partnered with Grand Rapids Community Foundation to lead the charge against issues faced by LGBTQ youth. Their matching gift of $100,000 helped establish the Fund in 2014 and over 500 people have contributed to the fund so far.

Challenge Scholars bridges the education gap by guaranteeing students a last-dollar scholarship and surrounding them with extra academic and college readiness supports beginning in 6th grade. Students in the graduating classes of 2020 - 2028 at Harrison Park School and Westwood Middle School, Union High School are enrolled as Challenge Scholars. To be eligible for the two or four year scholarship they must graduate from Union High School.