Upcoming Grant Application Timeline
We expect Black Legacy Fund will accept grant applications early in 2027. Updates will be shared when details are confirmed.
Black Legacy Fund
Continuing our legacy
Black Legacy Fund builds on the legacy of giving in Black communities in greater Grand Rapids. Support this cause today by contributing to Black Legacy Fund. Your gift will support the fund's endowment, as well as provide resources for immediate grantmaking directed by the Black Legacy Fund committee. This ensures your giving will help now and in the future. Click here to give today.
Celebrating Impact and Legacy
A legacy established in 2006
20th Anniversary
In 2006, community members came together to start a fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation that would specifically support nonprofits in Black communities. Together, we honor the tradition of philanthropy in Black communities in Kent County and look to the future. As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we also recognize the vision and commitment of the fund founders: Ellen James and Elias Lumpkins and the late Margaret Sellers Walker Morris, Shirley Daniels, Beverly Drake and Cal Jeter.
Black Legacy Fund Brilliance Circle
Members of our Brilliance Circle make a commitment to support the fund at an elevated level, sharing their belief in the power of the Black Legacy Fund. Learn more about how donor partners qualify for membership and share your commitment.
2024 Grant Awards
Recipient
Amount
Date
Purpose
-
African Resource Center
$10,000
Dec. 2024
Supporting the SuccessNow Youth Empowerment program, to equip vulnerable African young adults (ages 18 -35) with social and vocational skills to contribute to Kent County's economic growth.
-
Asher Legacy L.I.F.E. Series
$19,500
Dec. 2024
The LIFE (Legacy, Inspiration, Fitness, Empowerment) Series, aims to increase and support Black women aged 50 and up in the Grand Rapids area.
-
Battle Ground JKD – Men’s Mental Health Event
$10,500
Dec. 2024
Supporting the Men's Mental Health Conference and monthly follow ups focused on supporting mental well-being.
-
Beyond the City
$33,000
Dec. 2024
Supporting the creation of spaces that nurture the dreams and aspirations of Black youth while helping them explore the diversity within Black cultures.
-
Community of Hearts
$20,000
Dec. 2024
Helping students develop the tools to be their own mental health advocates, reduce stress and anxiety triggers, and reinforce soft-solving skills and behavior.
-
Connect Café
$25,000
Dec. 2024
Supporting Connection Cafe to empower individuals with disabilities by providing comprehensive support services and resources.
-
Deborah's House
$20,000
Dec. 2024
The Deborah House invests in the well-being of single parents and low-income families.
-
Dynamic Dyad
$30,000
Dec. 2024
The Postpartum Peace Initiative provides monthly financial support to families in postpartum recovery, easing financial stress to foster healing.
-
GR MiFi
$40,000
Dec. 2024
Development and implementation of a Blueprint for African American Community Development in Grand Rapids.
-
Hues of Hospitality
$20,000
Dec. 2024
Hues of Hospitality provides opportunities for exposure, education, and advancement in the hospitality and tourism industry for underrepresented talent.
-
National Young Farmers, Co.
$21,716
Dec. 2024
Building capacity for the West Michigan Young Farmers Chapter to carry out programming, do outreach, and share our impact with the community.
-
Respite for Wives
$10,000
Dec. 2024
Supporting the Removing the Cape program, which helps women of color break the cycle of generational and inherited family trauma.
-
Sistas in Development
$40,000
Dec. 2024
To disassemble systems that have been intentionally designed to disproportionately affect youth of color in a detrimental manner.
-
S.W.A.G.
$20,000
Dec. 2024
To expand youth access to overnight camping, integrating it with comprehensive environmental education and allowing youth to engage fully with nature.
-
Taylor Made Re-Entry
$40,000
Dec. 2024
Providing rental assistance or emergency shelter for justice-impacted individuals for up to 6–8 months, supporting their reintegration into society.
-
The Sewing Academy
$22,000
Dec. 2024
The Sewing Academy empowers individuals through the art of sewing, fostering creativity and developing practical skills.
Recent and Upcoming Grantmaking
In 2024, the Black Legacy Fund advisory committee reviewed applications for funding and granted more than $380,000 to local organizations. In a virtual event, we shared more about the process and grant award recipients and heard feedback from community members.
Support the Fund Today
Legacy is something that we are part of, something we are adding to.
Support this cause today by contributing to the Black Legacy Fund. You will have the opportunity to choose an endowed gift or non-endowed. Both ways of giving will help now and in the future. Click here to give today.
Sponsorship Requests
Have an opportunity that you are interested in Grand Rapids Community Foundation sponsoring? Learn more about our sponsorship application process!
Send us a message!
2024 Grantmaking Timeline
Black Legacy Fund
August 6
Grant Applications Opened
Black Legacy Fund's grant application opened on August 6. In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about the eligibility, timeline and the application questions which will inform grant decisions. Click here to view.
August 26
View the information session
Learn More About Grant Application
On August 26 staff and volunteers held an informational session about the grant application and its guidelines. You can view the information session here. Attending/viewing the session is not a requirement to apply or be awarded a grant.
September 23
Black Legacy Fund grant applications closed on September 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Advisory Committee Reviews Applications
The Black Legacy Fund Advisory Committee reviews all grant applications and may request additional information from applicants while they make decisions about grant awards.
Grant Awards Announced
All applicants were notified about funding decisions.
Feb 24, 2025
View here
Virtual Community Gathering for Feedback
In this virtual session, we shared more about our latest grantmaking decision process, grant award recipients and provided an opportunity for your feedback to inform future grantmaking and how we can best show up in community.