We understand you are likely receiving many requests for support.  What differentiates our Fund from other efforts is that we will focus on supporting the near and long-term recovery of nonprofits and small businesses that will be disproportionately affected by this crisis.

This fund is just one option for directing resources into the community. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community. 

The passing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020 provides three strong incentives which may be beneficial for charitable giving.  It is designed to help taxpayers, businesses and nonprofits facing economic hardship in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and economic downturn. These incentives are not available for gifts to Donor Advised Funds or supporting organizations.  

 Here is a brief summary of how the incentives may impact your giving:  

• Creation of a universal charitable deduction for non-itemizers may allow a charitable deduction up to $300 in 2020 (cash gifts only) 
• An increase on the cap for annual giving for itemizers from 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI) to 100% of AGI (cash gifts only) 
• For corporations, the limitation on deductions for cash contributions increases from 10% to 25% of taxable income   

A more in-depth analysis is available on our blog, click here to read it

If you have questions about how to direct your giving in light of these incentives, please email Shaun Shira, major and planned gifts director.  At the Community Foundation we are grateful to partner with incredible professional advisors, to find a list of local advisors who might be available to help you with legal or financial advice, head to grfoundation.org/advisors.  

There are a variety of ways to support our community’s recovery. The Community Foundation is able to accept gifts made online, by mail, through a fund you advise or through gifts of other assets. Contact our team if you would like to make a gift and have questions about accepted gift types.

The Community Foundation has awarded grants supporting organizations who serve those who were already navigating racial, social and economic inequities prior to the crisis. See recent grant partnerships on our Grants Awarded page.

In addition to grant partnerships, the Community Foundation has worked with our partners to provide flexibility on existing grants, to support donor advisors with their philanthropy and to share staff expertise with community organizations. The Community Foundation also acts as fiduciary and provides administrative support for La Lucha Fund.

Throughout the crisis and its aftermath, Grand Rapids Community Foundation will target our resources to support communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will evolve the structure of the fund to respond to what we are hearing and learning directly from community, especially those most impacted. There is not an open application process for the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

If your organization is working on recovery efforts that align with the following priorities, you may email us your information at covid19@grfoundation.org. Please note, this is not a grant application.  

• Opportunities that are led by or primarily reach those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic 
• Leaders and networks that inspire, grow and connect recovery efforts aimed at advancing equity   
• Efforts that have limited access to traditional philanthropic sources of financial support 
• Recovery strategies that are defined and co-created by those disproportionately effected 
• Anchor institutions led by those most impacted by inequitable access to information, services, and outcomes 
• Access to capital and opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are historically under-resourced 

If your organization is helping to meet immediate needs in our community (food, shelter, etc.) please visit the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Coronavirus Response Fund webpage for information about their grant process. The Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund was established by Grand Rapids Community Foundation to respond to the near and long-term impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our community, not immediate needs.  

If you are a nonprofit seeking assistance that your nonprofit can leverage during these trying times, we recommend you visit the Michigan Nonprofit Association resource page. They have information and resources that Michigan nonprofits can use to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

One of the resource that MNA is offering is a Paycheck Protection Program Navigator tool free for nonprofits. This resource provides guidance on how to think through and complete the PPP application.

Michigan Department of Education has created a Child Care Relief Fund. This is a non-competitive grant program to help licensed child care providers in Michigan cover costs during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Click here to access the application.

KConnect released a blog series discussing equity in the COVID-19 crisis. You can read the blog by clicking here. 

Rest assured that the Community Foundation is eager to be as flexible as possible during these uncertain times. Please contact your Program Officer to explore opportunities to delay reporting requirements, remove funding restrictions and receive payments early.