“What we get from giving is being a part of a community where the needs of the people are met. To us, it’s almost an act of citizenship, a responsibility to the community. The Community Foundation is an unsung hero in our community. Few things happen in Grand Rapids apart from them. Back in 1996, Brent benefited from the Community Foundation’s work as a scholarship recipient and, in part due to many other contributors, we’re now able to become philanthropists."

“I give for the sole reason of helping others. Not to be recognized, praised or rewarded, but to know that I am somehow making a difference in someone’s life. But the feeling you get from giving—it gives a sense of worth and purpose, probably greater than anything I’ve ever felt. It is an emotion that is somewhat indescribable, yet entirely rewarding. I support Grand Rapids Community Foundation because of what it stands for and the bravery, positive attitude and continued leadership that it brings to our community. I have faith in the Community Foundation and the staff, knowing they want to make this area better and that community needs do not go unnoticed."

“Giving is a win-win-win for me. There are few things as powerful as watching someone feed their passion through philanthropy, especially when it's collaborative. The feeling you get from knowing you're making a difference in the lives of others is infectious. Giving is an important part of who I am and I know I'm doing the best I can with my dollars when I reinvest them in the community that's so important to me. Every interaction I've had with Grand Rapids Community Foundation has impressed me. The organization's strength and can-do philosophy has allowed our community to be front-runners in promoting inclusion.”

“I have increasingly felt that I should be doing more to support the community. I give to organizations that attempt to give children, often with heavy odds working against them, a better chance at having control over their future. I was drawn to the Community Foundation’s Challenge Scholars program. A part of me cringes every time I hear complaints about the quality of our city’s public schools. How cool would it be if, one day, people insisted on living downtown specifically for the high quality of its public schools? Challenge Scholars encourages students to think critically about the long-term impact a college-equivalent education can have on their lives. It incentivizes them to prepare by achieving higher academic goals today."