One Hundred New Philanthropists

The Next Generation of Philanthropists

Our community has a great legacy of giving back and growing Grand Rapids. One Hundred New Philanthropists are a new generation of philanthropists committed to helping Grand Rapids Community Foundation usher in our second century. In 2022 the Community Foundation celebrated being 100 years old and recognized these community-minded people who have a clear vision for the Grand Rapids of tomorrow.

Our One Hundred New Philanthropists

Ushering in our second century

  • Mark and Wendy* Anderson
  • Rev. Katherine L. Baker
  • Brian Bakker
  • Corey and Rebecca Balkon
  • Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra
  • Laurie Finney Beard
  • Jesse M. Bernal
  • George and Jill Bosnjak
  • Mark Breon
  • Renwick Brutus
  • Mandy and Christian Chardoul
  • Iain and Michaele Charnley
  • Molly and Colin Chelovich
  • Tracie and Chad Coffman
  • Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe
  • Thomas C. & M. Lynn Dandridge
  • Jennifer and David Deamud
  • Jason and Stephanie Doublestein
  • Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick
  • Jason Franklin
  • Brent and Ronda Geers
  • Linsey Gleason
  • Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse
  • Graci Harkema
  • Jeff and Laura Hill
  • Jenifer Jackson
  • Kenneth and Tamasha James
  • Andy and Christina Keller
  • Paul and Beth Kelly
  • Chris and Amy Knape
  • Carrie Smith 
  • Mike Kolehouse
  • Nakia Kyler
  • Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell
  • Jan Lunquist and Michael May
  • Ron Marsteiner
  • Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams
  • Jason and Kate Meyer
  • Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller
  • Bryant and Audrey Mitchell
  • Gordie and Jan Moeller
  • Matt and Stephanie Muscat
  • Dr. Tony and Linda Nemec Foster
  • Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf
  • Scott Pruski
  • Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles
  • Marjorie and Bud Roegge
  • Lisa M. Rose
  • Bob and Marcy Roth
  • Megan Rydecki
  • Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope
  • Ryan Slusarsyk
  • Steve Steketee
  • Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland
  • Elliot Talen
  • Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra
  • Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole
  • Dave Thompson
  • Aleka Thrash
  • Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb
  • Rick Treur
  • Selma Tucker
  • Ben and Emily VerWys
  • Phil and Kathy Vogelsang
  • Reneé Williams
  • Gabriel Works and John O’Connor*
  • Chelsie Wyse
  • (2) Anonymous

*Deceased

Giving Today and in the Future

Our New Philanthropists Pledge to:

  • Volunteer. Members are engaged in the community, getting involved with a committee or through hands-on volunteering.
  • Give Now. New Philanthropists show their support the Community Foundation with an annual gift to the Fund for Community Good at a minimum level of $500 a year, or by establishing a Donor Advised fund or Named Field of Interest fund.
  • Give Later. By including a provision in their will or estate plan for the benefit of the Community Foundation, New Philanthropists support our community's future.
  • Share Their Story. New Philanthropists share why they give to the Community Foundation, telling us about the causes closest to their hearts, and encouraging others to give.
Celebrating 100 New Philanthropists

Honoring 100 New Philanthropists

The Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award

The 100 New Philanthropists cohort members are recipients of the 2022 Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award. The award was presented for the first time in 1997 to Jack Chaille, a partner whose longstanding support, visionary guidance and community leadership created a lasting impact on the Community Foundation. Since then, we have recognized leaders who share a spirit and passion for the Community Foundation and for philanthropy.

107 isabelmediastudios Centennial Partners 107

Award video honoring 100 New Philanthropists with the 2022 Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award.

Becoming Stronger Philanthropists

Mandy and Christian Chardoul

"With One Hundred New Philanthropists, the Community Foundation set the ground for new philanthropists to come into the community and build confidence in giving. It's like a training program or on-ramp for philanthropy," Christian said.

"The community Foundation saves us time, because they're looking at community causes and needs, and they know how to partner with different organizations to create synergy of the dollar," Mandy said.

Education+Justice

Brent and Ronda Geers

“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."

Focusing on Equity

Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Costanza Terpstra

“We would like Kent County to be a place where people would be treated with respect regardless of their race, age, ability, status or gender. We want Kent County to be a city on a hill where everyone has access to affordable housing and receives fair wages for their work.”

A Soft Spot for Challenge Scholars

Brian Bakker

“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."

Ready to Learn More?

Let's Chat!

Are you ready to be part of making change happen here? Our 100 New Philanthropists cohort is complete, but we'd love to talk about what you hope to achieve and how you might partner with the Community Foundation.

Contact Us