Our region has a rich legacy of generosity and philanthropy. Individuals, families, nonprofits, and community leaders have long shared resources, skills, networks, and dollars to create positive change. In 2006, community members came together to start a fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation that would specifically support nonprofits in Black communities. Donors gave more than their $50,000 goal. This helped them start and endow the African American Heritage Fund at the Community Foundation.
Donor, volunteer, and community partners helped guide the fund. At first, grants focused on helping young people and reducing summer learning loss. Volunteer partners and Community Foundation staff kept listening to community voices. In 2021, they changed the fund name to Black Legacy Fund. Its focus changed to uplifting Black brilliance and improving Black quality of life. To combat inequities, the Community Foundation invested $1 million in unrestricted resources to the fund, which now prioritizes grantmaking, collective giving, and community engagement. In its latest grantmaking cycle, advisory committee members awarded $382,000 to nonprofit organizations.
In February, we held a gala to celebrate Black Legacy Fund's 20th anniversary with volunteer, nonprofit and donor partners who invest in the work. As we honor 20 years of impact, we also commemorate 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 Committee members at the 20th anniversary gala.
To give or learn more about Black Legacy Fund, visit GRFoundation.org/BlackLegacyFund.
Originally featured in Winter 2026 issue of PARTNERS in Community.