Insights

Posted on May 21, 2018 – Posted by:

Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Do Good Through Planned Giving

The most common way to leave a gift at the end of your life is through a simple bequest in your will. But if the idea of a gift from your will conjures up visions [...]
Posted on January 26, 2018 – Posted by: Ashley Lee

Remembering John Canepa

We are saddened by the recent passing of John Canepa. He was a dear friend to many in our community, and is especially loved by Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Grand Rapids and West Michigan’s growth is [...]
Posted on January 19, 2018 – Posted by:

Foster Grandparents: Older Adults and Students Help Each Other Succeed

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel [...]
Posted on January 02, 2018 – Posted by: Ashley Lee

Our Community Hopes for 2018

As we enter a new year, we enjoy the opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how we can bring light and love to the world around us. The year of 201 [...]
Posted on December 13, 2017 – Posted by: Ashley Lee

Is 2017 the Year to Give Appreciated Assets?

The uncertainty surrounding potential changes to tax law, particularly as it relates to charitable giving, has our attention. As we move closer to a decision, we feel it is important to share how the possible [...]
Posted on November 28, 2017 – Posted by: Ashley Lee

Will You Be a Changemaker This #GivingTuesday?

In the upcoming weeks, we all have presents to buy, food to prepare, and decorations to hang, but before we get to far into the holiday frenzy, today we’re inviting you to participate in making [...]
Posted on November 10, 2017 – Posted by: Ashley Lee

Addressing LGBT Youth Homelessness: An Update from Our LGBT Fund

When we think about human rights issues, it’s easy to start with abuses around the world – it can be more challenging to open our eyes to problems right here in West Michigan. Each night, more [...]
Posted on July 20, 2017 – Posted by: Roberta King

Helping Make Grand Rapids Good with Local First

Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently approved a grant of $250,000 to Local First Educational Foundation for its “Good for Grand Rapids” campaign. The goal of the grant is to increase the number [...]
Posted on July 11, 2017 – Posted by: Diana Sieger

Let's Talk About Our North Star

Finding the North Star can be challenging. Gazing at the night sky from the front porch of my home, I spot the Big Dipper. I trace an imaginary line from the Big Dipper’s two edge [...]
Posted on June 27, 2017 – Posted by: Roberta King

We're Looking for Youth Grant Committee Members!

The Youth Grant Committee (YGC) of Grand Rapids Community Foundation is seeking members for the upcoming school year. Students from any public, private or homeschool in Kent County are welcome to apply. During the school year [...]
Posted on June 26, 2017 – Posted by: Roberta King

Over $1M in Scholarships for Students

In another record-breaking year for helping students with college, Grand Rapids Community Foundation Trustees approved $1.2 million in scholarships for 2017. The scholarships for high school seniors, college students and grad students went to 67 [...]
Posted on April 14, 2017 – Posted by: Roberta King

Creating Your Will of Wisdom

We've been focusing a lot on planned giving and wills in the last month, but beyond the legal documents, there is another document you might consider completing as part of your estate plan. An ethical will is [...]