All News

• Posted on December 07, 2015 – Posted by: Diana Sieger

  Change for the Better

  Adaptability is a great trait in people and organizations. We expect leaders to be willing to change the status quo and move forward. Sometimes, though, we hold onto our past and do things like we’ve…

• Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  From Our Annual Report: Bev Drake, Ruth Lumpkins and Betty Burton Groce

  Whether for economic, educational or healthcare justice, these three friends have strong feelings about removing barriers, providing access and creating opportunities for people in our community. Coming from diverse career backgrounds—job training, education and business—Bev…

• Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  From Our Annual Report: Rick Gillett

  Rick Gillett is long time philanthropist and advocate for the children of Grand Rapids and is passionate about their growth and development. “We feel so strongly for the Grand Rapids community and its children and…

• Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  From Our Annual Report: Ken and Judy Betz

  Understanding all of the factors that influence success in education, Ken and Judy Betz were early major donors to Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Challenge Scholars program. “It’s not just about the scholarship,” Judy said.…

• Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  From Our Annual Report: Christina and Andy Keller

  For Christina and Andy Keller, their work values and philanthropy values are braided. “I think about giving as I do business—through the lens of the triple bottom line—which means maximizing value along three areas: people,…
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  Posted on November 17, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  From Our Annual Report: Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik

  The philanthropy of Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik is deep and highly personal. “I came from a family that didn’t have a lot of money, but I do know that both my parents gave in…

• Posted on October 23, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  Armen Oumedian Receives Philanthropy Award

  On Friday, October 23, 2015 Grand Rapids Community Foundation will have its annual donor celebration and present the Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award to Armen Oumedian, retired senior Vice President of Rapistan. Oumedian and his…

• Posted on September 28, 2015 – Posted by: Kara Kuntz

  Create a College-Going Culture: Support First-Generation Student Success

  George Davis has seen the triumphs and struggles of countless incoming freshmen. As associate director of admissions at Grand Valley State University, George oversees The Oliver Wilson Freshman Academy Program. The Freshman Academy Program goal…

• Posted on September 24, 2015 – Posted by: Diana Sieger

  Toward a Racism-Free Grand Rapids

  In July I was on a panel hosted by Partners for a Racism-Free Community. The organization’s vision is a community where racial and ethnic disparities are eliminated so all people are accepted and included as…

• Posted on September 24, 2015 – Posted by: Meredith Fennema

  The Road to Success: Supporting First Generation College Students through High School and Beyond

  As part of the Challenge Scholars initiative, Tracy Benjamin serves as College and Career Coordinator at Union High School. We recently caught up with Tracy to learn more about how she helps high schoolers who…

• Posted on September 16, 2015 – Posted by: Meredith Fennema

  Scholarships for Success

  Since 1945, thanks to hundreds of donors and community members who believe in making college a reality for Kent County students, we've awarded more than $12.9 million in scholarships. In 2015, 56% of scholarship recipients…

• Posted on September 15, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

  One Hundred New Philanthropists: Linsey Gleason

  As an estate planning attorney with Varnum Law, Linsey Gleason is a passionate philanthropist who wants to create solutions. Her understanding of the challenges older adults face motivates her charitable contributions to Senior Neighbors,…