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  • Posted on November 17, 2014

    The future of the IRA Charitable Rollover

    People 70 ½ and older are probably aware of the IRA Charitable Rollover that has been in play since 2006. In short, the rollover allows individuals aged 70½ and older to donate up to $100,000…

  • Posted on November 14, 2014

    Our ideas for giving in response to Ebola

    The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is the largest and longest Ebola outbreak in history. It has killed more people than all other Ebola outbreaks combined. The majority of cases are in three countries: Guinea,…

  • Posted on October 08, 2014

    Our LGBT Fund Exceeds Goal

    Our LGBT (lesbian, gay biexual, transgender) Fund, a new field of interest fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation has reached $270,000 in community donations, exceeding the original goal and 1:1 match set in August. Shelley…

  • Posted on August 20, 2014

    Brian Burt, Choosing College as a Profession

    (From Current, summer 2014) Throughout his college career, from his bachelor’s degree to doctorate, Brian Burt felt connected to Grand Rapids Community Foundation. He received his first scholarship when he graduated from Ottawa Hills High…

  • Posted on August 14, 2014

    How are YOU Connecting with Community?

    We went on location with WOOD TV8 to shoot our upcoming "Connecting with Community" commercial. The topic? You guessed it, youth employment! The kids were good sports about the all of the instruction, positioning and…

  • Posted on August 12, 2014

    GRCC Scholarship Recipient's Dreams Become Reality

    School is just around the corner, which means it's time to buy new notebooks, finalize the class schedule and soak up the last moments of summer. For many students, it also means beginning or continuing…

  • Posted on August 06, 2014

    Raising New Opportunities for Grand Rapids Youth

    It seems like the worst of the recent "Great Recession" is behind us. One sign is that the unemployment rate continues to drop. As our economy picks up, more jobs and opportunities are created. However,…

  • Posted on August 04, 2014

    Hispanic Center Youth Employees on the Job

    It was such a joy driving out to Grand Valley State University's campus and meeting Yibriam and Ashley, two friendly and hardworking individuals in the Hispanic Center of West Michigan's summer youth employment program. Bridget…

  • Posted on July 24, 2014

    Comprenew's Urban Garden

    Stepping inside Comprenew, I could tell immediately that this was a place of beautfiul unity between care for the environment and care for people. Their technology recycling services offer a unique and practical way to…

  • Posted on July 22, 2014

    Knotty Cocktails

    I recall the March 10, 2014 Grand Rapids Community Foundation Advisory Council meeting like it was yesterday. Among other responsibilities, the Advisory Council is charged with identifying topics for our Knotty Cocktails event series. The…

  • Posted on July 20, 2014

    The YES Program: Mowing and Growing on the West Side

    I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Other Way Ministries’ Youth Employment Service (YES) Program. I took this out-of-office opportunity to lace up my shoes, slip on my gloves and get to work. It…