All News

• Posted on March 18, 2013

  One Hundred New Philanthropists: Corey Balkon

  A happy childhood and supportive parents who provided a healthy home life, education and encouragement make CPA Corey Balkon grateful for his upbringing and concerned for kids who have less. “I have always had a…

• Posted on March 18, 2013

  One Hundred New Philanthropists: Renwick Brutus

  Educational development, economic empowerment and entrepreneurship are causes leadership consultant and motivational speaker Renwick Brutus cares most about. “I support nonprofits that help people become educated, have confidence in their ability to contribute, participate in…

• Posted on January 31, 2013

  Are you a woman of faith?

  My blog postings have been infrequent at best in the past few months and I hope to step it up. This does take discipline and I need to buckle down to take a moment to…

• Posted on January 18, 2013

  Community Foundation Scholarships Available

  Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s online scholarship application is now open. The application opened January 1, 2013, and may be completed by any Kent County area student pursuing higher education. The application deadline is April 1,…

• Posted on January 03, 2013

  Return of the IRA Rollover

  Q & A on the IRA Rollover The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) permitted individuals to roll over up to $100,000 from an individual retirement account (IRA) directly to a qualifying nonprofit without recognizing…

• Posted on December 19, 2012

  Dreams can come true!

  This morning brought great news that our colleague organization, Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), received a phenomenal stock gift of $500 million from Mark Zuckerberg the founder of Facebook. This gift will definitely help to…

• Posted on December 11, 2012

  $290,000 Granted to Strengthen Our Community

  This week, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees awarded $290,000 in grants to support a variety of projects in the community. Grants include: Arbor Circle—A grant of $75,000 for providing home and school-based intervention…

• Posted on October 11, 2012

  Five Organizations Receive Community Foundation Grants

  This week, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved five grants totaling $350,000. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation was awarded $50,000 towards its construction of a two-story Student Learning Center at the Gerald R.…

• Posted on October 10, 2012

  Youth Plant Trees to Honor Community Foundation Donors

  On Saturday, October 13, local teenagers will help Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plant trees in Riverside Park. Each tree planted will be in honor of a donor who recently joined Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s…

• Posted on September 28, 2012

  John and Nancy Kennedy Receive Community Foundation Award

  Community philanthropists John and Nancy Kennedy were awarded the Chaille Community Philanthropy Award from Grand Rapids Community Foundation. The Chaille Community Philanthropy Award is given each year to donors who support the work of the…

• Posted on August 15, 2012

  $320,000 Awarded for Safe Housing, Fresh Food and Art

  Even as the summer is winding down, Grand Rapids Community Foundation is heating up and this week granted a total of $320,000 to four local organizations. In an effort to promote access to affordable housing…

• Posted on June 26, 2012

  Slemons Foundation Spends Down

  More Than $4.5 million Grants into Kent County The Slemons Foundation, created in 1965 through the estate of Elmer J. Slemons is officially out of business. On purpose. Slemons, who died that same year at…