All News

  • Posted on December 14, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    One Hundred New Philanthropists: Emily and Ben VerWys

    Ben and Emily VerWys, an investment advisor at Action Point Financial and realtor at Keller Williams respectively, are strategic thinkers and connected community members. “When we heard about how the Community Foundation could help us [...]

  • 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. The [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • 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 late [...]