Stories

Posted on July 18, 2023 – Posted by:

Introducing Our Newest Youth Trustee: Alexandria Smith

Grand Rapids Community Foundation and its Board of Trustees benefit greatly from youth trustees who share their knowledge and insights. These local high school students, selected from the Youth Grant Committee, not only contribute their…
Posted on June 20, 2023 – Posted by:

Remembering David Frey

We honor the memory of David Frey, a committed philanthropist whose legacy will endure for generations. David’s passion for Grand Rapids was evident in his volunteerism and leadership. In 2005, Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded…
Posted on May 26, 2023 – Posted by:

The Challenge Scholars Class of 2023 - Dreaming, Deciding, Doing

At a recent event before their graduation from Union High School, the Challenge Scholars Class of 2023 were encouraged to "Dream - Decide - Do." It was one message in a day meant to help…
Posted on April 18, 2023 – Posted by:

Remembering Ken Betz

We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Ken Betz, a beloved partner and friend of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. For many years, Ken Betz put his heart into giving back. A humble and…
Posted on November 07, 2022 – Posted by:

Remembering Rená Guttrich

With heavy hearts we mourn the loss of Rená Guttrich. The memory of her warmth and light will be cherished deeply by her friends and colleagues. “We will miss her smile, positive attitude and fun…
Posted on September 07, 2022 – Posted by:

Remembering Tom Fox

We mourn the loss of Tom Fox, a truly generous philanthropist and enthusiastic friend of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Alongside his wife Mickie, who survives, Tom had a long partnership with the Community Foundation. He…
Posted on September 06, 2022 – Posted by:

Community Foundation Celebrates Chaille Award Winners

Honoring 100 New Philanthropists In its centennial year, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has met a decade-long goal—completing the 100 New Philanthropists cohort of donor partners. The Community Foundation established the effort in 2012. These partners…
Posted on July 19, 2022 – Posted by:

PARTNERS in community, summer 2022

As we near the halfway point of our centennial year, we are eager to share the new issue of PARTNERS in community with you! This second installment in the Centennial Collection of the magazine…
Posted on March 15, 2022 – Posted by:

PARTNERS in community, spring 2022

Centennial year is here! Grand Rapids Community Foundation is celebrating 100 years of service and impact alongside partners like you. During this year, there will be four specially curated Centennial Collection issues of PARTNERS…
Posted on January 16, 2022 – Posted by:

Remembering Lena Meijer

We honor the memory of Lena Meijer, whose gifts were compassion, love and caring. Our community has benefitted greatly from generosity of the Meijer family. In 2006, Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded Fred and Lena…
Posted on December 14, 2021 – Posted by:

PARTNERS in community, winter 2021

As we approach our centennial year, Grand Rapids Community Foundation is renewing our commitment to this community using the power of collaboration with our partners to ensure all voices are heard. In the winter…
Posted on October 21, 2021 – Posted by:

Planning personal and impactful gifts

Donor partners give in ways that are personal to them and impactful for our community. In 1929, Grand Rapids Community Foundation received its first major bequest from the estate of Mary Metz. Since then,…