Stories

Posted on July 10, 2020 – Posted by:

Youth in Philanthropy: the beauty of perspective

Clara Kilburn is the outgoing youth trustee on Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. She also served as a member of the Youth Grant Committee for three years. Clara offers a perspective on the lessons [...]
Posted on June 18, 2020 – Posted by:

La Lucha Fund: Partner Spotlight

Eight community organizations came together to establish La Lucha Fund, an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic designed to provide financial resources directly to undocumented and mixed status families in Kent County. Erika VanDyke, program [...]
Posted on May 29, 2020 – Posted by:

Celebrating the Class of 2020!

Celebrating the first class of Challenge Scholars Union High School Class of 2020 has been looking forward to graduation for years. Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been eagerly anticipating this moment alongside their friends, families and [...]
Posted on May 14, 2020 – Posted by:

Urban League of West Michigan: Partner Spotlight

Urban League of West Michigan: Partner Spotlight Eugene Sueing, program director, had the opportunity to virtually interview Rev. Joseph "Joe" Jones, president/CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan and Second Ward Commissioner of the City of [...]
Posted on February 13, 2020 – Posted by:

Scholarships offer opportunity to all students

In a community where every person can thrive, access to opportunities aren’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, people can pursue the paths that best fit their goals at the time that is right for them. Grand Rapids Community Foundation [...]
Posted on January 29, 2020 – Posted by:

Jan Heerspink: A Legacy of Love and Family

Born Grand Rapidians, Jan and John Heerspink graduated from Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) before heading off to Ann Arbor. “We were married in 1966 and said we were never moving back to this provincial [...]
Posted on December 31, 2019 – Posted by:

Why I Partner with Grand Rapids Community Foundation

This winter we asked a few partners to share why they choose to volunteer with Grand Rapids Community Foundation. They share their knowledge and experiences on some of our committees. Community voice and input is [...]
Posted on December 19, 2019 – Posted by:

PARTNERS in community, Winter 2019

Grand Rapids Community Foundation's recent issue of PARTNERS in community is ready for you to read and enjoy! This winter we are excited to bring you stories of the various ways our partners are engaged in [...]
Posted on December 09, 2019 – Posted by:

2018-2019 Annual Report

Among the greatest gifts we receive at Grand Rapids Community Foundation are stories from partners like you. Stories of how your experiences have shaped your life. Stories of why you give of your time, talent and treasure to [...]
Posted on November 11, 2019 – Posted by:

Locally Driven Philanthropy by and for Communities of Color

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is among the international grant partners selected for W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s new Catalyzing Community Giving cohort. The initiative seeks to amplify locally-driven philanthropy by and for communities of color, and [...]
Posted on October 21, 2019 – Posted by:

Creating a Legacy of Service

Selma Tucker wants his gifts of time, talent and treasure to help people build better lives Selma Tucker arrived in Grand Rapids by way of Grand Valley State University. As a young man living in a [...]
Posted on October 18, 2019 – Posted by:

Eva Aguirre Cooper, 2019 Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award Recipient

Congratulations to Eva Aguiree Cooper, recipient of the 2019 Jack Chaille Community Philanthropy Award. For Eva, philanthropy isn't just about donations and volunteering - it's how she lives her life. Her countless contributions include serving on nonprofit [...]