Stories

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…
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,…
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…
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…
Posted on August 13, 2019 – Posted by:

40 Years (and Counting) of Faith and Love

Karen Kania and Peg McClure plan to create a fund to focused on addressing basic needs Karen Kania and Peg McClure both grew up in the Grand Rapids area. They come from similar backgrounds and…
Posted on July 17, 2019 – Posted by:

PARTNERS in community, Summer 2019

Grand Rapids Community Foundation's recent issue of PARTNERS in community is ready for you to read and enjoy! This summer we are excited to bring you stories of youth engagement. Below you will find links…
Posted on June 03, 2019 – Posted by:

Youth Grant Committee Partners to Benefit Youth

Each year a diverse team of high schoolers works together to impact the community by serving on our Youth Grant Committee. They recently celebrated the culmination of their year by announcing $50,000 in grant partnerships…
Posted on May 28, 2019 – Posted by:

A Legacy of Love and Belonging

Sandy Ward plans to create a scholarship fund to honor her late husband’s passion for the arts When Sandy Ward's late husband, Cedric, was in the fourth grade, his teacher, Norma Brink, invited him to…
Posted on March 13, 2019 – Posted by:

Celebrating Black History

Donors and friends of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s African American Heritage Fund gathered recently for a night of celebration, reflection and fellowship. During the social mixer, we honored Black history, celebrated philanthropists in our community…