Stories

  • 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.…

  • 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 September 15, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    One Hundred New Philanthropists: Linsey Gleason

    As an estate planning attorney with Varnum Law, Linsey Gleason is a passionate philanthropist who wants to create solutions. Her understanding of the challenges older adults face motivates her charitable contributions to Senior Neighbors,…
  • Our LGBT Fund: Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik

    Posted on March 30, 2015 – Posted by: Roberta King

    Our LGBT Fund: Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik

    In August, 2014, Donor Advisors, Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik, created Our LGBT Fund , a Field of Interest Fund at the Community Foundation. It was created with a matching gift of $100,000. Through this…

  • Posted on December 15, 2014 – Posted by: Roberta King

    One Hundred New Philanthropists: Laurie Finney Beard

    Like many people, her family’s influence shaped Laurie Finney Beard’s views about giving. She cites her father, whom she describes as generous with his time and financial support for many charitable organizations, as an important…

  • Posted on July 07, 2014 – Posted by: Roberta King

    One Hundred New Philanthropists: Ryan Slusarzyk

    Ryan, one of our youngest One Hundred New Philanthropists, is discovering the world of philanthropy and recently joined Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Advisory Council for a two-year term. The Council helps the Board of…

  • Posted on July 07, 2014 – Posted by: Roberta King

    One Hundred New Philanthropists: Phil and Kathy Vogelsang

    Ada residents and devoted Grand Rapidians, Kathy and Phil Vogelsang support causes that are local, visible and personally meaningful. Their passions lie with medical and educational nonprofits, and, when these intersect with children, they’re…