PARTNERS in community
G RA N D
RA PIDS
COMMUNITY
FOUNDAT I ON
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Diana R. Sieger President Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program Stan Vander Roest Chief Financial Officer Marilyn W. Zack Vice President, Development
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kathleen B. Vogelsang (Chair) Kyle D. Caldwell (Vice Chair) Ryleigh Fischer Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane Michael Rosloniec Amy Ruis Carlos Sanchez Daniel Williams Reneé Williams
Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455 Email: info@grfoundation.org Website: grfoundation.org
PARTNERS in community is a
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization made up of nearly 800 funds that have been established by people over the last century to do good in our community, forever. Our community partners—donors, nonprofits, leaders, doers, and more—collaborate with us because they trust us. We stay in front of the ever-changing issues that impact our community and the organizations working to bring sustainable change. We help local philanthropists leave a lasting legacy by stewarding their assets to accomplish their goals.
quarterly publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Audra Hartges-Stern, Diana R. Sieger
@GRCommFound
Graphic Design: Seventh Creative Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography, Bird + Bird Studio Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
4 EQUITABLE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
5 ONE HUNDRED NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: ELLIOT TALEN
7 REIMAGINING AND REDEFINING COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPY
8 10 REASONS WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
6
METZ LEGACY SOCIETY DONOR PARTNERS 10
PARTNERS in community WINTER 2020 | Issue 86
THIS & THAT 12
PARTNERS in Gratitude For the past 25 years, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been embracing the importance of adaptive strategic leadership. We have worked to hone our skills toward making bold, yet measured, moves, while intentionally focusing on systems thinking. Over the last year, especially, the ability to adapt has been the most critical behavior we could demonstrate to show up in our community’s time of need. This work is not done in a bubble. Despite the struggles we all face, I am eternally grateful for the commitment and generosity demonstrated by our staff, trustees and volunteer, donor and community partners during this time. Together with our partners, we have moved ahead with tremendous empathy. We have used the Community Foundation’s financial and human resources to partner with others to make necessary things happen quickly. Leaning further into the work we have been doing for years, we stepped up our intentional focus on the racial disparities entrenched in our community. The generosity of our donor partners has helped us raise financial resources swiftly and manage them strategically. The passion and experiences of our nonprofit and community partners have helped us share narratives anchored in our hope for a more equitable future for everyone in our community.
To our staff, trustees, and volunteer, donor and community partners, thank you. Because of each of you, I am reminded that out of the gloom has risen collective passion.
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My gratitude for the Community Foundation staff runs especially deep. I continue to be in awe of their resilience, nimbleness and unyielding commitment to serve our community despite all that 2020 has thrown at us. So much has happened since we packed up to prepare to work remotely back in March. We’ve welcomed new team members, celebrated babies, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and awards—all virtually. Unfortunately, many staff members have also mourned the loss of loved ones and felt the deep and intimate pain of racial injustice that has only been heightened during this pandemic. Amid it all, they keep showing up for our community. There are not enough words to express my appreciation for them.
EQUITABLE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT:
AN UPDATE ON OUR APPROACH For many decades, education has been a key focus of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s work in Kent County. Our region’s overall health and future depend on quality education and student opportunities. We create access to opportunity so West Michigan’s future workforce will have the skills and education needed to succeed and to give back themselves.
“While our goal of educational attainment has stayed the same, so much has changed since the first Challenge Scholars were inducted,” said Cris Kutzli, Challenge Scholars director. “We’ve found reflection to be a key practice, and evolution a necessary skill to create the conditions for student success and live up to our purpose in a changing environment.”
We have used multiple tools of philanthropy—including scholarships, grantmaking and community leadership initiatives—to make an impact. Our first scholarships, for example, were awarded in the 1940s to address the nursing shortage. Today, the program has grown to be the largest private scholarship provider in Kent County.
OUR RESPONSE TODAY AND FOCUS ON OUR NORTH STAR As the Community Foundation has crystallized our focus on our North Star and racial, social and economic equity, we’ve applied our learnings to our work in education.
“Our work has constantly evolved. Yet in all the projects, grants and programs we’ve pursued, we’ve been committed to making sure things like race, ethnicity or household income don’t define a student’s opportunity to succeed,” said Diana Sieger, Community Foundation president. EVOLUTION AND CHANGE DURING GROWTH A milestone in our long-term commitment to education was establishing Challenge Scholars. This place-based initiative offers a way for families on Grand Rapids’ west side to cover the costs of education after graduating from Union High School.
• We are listening to community, trusting the agency and decision making of those with first-hand experience. • We are interrogating our approach and increasing focus on systemic barriers and inequities that affect students.
Our Challenge Scholars partners’ support has allowed the Community Foundation to adapt and evolve the program since it began nearly a decade ago. We have recognized new opportunities and responded to emerging challenges. Early on, additional pathways were created, expanding opportunities for students from both Harrison Park School and Westwood Middle School to become Challenge Scholars. Key partners, like Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kent School Services Network and Westside Collaborative, built deep connections on Grand Rapids’ west side and ensured supports for students and their families extended outside the classroom. As the west side changed and housing prices rose, the Community Foundation partnered with Dwelling Place to build affordable housing.
DECADES OF IMPACT: Responding
• We are learning from our evaluation and responding to the external landscape and new opportunities, including the Grand Rapids Promise scholarship.
Living into our vision of equitable educational attainment requires we keep learning and evaluating not just what we do, but how we do it. That’s why we have pulled together a group of community leaders with a range of expertise, experiences and perspectives— particularly those who have worked closely with students and families and have a role along the educational pipeline. Together with the Community Foundation team, they have engaged in deep research, systems mapping and storytelling work to identify the strengths and opportunities in our current approach. We know responsiveness and adaptation are keys to long-term success, overcoming inequities and realizing a thriving community. We are excited about the possibilities that await us.
A.H.S
to Changes in the Education Landscape
2005 1987-2006
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The Excellence in Education program invests in student success by offering minigrants to classroom teachers.
Kent School Services Network established a community school model, ensuring students have access to physical and mental health and human services within their schools.
1999 Led by the philanthropic sector, the Education Reform Initiative responded to regional conversations about the quality of public education. In 2003, the Straight A Plan of recommendations was released.
2018 2013 Our Challenge Scholars program began when the first cohort of students, class of 2020, enrolled.
The Dream Fund establishes a community-led committee who make grant funding decisions to foster student success. Since 2018, nearly $300,000 has been awarded to classrooms, school programs and community groups.
2010 We identified our education program goal as “First-generation, low-income students successfully complete a degree or high-quality credential.”
2007-2013 The Community Foundation managed the Meijer Good Schools program, recognizing and rewarding high performing schools.
2020 2017 Grand Rapids Public Schools applied for a Promise Zone designation.
Promise Zone Authority Board, of which Community Foundation President Diana Sieger is a member, voted to activate the Grand Rapids Promise scholarship. Our first class of Challenge Scholars graduated!
ONE HUNDRED NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: E LLI OT TALEN
Like many young people, Elliot Talen—at one point— wanted a change of pace. A move to Chicago brought a new professional opportunity and a new scene. Yet, as someone who values relationships and community, Elliot was pulled home to Grand Rapids. He feels a deep sense of belonging in the neighborhood where he grew up and in the city today. WHY DO YOU GIVE? For Elliot, exposure bred curiosity from a young age. “My parents were intentional about exposing us to things that would take us outside of our comfort zone.” His family is also active in community and philanthropy, establishing a legacy and example he carries on.
To further flexibility and adaptability, Elliot gives to the Fund for Community Good. The unrestricted fund provides financial support across a broad spectrum of needs. In all instances, the Community Foundation assesses grant partnerships on their ability to advance equity and justice.
Participating in One Hundred New Philanthropists is one way Elliot expresses his commitment to engage and be a positive force for good. He serves on several community boards and committees and is especially dedicated to In the Image, a nonprofit that offers a free store for people in transitional phases of life.
“Be stubborn about your goals and be flexible about how you get there,” Elliot quotes. “If your goal is a thriving neighborhood, you might not know exactly how it’s gonna happen. You have to be willing to adjust how you get there, but stay firm in what we’re going toward and shooting for.”
He explains, “A portion of my ‘why’ is that I do know I’m blessed. I know I was given a lot of really good opportunities. How can I share those things? It’s not just money. It’s time. It’s relationship. It’s all those layers that say I’m invested in this community as a whole.” WHY GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION? As someone who watched dramatic transformation in his own neighborhood, Elliot knows there aren’t simple solutions to complex problems. Instead, he values organizations that genuinely understand community needs and convene many people to address them.
A.R.P.
As Grand Rapids Community Foundation moves toward its 100th anniversary in 2022, we want to recognize people’s philanthropy. That’s why we created our One Hundred New Philanthropists campaign. This outreach effort asks people to do just four simple things: • Make an annual gift to the Community Foundation. • Volunteer in the community. • Make a provision in your estate plan for the Community Foundation. • Share your philanthropic story with us. If you are interested in joining One Hundred New Philanthropists, please contact Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751 x126 or jtorres@grfoundation.org.
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Elliot shares that he doesn’t always know the right solutions to emerging or long-established challenges. “I have things that I’m passionate about, that I support. But there’s also so much I don’t know and don’t see happening.” Grand Rapids Community Foundation, in his eyes, helps create a fuller view or awareness for its donor partners.
A.H.S
PA R T N E R S
in Progress Here’s a recent sampling of grant partnerships approved by our Board of Trustees and by grantmaking committees that target specific identity-based causes.
FUND FOR COMMUNITY GOOD + FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS
In October, our Board of Trustees approved one grant partnership of $10,000 to support Samaritas’ ability to launch the Gateways for Growth Welcome plan. This plan will create opportunities to welcome immigrants, foster economic growth and promote inclusion for all Grand Rapids residents. This partnership, like many that preceded it this year, is possible due to our donor partners’ generous support.
IDENTITY-BASED FUNDS
These examples of identity-based grantmaking come from volunteerled committees. View the full lists of grant partnerships and learn more about these committees at grfoundation.org.
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African American Heritage Fund
Our LGBTQ Fund
Our LGBTQ Fund is a regional fund that helps provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for the LGBTQ community in West Michigan. It does so by increasing wellness and prosperity levels, visibility, acceptance, support and access to resources. Its vision is to create equal opportunity for the LGBTQ community. Currently, the fund focuses its grantmaking on solutions for youth experiencing homelessness. It targets nonprofit partners who work to increase service providers’ capacity, and it leverages relationships within the LGBTQ community and with allies. Learn more about recent grant partnerships with Our LGBTQ Fund at grfoundation.org/LGBTQFund. Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Grand Valley State University, Expanded LGBTQIA+ Education Track Training. Expanding the LGBTQIA+ Education Track Training program equips youth-serving agencies in Kent and Ottawa Counties with knowledgeable staff who can create atmospheres of inclusion and equity for LGBTQIA+ youth. This grant partnership demonstrates critical collaboration between donor partners, area organizations and the Community Foundation. A Grand Haven Area Community Foundation gift and individual donor contributions helped expand the grantmaking capacity of Our LGBTQ Fund to make this partnership possible.
The African American Heritage Fund builds on the legacy of giving in Black communities in greater Grand Rapids. Created in 2006, AAHF has traditionally focused on providing education and job opportunities for Black youth. While continuing to support education, AAHF is now exploring alternative ways to support programs, leaders and organizations to increase opportunity, relationships and wealth for Black people in greater Grand Rapids. Learn more about recent grant partnerships with our African American Heritage Fund at grfoundation.org/AAHF.
Youth Field of Interest Fund
Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: New City Neighbors, Summer Farm-to-Table Online Gardening Club. This grant partnership helped New City Neighbors engage Black youth in six summertime online farm-to-table classes. The classes focused on food sovereignty and the historical role of African Americans in agriculture. It provided opportunities for students to interview and build deep connections with Black and Latinx agricultural and business leaders in farming, an industry that is predominantly white-owned.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Oakdale Neighbors, Learning Cafe: Robotica Summer Camp. The Youth Grant Committee was particularly impressed by how Oakdale Neighbors engaged students in their program throughout the entire process, from grant writing and meetings to implementing grant dollars. The grant partnership provided college-bound elementary students the opportunity to learn robotics, build teams and demonstrate their knowledge through competitions and workshops for younger students.
High School students throughout greater Grand Rapids make up Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee. During the school year, YGC members meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposals process to address those needs, follow up with previous grantees, conduct interviews and site visits and present grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Learn more about recent grant partnerships and the Youth Grant Committee at grfoundation.org/YGC.
REIMAGINING AND REDEFINING
Community Philanthropy For the last several years, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has focused on changing broken systems that perpetuate the racial inequities that unarguably exist in philanthropy. We acknowledge our role in upholding these norms, and for that we sincerely apologize. While we can’t undo the past, we are striving to get to a reparative place by working with communities of color. Together, we are reimagining and redefining the meaning of community philanthropy—what it represents, who identifies with it and how it impacts people’s lives. As we evolve as an organization, we are grateful for the many donor, nonprofit and community partners who hold us accountable and walk alongside us on this journey to reconciliation. Last winter, we shared news that W.K. Kellogg Foundation selected the Community Foundation to participate in its Catalyzing Community Giving program. Through the three-year grant partnership, we joined a cohort of community foundations, nonprofits and emerging networks across North America, all working to collaborate with communities of color. “We are excited to partner with community in this manner, and we seek to permanently invest staff and other resources now and in the future,” says Jonse Young, director of philanthropic services. “Our path forward is to embrace and support community in being agents of their own change.” In the first year of partnership, the Community Foundation focused on effectively engaging our African American Heritage Fund and Latinx Advisory committees. The relationship between the institution of philanthropy and Black and Latinx communities has been historically complex. That’s why we took special care to approach this engagement in ways that honor Black and Latinx community experiences and their longstanding history of giving and self- determination. “The heart of the CCG work is co-creation and collaboration, which truly takes time,” says Jenine Torres, development officer. “I am so inspired by the commitment our volunteer partners have given to see this work through. The valleys and peaks have been tremendous, and we will never stop learning and adapting. The end result will undoubtedly be beautiful and reflective of the richness of our community.” The Community Foundation engaged Brigham Consulting to work with our African American Heritage Fund and Latinx Advisory committees to redefine and reimagine their work.
CARLOS SANCHEZ
“I am looking forward to two to three decades from now, when people will look at this year as the beginning of a different way of doing philanthropy,” says Carlos Sanchez, Community Foundation trustee and Latinx Advisory Committee chair. It is important to note that CCG is only one way that the Community Foundation is working to redefine and strengthen relationships with communities of color. We are also working to aggressively shift our resource allocation, above and beyond grantmaking, to prioritize the work of organizations led by and serving communities of color. We are working diligently to educate our Donor Advisors. We encourage them to join us in supporting organizations and projects that actively support racial, social and economic justice. “Reimagining and charting new paths is messy,” says Carlos. “I am extremely proud that the Community Foundation has said, ‘Let’s do this!’ The proof will be in how we operationalize this. We may not be able to disrupt in one day, but we will gradually get there.” Next steps include reevaluating staffing structures to support these community-led funds, more relationship building, convening and, ultimately, fundraising and grantmaking. A.R.L
A.R.P.
For more than 14 years, the AAHF has made grants to support initiatives that provide education and job opportunities for Black youth. Recently it has focused on expanding the fund’s success by planning for the future. “We are at a crucial point because we can build upon our legacy, expand on our successes and take advantage of our opportunities to make it even stronger,” said Kenneth James, donor partner and AAHF Committee chair. “We are launching the fund into the future so that it will be around for generations to come.”
KENNETH JAMES
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The Community Foundation heard loud and clear that the Latinx community was eager to see themselves reflected in local philanthropy. While there are many examples of Latinx philanthropy across the country, our Latinx Advisory Committee was created to build a new platform that will respond to unique needs in West Michigan. Since its inception, the committee has been on a journey of research and discovery, exploring the possibility for defining what philanthropy means to them.
10 REASONS WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR
WE SEE YOU. WE APPRECIATE YOU.
1
You love your neighbors and support them with honesty, friendship and acts of kindness.
2
You love your community and are passionate about helping Kent County achieve its full potential.
3
You show up for local nonprofits by volunteering and serving.
4
You generously donate to relief and recovery efforts that reach everyone in our community.
5
You ask critical questions and hold the Community Foundation accountable.
6
You focus your resources on supporting local nonprofits and small businesses.
7
You generously send your love and encouragement.
8
You lean into tough conversations and are committed to learning and considering new perspectives.
9
You are unapologetic about your passion and love for West Michigan.
10
You take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Yo u r Pa r t n e r s h i p
The staff and trustees of Grand Rapids Community Foundation could not let this year come to a close without taking a moment to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for your partnership. Truly, you are incredible and resilient. For some of us, resilience is a skill that has been cultivated over a lifetime of persevering despite systemic inequities. During the global pandemic, some of us learned how to adapt in ways we have never experienced. For all of us, resilience is more than how we individually cope with crisis. Resilience helps us adapt our outlook and serve our community, while maintaining care for ourselves and our loved ones. While this year has been tough, we are grateful to have partners like you who are working to make Kent County a place where opportunity, prosperity and belonging are available to everyone. Here is just a short list of reasons we are grateful for your partnership.
“Students receiving scholarships are showing their dedication and unwavering perseverance during the unknown challenges of continuing their education during this difficult time. I was encouraged by the confidence they shared with us and their heartfelt appreciation for financial support.” —Ruth Bishop, education program officer
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“Our partners have demonstrated an attitude of ‘we can do this!’ Together as a community, we can overcome!” —Ann Puckett, IT manager
“While so many were asking, ‘What should I do?’ when the pandemic first struck—our nonprofit partners leaned in to say, ‘Here’s where I can help.’ At Grand Rapids Community Foundation we were also fortunate to be able to stand with our donors who asked, ‘Where and how can I give?’ That’s how we are connecting and partnering with our community.” —Kyle Caldwell, Board of Trustees, vice chair
“It was amazing, but not surprising, to see Latinx organizations rallying for the community in its time of need. La Lucha Fund was created by the Latinx community for individuals or families in Grand Rapids who are undocumented. It’s not only an example of resiliency but also an example of what the Latinx community can do.” —Carlos Sanchez, Board of Trustees “We have seen our community rise up to support efforts in ways I could not have imagined.” “When I think about the passion and commitment of our partners, I am filled with so much respect and admiration. You have pivoted plans, reimagined programs, created new solutions, forged new partnerships, reallocated budgets, deepened commitments and demanded justice when this community needed you most. You did all of this while also navigating your own personal circumstances. You have been a light in the midst of a dark season and you continue to show up and show out, demonstrating your love for West Michigan.”
—Eugene Sueing, program director
—Ashley René Lee, vice president, strategic communications
“Our partners have demonstrated the best of our community during a difficult time. While experiencing their own struggles, our partners have put the needs of the community first in providing critical support.”
“The way our community came together to support people who are undocumented or have mixed immigration status through the La Lucha Fund demonstrates our donor partners’ resilience and compassion. I could not be prouder of our community’s response to this crisis. Through donors’ generous contributions, nearly 1,200 families received support.” —Marilyn Zack, vice president, development
—Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA, Board of Trustees, chair
—Tracy Van Solkema, research & data services specialist
—Erika VanDyke, program officer
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“I am so grateful to the Community Foundation donor partners for their unwavering support to provide resources for those in our community most affected by this pandemic. It is through the collective support of many that we can affect change and ensure that greater Grand Rapids is a safe, supportive, welcoming place for all who choose to live and work here. Thank you!”
“Advocating with and for undocumented communities is a long-term commitment that can feel exhausting under the best of circumstances, and COVID-19 is definitely not that. Still, as the pandemic broke out and it became clear many were being left behind or deliberately excluded, La Lucha Fund partners didn’t hesitate to engage. They created an innovative support system for families, demonstrating the power of mutual aid and community care in the face of inequity. ¡La lucha sigue!”
M E T Z L EG AC Y S O C I E T Y
Donor Partners
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All donors to Grand Rapids Community Foundation demonstrate their love for our community through their gifts. Members of our Metz Legacy Society have elevated us to the level of family by including us in their estate plans or creating a life income gift to benefit the Community Foundation. Here, we recognize and thank the following members of our Metz Legacy Society, as of October 29, 2020. Mr. William E. Alt Gasper J. Amodeo Mark and Wendy Anderson Anonymous (17) Mr. Willem Antonides Mr. and Mrs. Noyes Avery Brian and Deanna Bakker Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bassett John H.* and Nancy Batts Roger and Willa Bauer Laurie Finney Beard Lois Eberhard Beckering Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Tanya and Tom Berg John R. Bertsch Ken Betz and Pat Brewer Kristine Bishop John and Claire Bissell Lynne Black Ms. Bonnie L. Blandford George and Jill Bosnjak Janet and John Boyles Tom Braciak Genny Bratschie Tracy and Tom* Breihof The Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman Jr. Mark Breon Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Renwick Brutus Robert and Sandy Burnham Jan Burns Anna Moore Butzner John* and Linda Byington Dr. and Mrs. Mark Campbell Ms. Esther A. Carew David M. and Cara V. Cassard
Mandy and Christian Chardoul Iain and Michaele Charnley The Chelovich Family Ms. Libby Child Roger and Sally Ciapara Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Cornetet Gina Covert and Craig Ostergren Bill and Marilyn Crawford Ms. Elizabeth J. Crosby Mal and Mary Abbott Cumming Bob and Julie Currier Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe Tom Czerney Tom and Gale Czerwinski John and Edy Davies Gilbert R. and Patricia K. Davis Jennifer and David Deamud James* and Joy DeBoer Barb DeMoor Bill and Carolyn DeNeut David R. and Helene M. Despres Rick and Sue DeVries Mr. and Mrs. Phillip DeWildt Danielle DeWitt Gail DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Rita Didrichsons Elizabeth Tinney Donley John* and Marilyn Dooge Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Dooge Jr. Beth Dornan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Ducharme Mr. Robert J. Dunlap Ms. Patricia S. Duthler David G. Dvorak, M.D. Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick Mr. and Mrs. Kenton H. Eavey Mr. and Mrs. Jay Egan
Ben and Susan* Emdin Ms. Elaine E. Emmons Bill Essling Hank and Marcia Fairchild Bill and Kay Farr Jane and Gerald Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finazzi Michael Finton, Ph.D. Eric and Kelly Fischer Mary and Bill Ford Dr. Anthony J. Foster and Linda Nemec Foster Joy and John* Foster Mr. and Mrs. Ben A. Fowler Thomas S. and Maxine J. Fox Jeffrey and Sheila Frank Jason Franklin Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel Mr. Henry G. Fuhs Michael and Elyce Fuller Iris-Naomi Garcia Brent and Ronda Geers Ms. Anita M. Gilleo Gene and Tubie Gilmore Linsey Gleason Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason Beth Goebel Mr. and Mrs. Philip W. Goodspeed Ms. Derether Greer Mr. and Mrs. Steve Groenink Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hardy Jr. Graci Harkema Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hathaway Jacqueline E. Haveman Janet A. Haynes Jan and John* Heerspink
John and Gwen Hibbard Gary Hill and Bert Pettis Jeff and Laura Hill Dirk and June Hoffius Michael Hoffman Jane Hondelink Robert L. and Judith* S. Hooker Gregg and Kim Hughes Katherine Humphrey Bonnie Hunter and Merl Morehouse John Hunting Cherry and Phil Jacobus Chuck and Carol Jennings Shirley and Clain* Jeter Lynne Jarman Johnson and Robert J. Johnson Tom and Margy Jones Michael and Sarah Julien Karen A. Kania and Margaret H. McClure Carol Karr Mary and Dan Karrip Ms. Evelyn A. Kasperlik Mrs. M. S. Keeler II Alger Nielsen* and Nancy Kehoe Nielsen Christina Keller Mr. Fred P. Keller Paul and Beth Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kenny Roberta F. King Birgit Klohs James* and Marilyn Klyn Galer Glenna* and Herbert* Knape Raymond E. Knape Ms. Marilyn J. Knol Carrie and Mike Kolehouse Michael E. Kooistra
David A. and Phyllis E. Koslow Donald* and June Kosten Cris and Tom Kutzli Tom and Sally Kyros David* and Paula LaClaire Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad B. Kenneth Larm Mr. Claire R. and Mrs. Debra G. Larson Dr. Sandra Last R. Lawrence and Marilyn Leigh Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Lemmen Norm and Marilyn Leven Mike Lloyd Michael Loughman Arend and Nancy Lubbers Jan Lunquist and Michael May Mr. Eugene G. Lyons Suzie Mackeigan Barbara P. Marcus Ron Marsteiner Max Matteson and Bud Baty Kate and John McGarry Michele McHale-Adams and George Adams John and Betsy McIntyre Bonnie K. Miller Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Bryant and Audrey Mitchell Kim S. Mitchell Ronald and Karen Modreski Gordie and Jan Moeller David and Diana* Morgenstern Terri A. Mulligan Ms. Dorothy Munson Rosemary D. Murphy Judge William B. Murphy and Paula Murphy Matthew and Stephanie Muscat Jon and Carol Muth Ardith V. Neath Adams Mr. and Mrs. Bradley D. Nelson Mr. Richard Norton Smith
Gary and Peg Novosad Judge W. Baldwin and Judy Ogden Fred Olert Jr. Mr. Gerald Olson Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf Mr. Scott Paquin Steve and Molly Parker Mr. and Mrs. James B. Payne John L. Peterson Cynthia Pimm Mr. John H. Pimm Sr. Ms. Cecilia Pius Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Martha J. Porter Jim and Marie Preston Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Price Scott Pruski Marcia L. Rapp Rochelle Reagan Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles Marjorie and Bud Roegge Milt and Barbara Rohwer Dr. Jack and Lija Romence Lisa M. Rose Bob and Marcy Roth Mary C. Roth Dr. Owen and Bonnie Rottschafer Alan Rumbaugh Ms. Kathleen M. Russell Alan* and Margaret Ryan Edward W. Ryan Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt Megan Sall Jerry Schaefer and Polly Hewitt Robert Schellenberg Craig* and Mary Jane Schopf Ms. Greta Schuil Ms. Corliss E. Scott John Scott Jim and Susie Sebastian Peter* and Joan Secchia
Mark A. Sellers Mrs. Elaine Shay Eileen Shedleski Marilyn and Budge Sherwood Shaun Shira Diana R. Sieger Ms. Maureen Quinn Slade Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Snyder Lisa Sostecke, DDS Robert A. Sprotte Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre Terrence M. Start Glenn* and Barbara Steil Stan and Norma Sterk Julie and John Stivers Wendy Stock Brian and Robin Stoner Ms. Patty A. Story Ms. Ann Stuart Burroughs Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland Elliot Talen Mary and Steele* Taylor Michael and Susan Taylor Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole KG Thompson Jill and Art Tiefenbach Vicki and Brian Tingley Ella M. Topp Jenine and Jose Torres Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp Rick Treur George and Kerstin Trowbridge Selma Tucker Donald and Mary Tuttle Ms. Rebecca L. Tyke Betsy A. Tyson Dr. and Mrs. Ghayas Uddin Scott Urbanowski Frank and Sharon Van Haven Mr. and Mrs. Rick A. VanHorn Selene Van Vleck Don VandenBos Jr.
*Recently Deceased
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We go to great lengths to list each donor partner according to their personal preference. If you wish to have your recognition name listed differently or have spotted a typo in your name, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling 616.454.1751 with any changes.
Dave and Lorrie Vander Ark Lou VanderHave Dori and Herbert* Vander Mey Ms. Robin E. Velte Carl and Sandra VerBeek Ben and Emily VerWys John P. and Lynn Vinkemulder Phil and Kathleen Vogelsang David and Kay Wagner Gary Walker Anita Wallgren Ms. Sandra Ward Russel* and Mary Warner Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins Elizabeth M. Welch Ms. Connie Wenger John and Martha* Wert Mary White Dave and Stephanie Whitford Dorothy and John* Wiest ReneÊ Williams Rita Williams and John Gill Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine Mr. Thomas D. Wisnom Mike and Colleen Wolfe Kate Pew Wolters Dr. Richard J. Woltersom Ms. E. Gabriel Works and Mr. John V. O’Connor John S. and Kathleen B. Woudstra Dick and Barbara Young Marilyn and Garrett Zack Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zwarensteyn Betty Zylstra and David Baak Bob J. Zylstra
Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 If you would like to receive PARTNERS in community and other Community Foundation news in your email inbox, sign up at givegr.org/PARTNERS.
T HIS
& THAT END-OF-YEAR GIFT DEADLINES WELCOME, ANGEL!
We are excited to introduce Angel Mendiola, our new philanthropic services manager. Angel will lead, advance and maintain relationships with Donor Advisor, nonprofit and community fund partners. She will coordinate and implement orientation, cultivation and educational activities for Donor Advisor partners, as well. Drop her a note to say hi!
CONGRATULATIONS, ERIKA!
In October, Grand Rapids Young Professionals honored Erika VanDyke as the 2020 Young Professional of the Year. They highlighted her strategic community leadership and her passion for building a just, equitable and inclusive Kent County. We are grateful to have Erika on our team, working to advance racial, social and economic justice.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s general scholarship application is now open until March 1. By completing one scholarship application, students are entered in the selection process for 500+ scholarships from 70+ funds. Share the application with a student in your life: grfoundation.org/scholarships.
The investments of our partners are critical for our community’s future. To be credited for 2020 tax returns, year-end gifts must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2020, or given online by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2020. If you prefer to make a gift in person, please call 616.454.1751 to schedule an appointment. Gifts must be delivered to the Community Foundation by noon on December 31, 2020, and any guests must follow our safety guidelines, including wearing a face covering. Please note that complex gifts, such as an IRA transfer or a gift of stock or mutual funds, may take longer to facilitate. Although we will accept Depository Trust Company eligible stock transfers and ACAT eligible mutual fund transfers until noon on December 30, we encourage you to initiate these contributions as soon as possible. The earlier you initiate delivery, the better we are able to make adjustments and address concerns before the end of year! Gifts of Non-ACAT mutual funds should begin no later than December 21. Please call the Community Foundation development team at 616.454.1751 with any questions.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OPERATIONS
As 2021 begins, our team will continue to operate primarily remotely to protect the health and well-being of our staff, their families and our community. You can still contact any staff member, finding their contact information at grfoundation.org/staff.
