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
PARTNERS in community | 8
“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
