10 Reasons We're Grateful for Your Partnership

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.

We see you. We appreciate you.

10 reasons we're grateful for 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.

Thank you from our staff and Board

“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

“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.”

—Eugene Sueing, program director

“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.”

—Ashley René Lee, vice president, strategic communications

“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

“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.”

—Kathleen Vogelsang, CFA, Board of Trustees, chair

“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!”

—Erika VanDyke, program officer

“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!”

—Tracy Van Solkema, research & data services specialist