PARTNERS in community
5 “I’m invested because I’ve seen where my community invested in others.” – Derether Greer
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)
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Kyle D. Caldwell (Vice Chair) Ken Fawcett, MD Ryleigh Fischer Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D. Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane 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.
5 A LEGACY OF EDUCATION AND SERVICE
8 SUPPORTING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
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quarterly publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Audra Hartges-Stern, Diana R. Sieger
TOGETHER TOWARD RECOVERY AND RENEWAL
@GRCommFound
Graphic Design: Seventh Creative Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
Q+A WITH NPTAF: A SHIFT TOWARD MORE EQUITABLE GRANT PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
COMMUNITY EDUCATION PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT 7 DIANA R. SIEGER CONSTANT DONOR LEVEL PARTNERS
PARTNERS in community SPRING 2021 | Issue 87
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THIS & THAT 12
PARTNERS in Renewal Renewal. The time is now to turn over the soil, dig out the dead roots, plant new seeds and act with intention. Like many of you, I want to get back out in our community to gather safely with friends and family. My heart yearns to connect with all of you, our beloved partners, face-to-face instead of on a computer screen. I anxiously await the full reopening of schools so that our students can get the hands-on support they need. I look forward to resuming the in-person connections many of us took for granted just a year ago. Yet, while I look forward to resuming what I’ve missed so much over the last year, I have no interest in returning to what was before. Before COVID-19 emerged in Kent County, so many community members were navigating deep and historic inequities in access to housing, nutritious food, healthcare, education, job opportunities, generational wealth, governmental relief and so much more. The pandemic intensified these inequities and brought them front and center. As our community presses on toward recovery, it would be a mistake to measure success by how quickly we can return to what was. To truly heal as a community, we must acknowledge that we are navigating two pandemics—COVID-19 and the existing racial, social and economic inequities that have grown worse over the last year. Our true measure of success will be our ability to come together as a community— prioritizing the experiences and expertise of neighbors who have been closest to the pain—to reimagine a renewed West Michigan. We will only emerge victorious from this difficult chapter in our history if we do so with greater commitment to sustaining a more equitable, inclusive and just community. How we do our work at Grand Rapids Community Foundation has changed throughout the past few years. Our North Star is our continued commitment to this community: “For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.”
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In this season of renewal, we are ready to double down on our commitment and actions. We are actively seeking new ways to do our work more intentionally by taking on a posture of listening and learning. We are excited to take steps forward in the name of equity by collaborating with our partners in new ways to tackle disparities head on through community-driven investment and advocacy.
TOGETHER TOWARD
RECOVERY AND RENEWAL Since COVID-19 emerged in our community, we’ve seen how the pandemic magnifies issues that have long existed in our region. The heart of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s work has been and will continue to be addressing equitable education opportunities, health care access, housing, workforce development, environmental justice and cultural opportunities — and the racial disparities that undergird them.
undocumented and mixed status families in Kent County. The Community Foundation came alongside as fiscal sponsor for La Lucha, which raised more than $761,000 to assist more than 5,100 individuals in Kent County.
As we journey toward recovery, we don’t want to return to what was. Our community’s deep racial, social and economic injustices have existed for far too long. That’s why we’re working with our community and donor partners to reimagine a renewed West Michigan, one more deeply committed to building and sustaining an inclusive economy and thriving community.
We’ve had opportunities to support organizations working collaboratively and sharing resources to address educational and economic disparities. For example, a group of grassroots community organizations is providing in-person, academic support for K-12 students and families struggling to navigate virtual learning. This collective response of Baxter Community Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Bridge Street Ministries, Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities, New City Kids, The Other Way Ministries and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids shows the power of partnership and pooling resources to meet immediate needs.
ADVANCING EQUITY THROUGH LISTENING AND LEARNING We have listened, learned and collaborated with partners and community members who bear the brunt of COVID-19. “Our initial focus was to work with our philanthropic partners to address immediate basic needs and reduce barriers for people to access supports until governmental resources became available. As the mechanisms to address basic needs fell into place, we turned our attention to the broader nonprofit sector,” said Kate Luckert Schmid, our vice president of program. The Community Foundation asked our partners, extended networks, local leaders, residents and community organizers about how they were experiencing the pandemic. We learned a lot: • The pandemic has exacerbated historic racial inequities. • We need translation and interpretation services so everyone can access COVID-19 information and resources—especially in Spanish, Swahili, Burmese, Nepali, Vietnamese, Arabic and American Sign Language.
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• People who are undocumented are not eligible for most, if any, federal relief programs and are typically without healthcare. Even when they qualify for services, few pursue those benefits. They fear continued immigration enforcement, lack familiarity with institutions and face language barriers. This population accounts for at least 13,000 people in Kent County.
Our focus led to new partnerships with organizations like Black Impact Collaborative. This consortium of organizations, businesses, leaders and networks is rooted in Black communities. It identifies and illuminates needs of Black people in the Grand Rapids region.
We have renewed partnerships with organizations like Urban Core Collective. Their consortium has a long history of service and trust in Black and Latinx communities. We trust their approach to reimagining their systems. We see how they build community and center community voice in making decisions. Our partners are working in new ways to address how the pandemic disparately impacts people of color and women in the workforce. This led to shifts in our existing grant partnership with Start Garden to provide immediate support to entrepreneurs of color and women. It also led to grant partnerships with Rende Progress Capital, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology and Women’s Resource Center. All work at grassroots and systems levels to help workers sustain and reimagine their career and entrepreneurial pathways during COVID-19 and beyond.
DONOR PARTNERS INVESTING IN RENEWAL Our nonprofit partners’ frontline staff led community recovery efforts with courage, ingenuity and tenacity. Our Community Foundation staff provided expertise, operational support and networks. But we could not have helped meet so many community needs without our endowments and Fund for Community Good. We’re so grateful for donor partners—individuals, families and organizations that invested in our community’s future decades ago.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners of color face many barriers to accessing financial relief funds.
“COVID-19 reminded us how quickly things can change amid crisis—and that we can make great impact by allocating our resources,” says Marilyn Zack, our vice president of development. “We will keep growing our unrestricted resources through our Fund for Community Good, so we can quickly respond to future problems.”
We responded by prioritizing an equitable allocation of resources to pursue racial, social and economic justice. Our partners led us to invest in initiatives led by or reaching communities of color; organizations with limited access to financial support through traditional philanthropy or loan opportunities; and those most impacted by the pandemic.
Donor partners also helped us rapidly amass nearly $365,000 for our COVID-19 Recovery Fund. This non-endowed fund helped us pool resources and quickly dispatch dollars for crisis response and long-term recovery. Our Donor Advised fund holders continue to play critical roles as we work toward recovery and reimagining our community’s future. In 2020, our DAFs increased the amount of grant dollars distributed to nonprofits by 23 percent.
BUILDING CAPACITY BY CENTERING COLLABORATION
A FUTURE REIMAGINED
Our grant partnerships have focused primarily on building the capacity of anchor organizations and collaborative community initiatives, so people have enough resources to face the long road to recovery and renewal. This approach created pathways for us to support communityled initiatives like La Lucha Fund. Led by LatinxGR, Movimento Cosecha and the Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network, this fund provided emergency financial resources directly to
We press on toward recovery and renewal, without knowing what the future holds. “Our philanthropic response will remain fluid as we adapt to consequences we can’t even imagine yet. What will not waver is our commitment to ensuring the current response and long-term recovery is equitable and just. It is critical that those most affected by the pandemic are engaged in identifying the problem and co-creation of strategies to shift social conditions that continue to perpetuate inequity,” says Kate. A.R.L
A LEGACY OF
Education and Service Derether Greer has vivid childhood memories of visiting the library with her family—visiting each Saturday, reading as a family during the week and returning finished books together. Her early love of learning and positive experiences in high school set the course of her life, dedicated to education. “I loved education, and I loved going to school,” Derether said. “My teachers all had such a wonderful impact on my life. They gave me the desire to want to be a teacher. I said ‘Wow, if they can do this for me, hopefully I can have an impact on others,’ so that’s when I decided that I would go to college.” After graduating from Grand Rapids South High School, Derether earned a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University, followed by a master’s in curriculum and teaching from Michigan State University. She spent her career at the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), teaching business subjects, and later worked as an adjunct professor of business at Grand Rapids Community College.
BLESSED BY SERVICE
SUSTAINING FUTURE STUDENTS
Derether is deeply invested in Grand Rapids, which she sees as a community of givers. Derether says she asks herself, “How do you serve your community to the best of your ability so that communities flourish?” That’s why she has served as a Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation trustee, Grand Rapids City Young Life area administrator, and New Hope Baptist Church receptionist/secretary. She has dedicated her time and talent to serving the community, and she sees doing so as a blessing to others and herself.
As part of her retirement and subsequent estate planning, Derether considered how she could leave a legacy. She decided the proceeds of the sale of her home would be used to create a scholarship in her name for African American women. “And as an educator, I know the importance of education. I can leave something behind that’s gonna help them succeed, and I can fund their education. They are our future. We never know what capacity they’re going to be able to bring back to the community and how they will serve themselves,” she said. Derether is guided by a strong faith, and she hopes to be remembered as someone who was a blessing to others. “The vision of my life is that it isn’t all about me. If I can help and impact the life of someone, all of us will have been blessed.”
As a member of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s scholarship committee, Derether participates in decisions that award more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year. She has also held leadership roles with the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which focuses on scholarship and public service. “I’m invested because I’ve seen where my community invested in others. When I think about those individual entities I feel blessed. I’ve had so many opportunities from serving on different boards. It has shaped me into the person that I am today, because I see the importance of giving back,” she said.
PLANNING IS IMPORTANT, LET US HELP Planning what will happen to your assets after your lifetime is important. Getting started is often the hardest part. We’re here to help you understand all your options and explore creative ways to leave your mark on the community you love. Let’s talk! Reach a member of our development team at 616.454.1751. A.H.S.
A.R.P.
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PA R T N E R S
in Progress Since December, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved $1,680,000 in grant partnerships from our Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds. These partnerships would not be possible without donor partners who generously renew their investments and strong, adaptable nonprofit partners who serve Kent County.
AFRICAN RESOURCE CENTER, $10,000
URBAN CORE COLLECTIVE, $750,000
African Resource Center works to inform, connect and equip recent African immigrants in West Michigan so that they can prosper spiritually, economically and socially. This grant partnership supports FutureNow!, a youth support program that helps participants achieve academic excellence and flourish in community.
UCC is dedicated to learning how to reimagine centering community voice in decision making. This grant partnership supports a threepronged approach to their continued development. It will help UCC anchor organizations develop and implement economies of scale. It provides for capacity-building resources for UCC’s emerging leaders and leadership development initiatives. It also supports UCC’s community-building capacity to incubate and sponsor communitydriven solutions to advance equity and belonging.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION PARTNERS, $140,000 This grant partnership supports community organizations that provide in-person, academic support of K-12 students and families doing virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baxter Community Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Bridge Street Ministries, Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities, New City Kids, The Other Way Ministries and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids are working collaboratively to implement best practices.
DIATRIBE, $100,000 Project 49507 will provide programming for students to learn and write about gentrification, redlining and housing discrimination. After conducting community listening sessions, the students will be paired with artists of color who will create murals reflecting the ideas expressed. This grant partnership is rooted in collaboration and located in 49507 neighborhoods. This partnership was made possible by the Leonard and Eileen Newman Fund for the Arts.
JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS, $150,000 JFON provides free or low-cost immigration legal services to vulnerable immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Increasing staff capacity in the Grand Rapids office is crucial because of expected presidential policy changes related to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and refugee applications. This grant partnership will help JFON provide quality legal representation to more clients as they navigate the complex legal system.
MICHIGAN JUSTICE FUND, $150,000
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MJF formed to build a sustainable network of funders informed and engaged to support justice within Michigan communities. It will make investments related to criminal justice reform and help those returning home after incarceration to receive support to flourish. Through this grant partnership, the Community Foundation will join local, state and national funders in advancing equitable justice policy, practice and funding in the state of Michigan.
SEEDS OF PROMISE, $5,000 This grant partnership supports development of a Community Health Information Hub. This hub on wheels will go out to residents, addressing health related questions and providing answers. Seeds of Promise is a resident-led organization committed to well-being and successful, sustainable health outcomes in the Southtown Community, especially for communities of color.
WEST MICHIGAN CENTER FOR ARTS + TECHNOLOGY, $200,000 WMCAT’s adult career training programs are tuition free and help students build paths to income security through training and certifications in healthcare support careers, such as medical billing, medical coding and pharmacy technician. This grant partnership supports meaningful data collection and evaluation of those adult workforce development programs. It also supports the Community Catalysts program, which trains diverse cohorts of community members on using equity-centered design to solve complex community problems.
WEST MICHIGAN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FORUM, $25,000 WMSBF’s Roosevelt Park Environmental Justice Business Engagement project grant partnership will engage and educate neighborhood businesses to improve environmental justice and safety on Grandville Avenue, which has especially heavy truck traffic. This grant partnership was made possible by the Charles Evenson Fund for the Environment.
WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER, $150,000 Women’s Resource Center services are in high demand as the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affects women in the workforce, especially women of color. WRC seeks to expand its services, in part by relocating, so it can help more women overcome barriers to employment and economic independence. This partnership was made possible by the George M. Ames Fund and Fund for Community Good.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Partners Spotlight Our education system, and most importantly our local students, has been deeply impacted by the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grand Rapids Community Foundation acknowledges the immense need that exists for students right now, especially students and families of color. “The pandemic, as you know, is disparately affecting Black and brown communities, and threatens damage that could be generational,” says Patrick Placzkowski, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club Grand Rapids. The Boys and Girls Club is among a group of local organizations that began individually offering critical in-person, academic support for students and families navigating the digital school environment. The collaboration of organizations also includes Baxter Community Center, Bridge Street Ministries, Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities, New City Kids, The Other Way Ministries and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. They work together to identify best practices and advocate on behalf of their students. Each organization has redesigned their typical after school programs to provide in-person learning support for students enrolled in Grand Rapids Public Schools as they navigate the virtual learning model. They offer virtual learning support, access to reliable internet connection, learning materials and more. Some programs are even able to offer Individualized Education Program appointments, transportation to the program and meals. The Community Foundation values collaboration and shared learning, and was inspired by this informal, collaborative group of organizations working to offer unique support for students and families this year. Additionally, our Dream Fund Committee, comprised of student, parent, community member and school volunteers was consulted and endorsed this approach. In response to their leadership, the Community Foundation awarded grants of $15,000-20,000 for each site, for a total of $140,000. “While philanthropy alone cannot fill the educational gap that exists,” says Erika VanDyke, program officer at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. “These grant partnerships are a piece of the puzzle in supporting their critical work.” H.G.F.
“The flexibility in this funding is one of the things that sticks out like a bright and shining light. It illuminates just how clearly you understand the realities of nonprofit work in a season that has been filled with words like pivot and unprecedented. Each organization here is meeting an authentic felt need of kids and families. However, the uncertainty of how we will keep it going in the next semester has been daunting… Your advocacy and support speaks volumes that our community is clearly behind us.”
“Thank you for working to support all of the programs that are helping students and families navigate this strange virtual landscape. There is a lot of work ahead of us no doubt, and plenty to be concerned about for the future, but the benefits of these programs are already on the kids’ faces every day. Not to mention families having one less thing to worry about with everything going on, school teachers having a dedicated team to communicate with on how each child is doing, and so on. Thank you for prioritizing this work in our community!” —Scott Bloem, executive director of The Other Way Ministries
—Christy Carlin Knetsch, executive director of New City Kids: Grand Rapids
—Steff Rosalez, CEO of Grandville Arts & Humanities
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“This week is hitting [our students] hard with exams and the days becoming so short. One guardian shared that her granddaughter was refusing to participate in activities because she was so stressed about failing her math class and that finding some in-person help is slowly bringing her back…It has been pretty incredible to be able to hold these spaces for them, emotionally and academically. Knowing we have support to keep up through these upcoming winter months is just awesome.”
Supporting
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT As we aspire to be a community with an inclusive economy where all people thrive, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights hurdles inhibiting that progress. Though the virus affects finances for many businesses and individuals, people of color and women bear disproportionally negative consequences. These financial and career losses will likely widen wealth and career gaps. Our local nonprofit partners have been working and innovating on how to support those most impacted by the economic downturn.
Jolie, during a clinic simulation at WMCAT
Last April, Start Garden shifted their model from launching 10 new businesses to supporting 68 existing businesses through their Comeback Fund. These new businesses did not qualify for federal, state or local grants because they were still in the incubation phase. Rende Progress Capital, another nonprofit partner, launched the RACE4Progress fund to reduce lopsided impacts on businesses owned by people of color. “This loan fund is changing lives and helped people in need both with sustainability and opportunities that they have been excluded from in other relief programs,” says Eric K. Foster, RPC cofounder.
THE WORK CONTINUES A year later, nonprofits still find new ways to serve clients and mitigate economic consequences. Women’s Resource Center’s mission to improve women’s workplace and economic opportunities has been especially critical because of the pandemic’s uneven impact on women in the workforce. This impact results both from the economic downturn and the burden on working mothers as schools went virtual and childcare options declined. “The World Trade Organization has said that internationally, nationally, locally, this is probably rolling back decades worth of gains by women in the workforce,” says Michelle Bryk, Women’s Resource Center, program director.
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WRC notes that Black women face even more barriers, because COVID-19 disproportionately hurts Black communities. Also, repeated instances of highly publicized racial violence takes an emotional toll. These factors force one in four women to consider downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce. “This is a critical moment for corporate America. Companies risk losing women in leadership and future female leaders. They risk unwinding years of painstaking progress toward gender diversity,” says Sandra Gaddy, WRC CEO. All these factors increase demand for WRC services. They are looking for ways to expand their services and remove barriers to accessing them, while continuing to serve over 600 women in our community annually. They walk alongside women finding paths to financial assistance. Women like Wynnielle who pursued education, a job change and skills training through pandemic shutdown, with the support of a WRC coach. Wynnielle joined the New Beginnings program, which helps women thrive after incarceration, and quickly found a path to gain a certificate in welding. Her perseverance resulted in a full-time job offer from a local metal manufacturer. “She’s an amazing woman and an amazing mother,” says Julie Harper-Shears, her WRC career coach. “Even when tough things happened, she had that drive and said, ‘I’m going to succeed,’ and she did!” Many WRC participants during this past year have needed help with housing, mental health and food support. WRC also offers mentoring services, resume-writing support, career planning, job search resources, skills-building classes and a professional clothing closet. While WRC works to help women restart as quickly as possible, whether they are under- or unemployed, they know that they cannot do it alone. “We’re also hoping to work with employers to educate where there are blind
Wynnielle with her welding certificate from Grand Rapids Community College
spots. We remind them that a mom who doesn’t have daycare at night is not going to take your third shift job, because where would her children go? We need to ask, as a community, how to help people get back up and back into the workforce,” Michelle Bryk says.
MULTIPLE APPROACHES West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology is another Community Foundation partner that has been adapting services to provide access to opportunity for those who are under- and unemployed. WMCAT programming empowers students to shape and strengthen their own pathways to career, income security, college and academic success. “The pandemic was disruptive for many of us, but the resiliency our students demonstrated this spring was incredible. As they completed the program while working and caring for families, we saw firsthand what it looked like to persevere during one of the more difficult moments we’ve faced,” said Jamon Alexander, WMCAT director of workforce development. Jolie is one of these students. She was hired at a Meijer pharmacy after completing her coursework and passing her certification exam early in the pandemic. A wife, mother, refugee and WMCAT graduate, Jolie is on the path to economic security for her family. “This program makes me stronger,” she shared.
A PATH FORWARD Our nonprofit and community leaders intentionally demonstrate how our recovery can ensure economic prosperity for everyone who calls West Michigan home. They show us ways to renew an inclusive workforce through adaptable, intentional supports for those who need it most. They are reminding us that no one can do it alone, but, by working together, we can make a great difference in our community. H.G.F.
Q+A WITH NPTAF:
A Shift Toward More Equitable Grant Partnerships The Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund for Kent County is a collaborative program designed to help Kent County nonprofits with capacity building and technical assistance. Local grantmakers joined forces in 2004 to create the pool of NPTAF funding. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a representative in the decision making body, and it holds, invests and administers the funds. Recently the NPTAF Advisory Committee has intentionally changed its approach and internal practices to advance racial, social and economic justice through the nonprofit sector. We interviewed Nicole Notario-Risk, NPTAF program manager, about the fund’s process and impact. DESCRIBE THE PURPOSE OF GRANT PARTNERSHIPS FROM THE NONPROFIT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUND. Grant partnerships help organizations partner with consultants to do strategic planning and board development, as well as strengthen their processes and practices in information technology, fund development, communications and financial management. As of February 2021, 506 grants totaling $3.3 million have been awarded to 190 unique organizations in Kent County. As COVID-19 challenged organizations, NPTAF worked to release supplemental funding to help them access technology supports required for operating virtually. Moving forward, organizations will likely need to refine and adapt fund development strategies, engage in planning, keep strengthening their IT and explore the possibilities of strategic partnerships and mergers. HOW DOES NPTAF HELP OUR LOCAL NONPROFIT SECTOR GROW AND DEVELOP? Many philanthropic resources support programming. But organizations require strong operational infrastructure to provide high-quality programming and services. NPTAF offers a consistent, accessible and equitable funding resource for nonprofit organizations to obtain technical and organizational assistance. This helps efficiently and effectively meet our community’s growing needs. HOW HAS THE FUND SHIFTED ITS INTERNAL PRACTICES TO BECOME MORE EQUITABLE? We keep learning and growing through discussions internally and with our NPTAF partners. Many Black, Indigenous, person of color -led organizations have been committed to this community for many years, with fewer resources to do their work. We strive to adapt our procedures and policies to reduce barriers to NPTA fund access. Engaging internally to improve our grantmaking has certainly helped us put into practice what we have been asking of our nonprofit partners for years.
In the last five years—because many organizations struggle to become more authentically equitable organizations—we have provided specific resources and technical assistance so nonprofits can focus internally on DEI. To build our nonprofit community’s DEI capacity, NPTAF has engaged national experts to lead trainings for local consultants across sectors. We also had a pilot program, with a two-year listing in our consultant directory, to raise awareness about BIPOC consultants with DEI expertise. We seek to understand better the challenges local organizations might be facing engaging in this work in order to meet them where they are to provide appropriate diversity, equity and inclusion resources. WHAT SHIFTS HAVE YOU SEEN AS A RESULT OF THESE CHANGES? First, more BIPOC-led organizations are accessing the NPTA fund. Many such organizations and leaders have built up trust with those they serve over years of community work. Yet, they are funding the work from their own pockets due to lack of access to philanthropic networks. Second, we’ve seen more awareness and willingness to change among organizations whose staff and boards historically have not been representative of the individuals and families they serve. Though all start at different points, they have demonstrated a desire to create more equitable and representative organizations. A great example of this is a recent grant partnership with Belknap Neighbors, which convened an Undoing Racism workshop for multiple Grand Rapids neighborhood associations. H.G.F.
The NPTAF current funding partners include Amway, CDV5 Foundation, Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation, Frey Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Jandernoa Foundation, Sebastian Foundation, Steelcase Foundation, Wege Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. A representative from each funding institution makes up the NPTAF Advisory Committee, which makes funding decisions. The funds are held, invested and administered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Learn more or apply for NPTAF funding at nptafund.org.
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To support diversity, equity and inclusion work, we discuss equitable decision making and fund longer-term diversity, equity and inclusion projects through our quarterly grant cycles. On our grant application, we’ve expanded the DEI metrics and standardized more questions to better understand how applicants use DEI in their organizations. We continually refine our communications and outreach strategy to ensure that diverse organizations and consultants can leverage NPTAF resources.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR APPROACH TO GRANT PARTNERSHIPS?
D I A N A R . S I EG E R
Constant Donor Level
Commitment and dedication sum up Grand Rapids Community Foundation President Diana Sieger, who has provided over 30 years of service. No matter the fund(s) they support, we are grateful for all the donors listed below. Like Diana, these donor partners demonstrate a renewal of consistent and dedicated support. Diana R. Sieger Constant Donor Level partners have made a gift to one or more of our fund types—including donor advised, designated, field of interest, scholarship, special project or unrestricted funds—for the last five or more consecutive fiscal years as of June 30, 2020. Andrew and Sonja Acosta
John and Suzette Buchan
Patricia H. Edison
Jason Herlands and Gen Kobayashi
Rick and Loy Adamy
Anna Moore Butzner
Penny and John Edison
Ms. Ann C. Hess
Emily Ambs
Bill and Jackie Bylenga
Ms. Marla J. Ehlers
John and Gwen Hibbard
Mark and Wendy* Anderson
Kyle Caldwell
Ben Emdin
David Hibschman
Ms. O’Linda L. Anderson
David and Jean Campbell
Jeanne Englehart and Jack Novick
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hickey
Anonymous (14)
Katharine Cangelosi
Jean Enright
David Hill and Elizabeth Kidd
Thomas Appel
Claudia Carlson
Pat and Dan Esch
Anne and Rich Hiskes
Mary M. Appelt M.D.
Betts and Jim Casey
Ms. Andrea L. Essling
Dirk and June Hoffius
Paul and Marty Arnold
Ms. Kalista A. Castine
Bill Essling
Ken and Sandy Hofman
Deborah Autman
Margot and Todd Cavalier
Bill and Kay Farr
Mark and Wendy Holtvluwer
Bob and Patty Ayars
Rick and Willow Chapla
Greg and Sarah Flick
Jane Hondelink
John and Janet Baab
Iain and Michaele Charnley
Gene and Nyla Fonger
Jack L. Hornbach
David and Janice Bailey
Thomas and Natalie Chase
Mary and Bill Ford
Richard and Anne Horvitz
Tod Bailey
The Chelovich Family
Barb Forseman
Jeannie Hosey and Tony Travis
Joel and Susan Bair
Jim and Pat Clay
Henry A. (Happy) Fox Jr.
Eleanore Howieson
Carl* and Claudia Bajema
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick R. Clemens Jr.
John and Kristine Fox
Daniel and Joseph Huber
Lori J. Baker
Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer
John and Janyce Huff
Mark and Mary Kay Baker
Gerry and Kay Colby
Thomas S. and Maxine J. Fox and Family
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Robert and Diane Collier
Maurice A. and Connie Barnes Sr.
Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation
Ms. Billie Barszcz Rob and Shelly Batterbee Laurie Finney Beard Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Shelly Belstra Rosemary Bennett Darlene Berghorst Louis and Linda Berra John R. Bertsch Dr. William H. Beute Kimerlee and Rick Billings Ruth E. Bishop Lynne Black Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Boerman Dianne Boozer Glen and Betsy Borre John Bouma Janet and John Boyles Doug and Dawn Brackmann
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Barbara Bradley and Ronald Feenstra John and Virginia* Braley Darlene Braunschneider
Conway Family Foundation Ms. Mary Cook Huey G. and Mary Copeland Janean and Michael Couch Kay Courtney Dr. Ed and Linda Cox Laurie and Crawford Craft Tim and Anne Cusack Tom and Jan Czerney Tom and Gale Czerwinski Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins Bob and Lois De Boer Dave and Bridget De Vos David and Donna Deeb Dorothy DeMaagd Barbara DeMoor and Clive Morris Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation Ron and Jeanne DeWaard Martha and Nick Dewey Gail O. DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Mary DeYoung Dollar Bank Foundation
Jean S. Breay
Dr. and Mrs. Jason and Stephanie Doublestein
James and Sharon Breuker
Nancy L. Douglas
Pat Brewer and Ken Betz
Paul T. and Celeste Doyle
Andrew and Janay Brower
Douglas and Kristine Dozeman
Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower
Beverly Drake
Jim and Susan Brown
Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick
Jason Franklin of the Ktisis Fund of RSF Social Finance Paula and Michael Freed Peter and Lori French Frey Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David G. Frey Mr. Stephen Frykholm Margie Gage Lawrence Gammons Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gill Cheryl Gillett Linsey Gleason Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason Keith and Lisa Gohlke Darrow and Flip Goodspeed Mike and Rachel Goorhouse Srikanth Gopal Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Ken Grashuis and Lori Lockyear Mr. and Mrs. Phillip X. Greene Justin and Jodie Gritter Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse Rená and Gary Guttrich Scott and Gail Haebich Sheryl Haeck Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph E. Hanka Dick Hansen Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hardy Jr. Jackie Haveman and Nathan Dwiri Mr. Kenneth W. Heffner and Dr. Gail Gunst Heffner
Deborah J. Hughes and Frederick J. Antczak Robert L. Hughes John Hunting Steven and Joan Huyser-Honig Ms. Margaret P. Idema Integrity Business Solutions LLC Win and Kyle Irwin Robert and Paulette Israels Cherry and Phil Jacobus Ellen M. James Mrs. Lois Jandernoa Matthew and Keri Jaynes Patricia Jones Tom and Margy Jones Judith Joseph Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick Bryan and Kelly Kading Mamie Kalliel Carol Karr and Kevin Briggs Mary and Dan Karrip Corrine E. Kass Nancy Kehoe Nielsen The Keller Foundation Andy and Christina Keller Mr. Fred P. Keller The W. K. Kellogg Foundation Paul and Beth Kelly John and Nancy Kennedy Mike Kerkorian and Chris Penzien John Kershek and John Potter Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Kimball
Kurt and Randy Kimball
Gary and Peg Novosad
David* and Jerri Schroeder
Universal Forest Products Inc.
Vicki and Tom Kimball
Judge W. Baldwin and Judy Ogden
Rana and Joseph Schwartz
Rudy and Nancy Van Donk
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kimmel
Dan and Ann O’Keefe
Fred Sebulske
Don and Ruth Van Stee
Roberta F. King and Mike J. Miesch
Benjamin Oliver
Melissa A. Seguin
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney J. Van Tol
Doug and Pat Klein
Ward Oliver and Catharine Grad
Jim Sellman
Selene Van Vleck
Jim Knack
Timothy J. and Debra D. O’Rourke
Ms. Barbara R. Shapiro
Douglas and Kathy Vance
Douglas and Louann Kohlbeck
Matt and Beth Osterhaven
Martin Shedleski Family
Steve and Laura Vande Lune
Jan Koopman
Martin and Enid Packard
Shaun and Ruth Shira
Dave and Lorrie Vander Ark
Ron and Bonnie Kopp
Hannah Padnos
Diana R. Sieger
Lou VanderHave
David A. and Phyllis E. Koslow
Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore G. Simpkins
Judy and Dan Vandersteen
John Kotwick
Ms. Linda B. Patterson
Eva Sitek
John and Diane VanderVeen
Daniel* and Mary Kozera
Ken and Jill Peirce
Brent and Diane Slay
Andy and Tracy Van Solkema
Jerry and Wendy Kregel
Julie Petrie
Mr. Charles R. Sligh III
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew VanZetten
Diane and Mike Kroll
Mr. John H. Pimm Sr.
Mr. Richard C. Sligh
Varnum LLP
Blake and Mary Krueger
Larry and Jean Pinckney
Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk
Carl and Sandra VerBeek
Dr. David and Mary Kutsche
Ms. Charlene Pletcher
Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge
Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Ver Merris
Ruth Kutsche
Charles Forrest Pletcher II, Sarah Granger, and Julia Pletcher
Deanna and Jamie Smith
Mrs. Patricia Ver Sluis
Charles F. Pletcher
Eric and Amy Smith
Ben and Emily VerWys
Mary Lou Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore J. Vlahas
Peggy J. Smith
Phil and Kathy Vogelsang
Ms. Sharon E. Smith
Bobbie and Gary Vruggink
Warren and Nancy Smith
Ms. Susan M. Waddell
Sara Smolenski and Linda Burpee
Gary Walker
Terrence M. Start
Anita Wallgren
Steelcase Foundation
Warner Norcross + Judd
Craig and Cheri Stein
Mary Warner
Deb and Fred Steketee
Wege Foundation
Rick and Sue Steketee
Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz
Stan and Norma Sterk
Ms. Aleta Wells Barbara Wepman
Cris and Tom Kutzli Tom and Sally Kyros Virginia LaGrand Rob and Linda Lalley Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad B. Kenneth Larm Paul and Nora LeBlanc Leedy Holdings Inc. Gary and Janeen Lemke Ray Loeschner Marcia and Chuck Logie Arend and Nancy Lubbers
PNC Bank Martha J. Porter Marlowe Pranger and Melvina Vanderlinde Scott Pruski John and Ann Puckett Dave and Laura Radle Daniel and Judy Rau Mr. Shaun A. Rayman Mary Reagan Shapton and Robert Shapton
Mr. and Mrs. Elias Lumpkins
R.E.A.P
Wendy Stock
Peter Lundeen
Hilda H. Reed
Susan A. Stoddard
Larry and Susan Whipple
Heather and Michael Lunt
Mary Zoe Remien
George Stoutin and Dave Heilman
Richard* and Ellen Wicks
Suzie Mackeigan
Dale and Sherri Remmelts
Philip and Dawnielle Streng
Dorothy Wiest
Jon and Mary Ann March
Rhoades McKee PC
Bill Stroh
Larry and Betsy Willey
Barbara P. Marcus
Mr. and Mrs. Richard V. Rice
Judy Subar
Jeffrey S. and Janet K. Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Rodney D. Martin
Michael Rios
Frank and Ruth Suskey
Joan Wilson
Dr. Ralph E. Mathis
Sally and Larry Robson
Lon and Sandy Swartzentruber
Rockford Construction
Michael and Susan Taylor
Charles S. Winslow and Judy K. Sopeland
Deb and Ron Roden
Jill and Art Tiefenbach
Milt and Barbara Rohwer
Betsey Tinkham
Dr. Jack and Lija Romence
Claude and Sharyl Titche
Michael and Christina Rosloniec Family
Wayne Titche
Abraham G. and Anne L. Rossi
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Tomsik Jr.
Mary Beth Roth
Philip and Diane Tower
Bob and Marcy Roth
Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb
Brian and June Rudy
Carol L. Townsend
Curtis and Colleen Ruppal
Ms. Patti Trepkowski
Megan and Noel Rydecki
George and Kerstin Trowbridge
Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Tulos
Mary Ann Sabo and Jeff Ott
Donald and Mary Tuttle
Terry McGovern and Carol PaineMcGovern Brenda L. McKean David Meier Lena Meijer Dr. Dan P. Millar and Mrs. Karen Lee Carpenter Millar Miller Johnson Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Ronald and Karen Modreski Gordie and Jan Moeller Monsma Marketing Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Gene Morrison Judge William B. Murphy and Paula Murphy Jon* and Carol Muth Bruce Myers Bob and Margaret Nault Dr. Tony and Linda Nemec Foster Thomas and Marcia Nobel
Susan Wittenbach Dr. Richard J. Woltersom Bob* and Aleicia D. Woodrick Ms. Katie Woods E Gabriel Works and John O’Connor Kurt and Sally Yost Bruce Young Marilyn and Garrett Zack Joan and Jim Zawacki William F. Zoellmer III Betty Zylstra and David Baak Bob J. Zylstra
Wade E. and Viola Sackner Foundation Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope David Sarnacki and Bridget Flynn Robert E and Marcia L Schaub Family Foundation Harold and Carol Schmidt
We go to great lengths to list each donor according to their personal preference. If you wish to have your recognition name listed differently or spotted a typo in your name, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling 616.454.1751 with any changes. *Recently Deceased
PARTNERS in community | 11
James and Sherry Moyer
Robert and Colleen Tobin
Mr. Mark Withey
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.
TH I S
& THAT CONGRATULATIONS, ANN!
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is excited to announce the promotion of Ann Puckett to director of IT. Ann leads the development and execution of our IT strategic plan. She works closely with all staff to integrate technology to achieve Community Foundation goals. Ann also played a key role in quickly and effectively transitioning the Community Foundation to a work-from-home environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES TRANSITIONS
We extend our gratitude to Mike Rosloniec and Amy Ruis, recently retired members of our Board of Trustees. Mike served for eight years, including as board chair in 2018-2019. He will continue his volunteer service as a member of our Investment Review Committee. Amy was a board member for four years, and a member of the Fund for Community Good Committee. Thank you, Mike and Amy! The Community Foundation recently welcomed Ken Fawcett, M.D., and Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed.D., to the Board of Trustees. Ken, a highly regarded leader in the area of community health, is vice president of Healthier Communities at Spectrum Health. Brandy, an educational leader who has worked locally, statewide and nationally, is the director of Kent Intermediate School District’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Brandy is also a member of our Fund for Community Good Committee.
CONGRATULATIONS, ERIKA!
Congratulations to Erika VanDyke, program officer, who was recently recognized by two business publications for her work. Erika was named a “Newsmaker of the Year” by Grand Rapids Business Journal and was a finalist in the MPWRD Business Magazine Influential Awards. We are grateful for Erika’s influence and vision for our community.
URBAN LEAGUE DRUM MAJOR FOR JUSTICE AWARD
The Community Foundation was honored to accept the Drum Major for Justice Award during the Urban League of West Michigan’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Corporate Breakfast. The recognition, which honors “an individual or group whose life’s work embodies the spirit of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” shows our partners’ dedication and our joint pursuit of justice. Thank you—to our partners and to the Urban League.
