PARTNERS in Community - Fall 2023

PARTNERS in community

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

“I have always loved Grand Rapids’ community spirit. People really do want to come together and get things done.”

-Diana R. Sieger

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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

Kyle D. Caldwell (Chair)

Reneé Williams (Vice Chair)

Ken Fawcett, M.D.

Thomas Kyros

Emily Loeks

Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D. Ana Ramirez-Saenz

Richard Roane

Alexandria Smith

Caitlin Townsend Lamb

Kathleen B. Vogelsang

Daniel Williams, Ed. D.

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HER HEART ON ONE SLEEVE, HER CONVICTION ON THE OTHER

Tel: 616.454.1751

Fax: 616.454.6455

Email: info@GRFoundation.org

Website: GRFoundation.org

PARTNERS in community is a publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Contributing writers:

Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Audra Hartges-Stern, Diana R. Sieger, DeShawn

Pope

Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design

Photography: Alfield Reeves

Photography, Bird + Bird Studios, Isabel Media Studios

Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. For more than a century, people who care about the future of Kent County have built the Community Foundation through their time, financial resources and thought partnership. Our partners - donors, nonprofits, leaders, doers and more - consistently trust us to help bring key issues to the forefront to build community will, investment and collaboration needed to inspire change.

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2023 AWARDS TO STUDENTS: SCHOLARSHIPS AND CHALLENGE SCHOLARS

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EMPOWERING FUTURES: IMPACT ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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OUR DONOR PARTNERS: UNITED BY SHARED BELIEFS ABOUT GIVING

@GRCommFound

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PARTNERS IN CHANGE

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

DONOR

PARTNERS in Change

My mom, Rosie, was a great role model for me, as was my father. Mom appreciated warm supportive friendships throughout her life. She attended Detroit’s Cass Tech High School, and, at age 16, played saxophone in an all-girls jazz band—pretty remarkable in 1937! She regaled me with stories about the music, the band’s gigs throughout metro Detroit and how her mom kept a watchful eye on her. But mostly she talked about how close she and her friends were.

Those friendships inspired my own, which helped me weather the ups and downs of my career. Several years ago, I was honored to receive the ATHENA Leadership Award. It came amid a time that tested my leadership chops, during a bit of a low point in my life. I had to give a speech when receiving this wonderful award at the celebration. The speech I wrote definitely mirrored my state of mind. Fortunately, an incredibly good friend read the draft and told me that people were looking for hope, not despair. It wasn’t about me; it was about the audience who was hoping for inspiration.

So, I asked my trusted team at Grand Rapids Community Foundation how to make my speech positive and productive. My colleagues asked, “What was it like, particularly for you as a woman, in the beginning of your career? What is it like now? What does it take to be a changemaker like you have been?” They kindly noted the value of humility in a leader and said they looked to me as a mentor. I decided to talk briefly about how true leadership requires grit and seeking support over the long haul.

One team member sent a link to the graduation speech that Nora Ephron made to the Class of 1996 at her alma mater, Wellesley. Ephron observed how things had changed since her graduation in 1962. “Why am I telling you this? Things have changed, haven’t they?” she said. “Yes, they have. But I mention it because I want to remind you of the undertow, the specific gravity. American society has a remarkable ability to resist change, or to take whatever change has taken place and attempt to make it go away.”

Despite my tough times before receiving the ATHENA Leadership Award, my friends kept me from going down a dark path. This experience highlighted for me that it was the strength of my relationships with wonderful people that kept me moving forward.

I’ve learned that leading meaningful change means to expect resistance. So, when asked what it takes to be a changemaker, I focus on my strong bonds with trusted colleagues and friends. I warn that real leadership causes pain when it surfaces conflict and challenges long-held beliefs. One of my favorite books is Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leadership. Authors Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky observe, “When people feel threatened, they take aim at the person pushing for change.” That’s why we need to persevere when the purpose is clear and right!

We need our friends, families and colleagues to push for needed change. Leadership is not a solo sport. It takes collaboration and courage. Whenever I have encountered pushback as a female leader—and, yes, that pushback still happens—I recall Nora Ephron’s commencement address advice: “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”

So, I say to everyone, be bold. Don’t take a back seat. Don’t be intimidated by those who strongly challenge our ideas or disparage us. We all need to stand tall and stand together. Push on!

Pictured: Historical photos of Diana with partners throughout her 36 years as president.

HER HEART ON ONE SLEEVE, Her Conviction on the Other

A self-described “shy child” from Detroit. A young woman who became the first full-time leader of a growing organization in the 1980s. In more than 36 years as Grand Rapids Community Foundation president, Diana R. Sieger has become a Grand Rapids vanguard and a national voice in the philanthropic sector. Asked to describe the Community Foundation in one word, Diana answers: “Dynamic.” Those who know her well describe her as “passionate…a warrior...fabulous.” As she looks toward retirement, Diana and other leaders reflected on her impact.

LEADING AUTHENTICALLY, WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Diana said she was deeply affected by growing up in suburban Detroit during tumultuous social change and racial uprisings in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. “I always knew my work would be in the social sector. The roots of what I do each and every day really come from what I observed as a young person during my developmental years,” Diana said. She moved to West Michigan to attend Western Michigan University, where she received an MSW. She began her career at the American Red Cross and then worked nine years at United Way of Kent County.

In 1987 she became the Community Foundation’s first full-time leader. Some community leaders pressured her to defer or wait her turn. Diana learned to show up authentically and hold her ground in a time when it wasn’t common or comfortable for a young woman.

“As a member of her team, I love Diana’s authenticity and passion. She’s so comfortable with who she is. She has faced challenges in her career and earned that confidence,” said Ashley René Lee, vice president of strategic communications. “Her confidence isn’t without humility, though. Diana is clear about where her strengths lie and where others should fill in gaps. It takes a strong leader to invite others’ perspectives and be willing to learn.”

A POWERFUL VOICE FOR CHANGE, LOCALLY AND BEYOND

“I have always loved Grand Rapids’ community spirit. People really do want to come together and get things done,” Diana said. “I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true—if you really want to effect change, you can’t do it alone.”

Modeling that perspective in her role and networks helped Diana grow the Community Foundation. She advocates for listening to understand, invites new partnerships and respects dissenting opinions to better understand the scope of necessary changes. Her openness to tough conversations and establishing partnerships show that the Community Foundation is “in it for the long haul.”

During her years in local broadcast news, Eva Aguirre Cooper became a Community Foundation volunteer partner and Trustee. She reflected on how, early on, Diana made her feel welcome. “She invited me to participate as a new community

member and showed me that my voice matters,” Eva said. “She helped me feel that I belong where these decisions are being made. That trust grew into a deep connection and genuine relationship. Diana is a warrior who wears her heart on one sleeve, her conviction on the other.”

Diana’s focus on partnerships has made a lasting impact in West Michigan and beyond. When she began as Community Foundation president, Michigan had only 10 community foundations; now there are 157. Diana became a voice who encouraged that progress is possible, change can be made and investing in the future is well worth the effort.

Rob Collier, a longtime industry peer, said, “Certainly, her work has transformed Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She also made an impact in the sector in Michigan and nationwide. From the development of youth advisory committees, to shaping the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison position to developing national standards for community foundations, Diana has been a fabulous sparkplug and champion.”

A LEGACY TO CARRY INTO THE FUTURE

Under Diana’s leadership, the Community Foundation has grown its financial assets tenfold and its staff from three to 30-plus. Its governance changed to a board appointed model. Trustees created new opportunities for community input and leadership in grantmaking. Formalizing its North Star committed the Community Foundation to racial, social and economic justice.

According to Diana, one thing that has stayed the same is the organization’s spirit. “We learn, admit mistakes, move on and keep a sense of humor,” she said. Grand Rapids Community Foundation—because of Diana’s decades of leadership and countless partners who have invested in it—is a dynamic organization committed to positive change in Kent County.

“I didn’t realize when I announced my intention to retire that watching it approach from the horizon would have such an impact on me,” Diana said. “But I am looking forward to the future of this Community Foundation. It’s going to be wonderful.”

A.H.S.

At our Celebration of Philanthropy event we honored Diana for her 36 years of service and leadership. Diana will retire near the end of this year.

Scan this QR code to watch a video highlighting Diana.

Alfield Reeves Photography

PARTNERS in Progress

This summer, Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded $1,035,000 in grants to local nonprofits from the Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds. These grant partnerships support nonprofits in meeting community needs and are made possible by generous donor partners like you.

AMERICAN ARAB INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATION, $2,500

The grant is a partnership with American Arab Intellectual Property Association as they support the revival of traditional knowledge of Arab culture, including traditional food, customs, traditions, and crafts.

DIATRIBE, $375,000

Diatribe’s mission is to use restorative art to disrupt historical systems of oppression by reimagining education, holistically honoring the community through their approach to their work and creating an unapologetic vision for liberation that is accessible to all. This grant will help them purchase and transform the former Holwerda-Snoap Sporting Goods store into the Emory Arts and Culture Hub. The grant will also help this organization, located in the Garfield Park neighborhood, expand staffing to increase capacity for afterschool programming and provide a mixed-use space for artists, entrepreneurs and community gatherings.

MICHIGAN JUSTICE FUND, $150,000

Michigan Justice Fund is dedicated to advancing justice reform and the economic mobility of individuals with criminal convictions in Michigan. This funding collaborative advances effective and equitable justice policy and funding. It is housed at Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. This grant will be combined with resources from other funders working together to support nonprofits across the state. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a participatory member in the grantmaking and learning collaborative.

MICHIGAN STUDENT POWER ALLIANCE, $7,500

Michigan Student Power Alliance connects students across interests, identities and campuses. This grant supports a People of Color Caucus Fellow based in Grand Rapids to support the work, relationships and community-building efforts to address racial inequalities through community organizing.

URBAN CORE COLLECTIVE, $200,000

Urban Core Collective serves as the fiduciary for a collaborative effort to strengthen the ecosystem of community-led advocacy in Kent County. Through this grant, UCC will invest in the community and support proactive initiatives expanding the infrastructure and access to support for organizers and movement leaders.

URBAN LEAGUE OF WEST MICHIGAN, $300,000

This grant will help Urban League of West Michigan purchase an adjacent property and expand their current facility. More space will allow them more opportunity to fulfill their goal to improve the overall quality of life for Black students and families by increasing education supports and reaching more youth. The Urban League is the city’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering Black and African American communities to enter the economic and social mainstream.

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Provided by Urban Core Collective

2023 AWARDS TO STUDENTS: Scholarships and Challenge Scholars

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for students–especially students who face systemic challenges, including students of color, low-income students or those who are the first in their family to attend college.

Through our annual scholarships program, the Community Foundation awards more than $1 million each year to students. We also provide scholarships to Challenge Scholars, a program built to support students and families on Grand Rapids west side to cover the costs of education after high school. Below is a summary of our recent support for students through scholarships.

$1,470,870 in scholarships to students

485 Number of scholarship recipients

402 General scholarship recipients

83 Challenge Scholars recipients

of scholarship recipients are first-generation college students

Scholarships paid to Michigan colleges

64% $1,387,863 %

60 are students of color

EMPOWERING FUTURES:

Impact on Children and Families

When children and families can thrive, communities can flourish. Grand Rapids Community Foundation has worked to support students and families throughout its history, adapting its approach to each decade’s pressing needs. The Community Foundation’s work has grown through increased collaboration with nonprofits, donor partners, community and government organizations and more to foster a brighter future for our community’s children.

In 1930, the Community Foundation made its first grants to Grand Rapids Welfare Union (a predecessor of United Way) and Family Service Association (from which Family Outreach Center emerged), Salvation Army and Volunteers of America. During the Great Depression, our largest grants went to social services such as D.A. Blodgett Home for Children and Clinic for Infant Feeding.

In 1945, we began our journey of creating transformative scholarships and fostering a dynamic environment where students can thrive. Those first scholarships supported nurses during wartime and evolved over decades to support a variety of educational backgrounds in college and career training.

The Community Foundation’s commitment to education took on new dimensions as we focused not only on providing individual scholarships but also on the broader ecosystem of education. In the 1960s, the Community Foundation played a pivotal role in establishing Grand Valley State College, now Grand Valley State University. At that time it was the Community Foundation’s largest grant awarded to date. This investment supported the Community Foundation’s belief that our region’s prosperity is connected to providing opportunities for all students in Kent County.

The Community Foundation’s influence and impact gradually moved beyond scholarships and educational institutions. In the 1990s, our focus expanded to include collaborative

support systems. The creation of the Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council in 1991 was an opportunity for the Community Foundation and President Diana Sieger to get involved with this type of collaboration. Diana served on the council for decades. The council, formed with county and state departments, united the efforts of many organizations to provide essential services, guidance and opportunities for children, youth and families. This approach demonstrated the need for interconnected, collaborative support for families and communities.

The KCFCC’s legacy gave rise to transformative organizations like West Michigan Partnership for Children, First Steps Kent and Kent School Services Network. KSSN’s mission is centering student and family voices, identifying solutions and advocating for systemic change to ensure student success and well-being. From their founding through today, KSSN continues to be a Community Foundation grant partner.

Other milestones also reflect the Community Foundation’s enduring dedication to thriving children and families. The Perspectives 21 Task Force inspired community involvement in improving Kent County’s child welfare system. In 1999, we supported the Grand Rapids Education Reform Initiative, and, in 2013, we launched our Challenge Scholars program to support college and career dreams for students on Grand Rapids’ west side. Throughout our history, our commitment to students has remained steadfast. As we look to the future, we continue to adapt to community needs and lessons about how we support students and families in equitable ways.

Through it all, we’re committed to learn (and keep learning) how to amplify community voice and promote affordable postsecondary education. Recently, we’ve partnered with the Urban Core Collective and Education Trust Midwest - their expertise creates space for community members to support and advocate for issues that matter to them, including equitable education funding. Through these partnerships and others, we’re learning more about how to support and advocate for equitable education outcomes.

As we continue to support children and families, we know that centering their voice is critical to our continued learning and impact. The Community Foundation is dedicated to creating an education system where a student’s race, ethnicity or firstgeneration status doesn’t determine their ability to succeed. Through scholarships, grantmaking, advocacy and partnerships we strive to provide all Kent County students the opportunities they deserve.

Pictured: Top: A groundbreaking event at the new Grand Valley State College Middle: Community Leadership Through Perspective 21 Bottom: Enrollment of a Challenge Scholars class

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OUR DONOR PARTNERS United by Shared Beliefs of Giving

As Grand Rapids Community Foundation enters our second century, the legacy of giving that has built the organization continues to grow. The diverse group of Community Foundation donor partners is made up of individuals with many priorities and giving methods. Through establishing funds, creating planned gifts and giving throughout their lifetimes, our donor partners are investing in today and looking to the future. Here are some common threads that connect those who make up the Community Foundation’s support system.

People who care about Kent County’s future have built the Community Foundation through their time, financial resources and partnerships. Many of our assets are endowed, allowing the Community Foundation to respond to today’s most pressing issues while ensuring our impact will continue into the future.

GIVING IS BETTER TOGETHER

Many donor partners value that their gifts are combined with the generosity of others to make more impact. Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb are longtime partners who support the Fund for Health with their philanthropy. “We’ve both seen through our professional work that barriers to health access can impact a person on every level. When we consider a situation, are we treating a symptom or the root cause? It’s bold, but we want to contribute to something that’s going to make change,” said Paul.

NEW PARTNERS ARE ALL AROUND

While many partners have long relationships with the Community Foundation, our network of philanthropists is always growing! Squeegee Squad maintains our building’s façade. Owner Troy Butler expressed interest in our work, and, in 2022, established the Troy and Jennifer Butler Family Fund, a

PLANNED GIFTS HOLD SPECIAL MEANING

More than 300 individuals have elevated the Community Foundation to “family” by including us in their will or estate plans. It is our honor to accept these special gifts and help partners create their legacy. Last year the Metz Legacy Society, which recognizes these partners, welcomed eight new members.

PARTNERSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST IN STEWARDSHIP

While priorities, grantmaking and focuses change based on current needs, donor partners trust the Community Foundation’s dependability, connections to local organizations and long-term vision. We are proud to steward the resources entrusted to us over the last century and will continue to manage for the future.

Pictured: Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb

PARTNERS

A.H.S.

WEST MICHIGAN CARES ABOUT PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Pictured: Troy and Jennifer Butler and family

THANK YOU Donor Partners

The power of collective giving is reflected in the names you see listed here. Because of the funds created and annual support from our donor partners, we allocate resources that seek to eliminate inequities in Kent County. We are grateful to the donor partners whose generosity will create a lasting philanthropic legacy and address the ever-changing needs in our community.

PHILANTHROPY LEADERSHIP LEVEL DONOR PARTNERS These leadership giving levels recognize our annual donors who made gifts, payment towards a pledge, or grant from a Donor Advised fund between July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023 supporting the Fund For Community Good, Fund for Education, Fund for Engagement, Fund for Prosperity, Fund for the Environment, Fund for Health or Fund for Neighborhoods.

CURTIS WYLIE LEVEL In 1958, a significant bequest from Curtis Wylie transformed the Community Foundation, dramatically increasing our ability to support local nonprofits. David and Mary Annis .Anonymous (3) . Ms. Rita D. Balczak* and Christine Lehman . Roger* and Willa* Bauer . Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Berger . Betsy Borre . Tom and Gale Czerwinski . Bill and Margie Darooge . Laura DeVos . Gail O. DeYoung and F. Jay Shoettley . Bill and Kay Farr . Gussie Farris . Brad and Jeanie Friedland . Margy Jones . Carol Karr and Kevin Briggs . Stephen Klotz Family . Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lawrence III . Paul and Nora LeBlanc . Ms. Emily Loeks . Suzie Mackeigan . Tom Merchant . Terry McGovern and Carol Paine-McGovern . Bob and Marcy Roth . Curtis and Colleen Ruppal . Anne and David Sauber . Robert E and Marcia L Schaub Family Foundation . Diana R. Sieger . Judy Subar . Doug and Alix Thompson . Martin and Louise Timkovich . Betsey Tinkham . George and Kerstin Trowbridge . Frank and Sharon Van Haven . Phil and Kathy Vogelsang . Marilyn and Garrett Zack

JIM CARPENTER LEVEL A former Trustee, advocate and enthusiastic supporter, Jim epitomized loyalty and service. He catapulted the Community Foundation’s growth and public image and was instrumental in starting the giving groups “Friends” in the late 1980s.

Rick and Loy Adamy . Mr. William E. Alt . Mark Anderson . Anonymous (5) . Paul and Marty Arnold . Claudia Bajema . Laurie Finney Beard . Jesse M. Bernal . Lynn Bowers . Jim and Susan Brown . John and Sheila Buchanan . Anna Moore

Butzner . Kyle and Juliann Caldwell . Jim and Pat Clay . Tom and Jan Czerney . Ron and Jeanne DeWaard . Martha and Nick Dewey . Marilyn Dooge . Beth and Ross Dornan . Jason and Stephanie Doublestein . Mr. and Mrs. David Edwards . Jean Enright . Kenneth and Claire Fawcett . Mary and Bill Ford . Jeffrey and Sheila Frank . Peter and Lori French . Heather and Sam Fox . Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason . Ken Grashuis and Lori Lockyear . Jackie Haveman and Nathan Dwiri* . Jeannie Hosey and Tony Travis . John and Janyce Huff . Katherine Humphrey . Carlton and Wendy Jackson .

Cherry and Phil Jacobus . Laura Jeltema .Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick . Marilyn Knol . Ron and Bonnie Kopp . The Kresge Foundation . Janet M. Krueger and Bruce Goodman . Christopher Barnes and Jessica Lalley . Arend and Nancy Lubbers . Judge Bill and Paula Murphy . Dr. Tony and Linda Nemec Foster . Mark and Janet Nisbett . Timothy J. and Debra D. O’Rourke . Larry and Jean Pinckney . Claudia and Joe Pohlen . Scott and Heather Pruski . Daniel and Judy Rau . Mr. and Mrs. Richard V. Rice . Sally and Larry Robson . Marjorie and Bud Roegge . Steve and Amy Ruis . Jerri Schroeder . Mary Reagan Shapton and Bob Shapton . Eric and Amy Smith . Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole . Amanda and Scott Thomas .Dave Thompson . Peter Turner . Selene Van Vleck . Douglas and Kathy Vance . Collin Veele . Gary Walker . Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz . Ms. Connie Wenger . Drs. Chad and Kathy Williams . Jeff and Janet Williams . Robert C. Williams . Susan Wittenbach . C. Christopher and Carol Worfel . John S. and Kathleen B. Woudstra . Ms. Laura A. Young . Joan and Jim Zawacki . Robert J. Zylstra

PATRICIA “PAT” EDISON LEVEL Pat was a former trustee, who served as the first female board chair and first female executive director. She maintained her commitment to the Community Foundation as a donor and dear confidant. Anonymous (2) . Joel Bair . Darlene Berghorst . Louis and Linda Berra . Lynne Black . John Braley . Andrew and Janay Brower Rick and Willow Chapla . Molly and Colin Chelovich . Craig and Alison Clark . Jennifer and David Deamud . Tina Freese Decker and Jason Decker . Barbara DeMoor and Clive Morris . Nancy L. Douglas . John H. Edlund . Ben Emdin . Jeanne Englehart and Jack Novick . Gail and James Fahner . Barbara Bradley and Ronald Feenstra . Paula and Michael Freed . Ms. Joan M. Garety . Freddie and Cynthia Gladyness . Dr. Thomas Gribbin . Daniel Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse . John and Gwen Hibbard . Jeff Hill . Jane Hondelink . Steven and Joan Huyser-Honig . Jenifer Jackson . Larry Jewell and Janine Jewell . Paul and Beth Kelly . Vicki and Tom Kimball . Doug and Pat Klein . Jim Knack . Chris and Amy Knape . Ron and Jeanne Koehler . Douglas and Louann Kohlbeck . Cris and Tom Kutzli . Ray Loeschner . Dayle Maples and David Kampfschulte . Ron Marsteiner . Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams . Angel Mendiola-Riggs and Lance Riggs . Mr. David W. Morgenstern . Matt and Stephanie Muscat . Bob and Margaret Nault . Gary and Peg Novosad . Joan Panopoulos . Heather and Stephen Paterson . Kathleen Stewart Ponitz . Martha J. Porter . Jim and Marie Preston . Mary Zoe Remien . Dale and Sherri Remmelts . Dr. Patrice Riga . Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles . Lisa

Marlene Rose . Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope . David Sarnacki and Bridget Flynn . Rana and Joseph Schwartz . Melissa A. Seguin . Shaun and Ruth Shira . Brent and Diane Slay . Corinne Sprague . Steven A. Starnes . Craig and Cheri Stein . Rick and Sue Steketee . Stan and Norma Sterk . Susan A. Stoddard . Robert and Megan Streng . Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland . Lon and Sandy Swartzentruber . Elliot Talen . Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra . Claude and Sharyl Titche . Wayne Titche . Philip and Diane Tower . Robert and Beth Townsend . Rick Treur . Lita Trevino . Joan

Fox Turrentine . Hattie Van Haaften . Mr. and Mrs. Rodney J. Van Tol . Lorrie and Dave Vander Ark . Jaye VanLenten and Janette Tazzia . Ben and Emily VerWys . Marilyn Vineyard .Joy Whitten and Jeff Williams . Elan Winterberger . Mary

Wisner . Jack and Andrea Woller . Gabriel Works . Bruce and LV Wynalda . Chelsie Wyse . Bruce C. Young . Joseph and Kelley Young

S. GEORGE GRAVES LEVEL Named to honor S. George Graves, who in 1923 gave the Foundation its first gift of $25. The modest contribution provided the catalyst for others to give. The Afton Family . Amazon Smile Foundation . Anonymous (7) . Deborah Autman . Joanne Ayotte . Lori J. Baker . Brian and Deanna Bakker . Betsy and Jim Barton . Rob and Shelly Batterbee . Rosemary Bennett . Ken Betz* and Pat Brewer . Dr. William H. Beute . Ruth E. Bishop . Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Boerman . Jim and Mary Beth Bos . Bev Bouwens . Eric Bouwens and Yenching Hsu . Jonathan and Grace Bradford . Pat Brandel . Otto Brannum . The Honorable Winnie Brinks and Mr. Steve Brinks . Marie Burns . Marion Burns . Mr. Sylvester Bush . Danielle M. Buth . Gabrielle Calkins and Anne Thompson . Katharine Cangelosi . Phil and Caroll Catlett . Darlene Ceremello and Jessea Greenman . Bill and Christine Chappell . Tom and Natalie Chase . Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Chovanec . Stuart and Rita Citron . Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer . Dr. Stephen and Mary Cohle . Rob and Diane Collier . John and Amy Collins . Ty Cook . Eva Aguirre Cooper and Dr. Jay Cooper . Ann M. and Robert P. Cooper . Janean and Michael Couch . Dr. Ed and Linda Cox . Laurie and Crawford Craft . Carol A. Crawford . Julie, Scott, and Annie Cress . Stacey Cronin and Todd Young . Marc and Linda Daneman . Allen and Vivian De Jonge . David and Bridget De Vos . Harvey DeMaagd . Bill and Carolyn DeNeut . Brian DeVree and Laura Cesa . Kelly Disser . Katherine Downes Lewis . Maureen Dreher . Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Dufendach . Bob Dunlap . Mr. Dennis Echelbarger . Laura Eddy . John and Louise Edison . Jay and Kim Egan . Marla Ehlers . Sky and Ashley Emaus . Cheryl and Bill Endres . Clare, Kaaren and Anna Fehsenfeld . Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld . The Fernandez Family . Robert and Mary Ann Finn . Barb Forseman . Mary W. Forslund . Trace Frandsen . Kathleen K. Freeman .

Mr.*and Mrs. David G. Frey . Fringe Benefit Group . Sara Furie . Ann Furtwangler . Margaret Gage . Alberta A. Garbaccio . James Gillard . Gary Goode . Marilyn and Ken Goodson . Gordon Food Service . Grosspointe Condo Neighbors . Rená* and Gary Guttrich . Sheryl Guzy . Brenda and Greg Hack . Haines Family . Dick and Bev Haines . Maureen P. Hale .

Randy and Joan Hamstra . Betsy A. Hanisch . Dick Hansen . Kathleen Harley . Audra and Jeffrey Hartges-Stern . Paul and Peggy Haviland . Deacon James and Jean Hessler . David Hill and Elizabeth Kidd . James W. Hocum . Aunt Joyce and Uncle Bill Holdman . Dale and Karen Hooker . Richard and Anne* Horvitz . Humanity United . Laura and Tracy Inger . Robert and Paulette Israels . Jim and Janette Jackson . Richard S. Jackson Jr. . Karla Jaeger . Mrs. Lois Jandernoa .

Matthew and Keri Jaynes . Grace and Clarence Joldersma . Judith Joseph . Steve and Joyce Kaiser . Mamie Kalliel . John

Kershek and John Potter . Kristopher and Kathryn Kimball . Kurt and Randy Kimball . Bob and Rose Koepsell . Joshua Kofflin . Carrie Kolehouse . Jan Koopman . Dan Korobkin . John E. Kotwick . Anna and Jason Kraai . Jerry and Wendy

Kregel . Mr. James J. Krupp . Mary and Jim Krzeminski . Moana Kutsche . Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb . Michael Layton . Ashley and Ryann Lee . Ping and Tim Liang . Thomas H. Logan . Marty and Cheri Luchtefeld . Doug and Deb

Lunde . Peter Lundeen . Tracy Lunquist . Heather and Michael Lunt . Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mahacek . Jon and Mary Ann

March . Pam and Tom Marcusse . Kathleen Markland . Ardath McCall . Carol and Mike Kemps . Barb and Bill McConnell

. Janet McFarland-Idema . Richard A McGarrity and Noel L McGarrity . Brenda L. McKean . Andrew and Devyn McMahan

. Linda Mears . Jason and Kate Meyer . Dr. Barbara Mieras . Traci Montgomery . Jim and Jeanne Montie . Julie and Joe

Monzo . The Chris Morrow Family . James and Sherry Moyer . Tim and Lisa Mroz . Stephen and Rochelle Mudrey . Terri

A. Mulligan . Peggy Murphy . Sharon Naughton . Gary and Pat Nederveld . Mr. and Mrs. Ken Nelson . Sheona Nidefski

. Nancy Kehoe Nielsen . Thomas and Marcia Nobel . The O’Brien Family . Mary Ohm and Family . Stephen and Laura Olech . Enid Packard . Ann-Marie Palmo . Molly and Steve Parker . Jennifer A. Pascua . Ms. Linda B. Patterson . Ken and Jill Peirce . KJ Peltier . Angela Reyna Perez . Mr. and Mrs. Charles Persky . John L. Peterson* . Jim and Julie Petrie . Dave and Melissa Pettijohn . Bob and Marcia Pinder . Rhett and Jeralyn Pinsky . Jeffery and Lisa Poet . John Jay Poet .

Marlowe Pranger and Melvina Vanderlinde . John and Ann Puckett . Nancy Reahm . Del and Dianne Rector . Hildi Reed

. Nancy Reed . Thomas and Sherrie Renaud . Maureen Rice . Laura Rice-Oeschger and Brent Oeschger . Carlyn Richards

. Huemartin Robinson II and Aminah Robinson . Brian and June Rudy . Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt . Charles Sauber .

JT Sauber and Family . Thomas Sauber . Eric L. Schellenberger . Harold C. Schmidt . Matt Schuller . Susie Schumaker . John Schuurman . Carolyn and James Schwinkendorf . Jean Scott . Dr. and Pastor Eugene M. Shatz . Lee Ann ShedleskiHolmden and David Holmden . Mark F. Sherwood and Saralyn Coupe . Eva Sitek . Hon Sara Smolenski and Linda Burpee

. Libby Rector Snipe . Ivo and Vinka Soljan . Douglas and Laura Stark . Terrence M. Start . Deb and Fred Steketee . Steve Steketee . Susan and Daniel Stepek . Sue and Art Stern . Wendy Stock . Dennis and Deborah Sturtevant . Jenny, Jon, and Cameron Lucky Sullivan . Greg and Audrey Sundstrom . Frank Suskey . Eddie T.L. Tadlock . Beverly Thiel . James and Mallory Timyan . David and Diane Tongue . Jenine and Jose Torres . Carol L. Townsend . Mark K. Trego . Patti Trepkowski

. Elizabeth Triezenberg . Anne Turner . U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands . Mrs. Joy Uddin . Rudy and Nancy Van Donk .

Karl Van Harn and Joanna Bailey . Robert and Valorie Van Patten . Don and Ruth Van Stee . Lou VanderHave . Dan and Judy Vandersteen . Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe . Kimberly VanHoek . Andy and Tracy Van Solkema . Mr. and Mrs. Matthew VanZetten . Varnum LLP . Mr. and Mrs. Larry A. Ver Merris . Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Verburg . Joshua Verhulst

. Voisard Asset Management Group . Gary and Bobbie Vruggink . Rob and Chris Wait . Anna and Chad Walker . Karen T. Ward . Mr. David Weinandy . Barbara Wepman . Tara Takken Westveer . Paul and Nola Wetherbee . Michael J. Whalen

. Nancy Wierenga . Reneé Williams . Joan Wilson . Charles S. Winslow and Judy K. Sopeland . Jim and Connie Winter-

Troutwine . Doug and Francesca Wiseman . Mr. and Mrs. Henry I. Witte . Gib and Barbara Wynn . Arlene and James Yost

. Kurt and Sally Yost . Mr. John V. Zadvinskis . William and Dianne Zeman . George and Gretchen Zuiderveen . Betty

Zylstra and David Baak

*Recently deceased

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

185 Oakes Street SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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THIS & THAT

DIANA R. SIEGER COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP AWARD

At our Celebration of Philanthropy event, we shared an announcement about a new award being established in honor of Diana. The Diana R. Sieger Courageous Leadership Award will focus on local leaders facing barriers and shifting narratives as they work toward a more equitable West Michigan. Recipients of this award will demonstrate courage and tenacity in their pursuit of racial, social and economic justice. We expect to introduce you to the first honoree of this new award at a future date.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN DECEMBER 1

Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s general scholarship application will open between December 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024. Students who complete the application will be entered into the selection process for 500+ scholarship award opportunities. Share the application with students in your life this winter. Visit GRFoundation.org/Scholarships

NEW MAGAZINE SCHEDULE

PARTNERS in community is shifting to a new production schedule featuring three issues per year. Our next issue will arrive in early 2024 and will continue to be full of robust stories, insights and inspiration featuring partners like you. If you would prefer to receive the magazine in your email inbox, you can sign up and adjust your delivery preferences to ‘digital only’ at GiveGR.org/PARTNERS. If you have any questions, please contact a member of our team at Communications@GRFoundation.org

PLAN AHEAD FOR YEAR-END GIVING

Investments from donor partners are critical to our community’s future. If you are beginning to think about year-end giving, our team can share strategies to support your goals. It’s not too early to start the conversation! Some gifts of complex assets, like gifts of stock or mutual fund shares, have deadlines earlier in December. Contact any member of our development team at 616.454.1751.