A Legacy of Family & Community

Iain and Kalie Charnley are professionals raising young daughters, both at the stage of tree climbing, mud pies and sidewalk chalk. Philanthropy and planned giving are also part of their story today.

The Charnleys value holistic solutions that recognize the intersections of and connections between different systems. And they consider how their activities—from buying local food to supporting projects like the Plaza Roosevelt development—reflect their values. By making philanthropy a priority, they are setting an example for their daughters and for others.

AN EXAMPLE FOR FAMILY

Iain and Kalie have several priorities for their giving. Influenced by their professional training—Iain works in healthcare and Kalie worked in natural resources—their passions include environmental and climate justice. They are intentional about how their time, giving and consumer dollars reflect their values.

“I’ve never before felt so much under a microscope than being a mom,” Kalie said. “Our daughters learn from my every action, so it really inspires me to be a better person—to take care of myself, to take care of them and to take care of our community.”

The family is committed to service and volunteers together through planting projects with Plaster Creek Stewards and food distributions with Access West Michigan. They prioritize social and racial justice with their church community and through Justice for Our Neighbors, which provides affordable immigration legal services.

“We love the intergenerational and diverse relationships that service work fosters, from the energy young ones bring to the wisdom offered by those more experienced,” Iain said. “There aren’t as many areas where generations mix as readily as in service work.”

AN EXAMPLE FOR COMMUNITY

As members of One Hundred New Philanthropists, Iain and Kalie have committed to give to Grand Rapids Community Foundation now and beyond their lifetime. They value the power of collective giving that the Community Foundation exemplifies, and see their contributions as a way to maximize their impact. They describe One Hundred New Philanthropists as a way to promote giving back to other young families, encourage them to engage and start their estate plans now.

“It doesn’t take immense wealth. Making giving a part of, or even foundational to, your budget shows that you deem it just as important as the other expenses,” Iain said.

The Charnleys decided to make a provision in their estate plans for a gift to the Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good, our unrestricted fund. Through their gifts to this fund, they join other donor partners committed to addressing Kent County’s most pressing needs now and in the future. Collectively, those gifts fuel grant partnerships with nonprofit organizations and a more inclusive West Michigan.

By making giving and service a family affair, and by sharing their story, Iain and Kalie are using their power to build a legacy that will benefit the whole community, today and in the future.

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.