PARTNERS in Community - Spring/Summer 2024

PARTNERS in community

“There's a sense of purpose and joy in seeing results of our work and watching the community grow and thrive.”

-Bob Zylstra 4

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO

Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications

Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program

Stan Vander Roest Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Marilyn W. Zack Vice President, Development

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Reneé Williams (Chair)

Caitlin Townsend Lamb (Vice Chair)

Kyle D. Caldwell (Immediate Past Chair)

Ken Fawcett, M.D.

Thomas Kyros

Emily Loeks

Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D.

Ana Ramirez-Saenz

Alexandria Smith

Kathleen B. Vogelsang

Daniel Williams, Ed. D.

Tel: 616.454.1751

Fax: 616.580.1040

Email: info@GRFoundation.org Website: GRFoundation.org

PARTNERS in community is a publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Contributing writers:

Ashley René Lee, LaSandra Gaddy, Heather Gill Fox, DeShawn Pope, Jenine Torres, Shaun Shira

Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design

Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography and 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.

PARTNERS in Every Season

Over the last few months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with many of you, including donor partners, nonprofit partners, community partners and more. One thing that has stood out to me is the wide range of stories of how you began your partnership with Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Some of you started as leaders serving on our Youth Grant Committee and kept us in mind as your career progressed and your giving capacity grew.

Like our YGCers, many of you started as passionate community members, giving your time and talent as volunteers and deepening your investment to also include financial contributions.

Others were introduced to the Community Foundation through one of our Field of Interest funds led by community volunteers you know and trust.

Many of you learned about our services through your financial advisor or estate planning attorney. You began your relationship with us by starting your very own fund to carry out your and your family’s philanthropic goals.

And then, there are those of you who have elevated the Community Foundation to the level of family from the very beginning by joining our Metz Legacy Society and naming us in your estate plan.

These are just a few incredible stories I’ve heard so far. I am so eager to learn more.

The central theme of these stories is that whether you are a rising or seasoned philanthropist—philanthropist defined as anyone with a love for humanity— there is an opportunity to partner with us through all your life phases and stages.

In this issue of PARTNERS in community, we share tips on how to partner with the Community Foundation throughout various life milestones; we invite you into a conversation with a donor partner whose relationship with us has taken many forms over the years; we provide an update from our Youth Grant Committee leaders and our longtime nonprofit partner United Methodist Community House; we explore how we are supporting leadership development and capacity building for leaders of color; and so much more!

No matter how our story together started, I am so grateful for all the ways you partner with the Community Foundation and trust us to help carry out your vision for the

LaSandra A. Gaddy President and CEO Grand Rapids Community Foundation

YOUR PHILANTHROPIC Partner Through Life

As we journey through life, meet new people, take on new challenges and explore new interest areas, our lives adjust— and often our ideas about giving back change. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is here as your philanthropic partner through every step of life’s journey. Whatever your current life stage, we’re here to help you consider your shortand long-term philanthropic strategies. With all of life's stages can come greater complexity in your charitable giving options, including gifts of stock, closely held business assets and gifts of property. Consider these tips for how you can adjust your giving strategies when you approach different life moments:

NEW JOB

Starting a new job includes a lot of paperwork. One of the first things you may have the opportunity to do is set up a new retirement account (after you’ve found the bathroom). You will be asked to name beneficiaries of an HSA, 401k, 403b or other retirement account. Many people choose to name a nonprofit organization as full, partial or contingent beneficiary.

DID YOU KNOW? Your employer may offer an option for you to support your favorite nonprofits through a recurring payroll deduction. And many employers have programs to match employee giving and double your impact.

GROWING YOUR CAREER

Mid-career professionals’ calendars often fill with work, community, family and other obligations. Make giving back easier with options like a Donor Advised fund. The Community Foundation or other Donor Advised fund providers will take care of the administrative and investment details while you focus on advising how grants should be made. You can establish a DAF at the Community Foundation or name us or other nonprofits as the ultimate beneficiary of Donor Advised fund assets managed by another provider.

DID YOU KNOW? The Community Foundation continuously partners with professional advisors to ensure donors’ wishes are executed for the donors’ benefit and the community good.

RETIREMENT & EMPTY NESTERS

Life’s golden years perks include waking up when you want to and pursuing hobbies on a Monday morning. It's also a time to consider what will happen to your worldly goods after you are gone. If you haven’t yet established your estate plan, don’t wait. Your loved ones will thank you. As your budget changes, charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts could be an option to consider if you’re interested in giving but also desire an income.

DID YOU NOW? There are gifts that pay income. In 2022, tax laws changed to allow a one-time direct transfer from an eligible retirement account to a charitable gift annuity or other life income plan up to $53,000 if over the age of 70½.

MARRIAGE & ANNIVERSARIES

When you bring two lives together, you’re not only combining kitchen gadgets. Have a proactive conversation with your advisors about your and your partner’s individual and shared charitable goals. Often, you will also update your estate documents or beneficiary forms when combining or separating households. Consider listing the Community Foundation when you make these updates.

DID YOU KNOW? IRA assets passed along to loved ones may carry tax implications. However, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA during your lifetime will lessen the estate tax burden for your beneficiaries while also providing you current income tax benefits.

Talk with your professional advisors to see what’s most beneficial and aligned with your goals.

RAISING CHILDREN

Philanthropy can involve the whole family. It's never too early to talk with children about how giving time, talent and treasure can impact their community. Discuss as a family what issues are important to you. Consider volunteering or making annual contributions to your favorite nonprofit or one large gift to fulfill a need in your neighborhood/ community. Many people first create a will or trust when they start a family, to ensure their children are cared for. Don’t wait to set up your estate plan, regardless of asset amount.

DID YOU KNOW? 68% of Americans do not have a valid will!

INHERITANCE

“When I win the lottery, I will...” More likely than a lucky number, perhaps a loved one left you an unexpected inheritance or you are planning to sell a business or home for a profit. This might be the time to build a strategic philanthropic philosophy, if you have not already. There are benefits to talking with the Community Foundation and your advisors about the benefits of donating before you sell. Consider the depth of your investment, your favorite cause(s) and your timeframe for using your resources to make the world a better place.

DID YOU KNOW? Over the next 20 years, studies show $90 trillion in assets will be transferred between U.S. generations, primarily to heirs—further widening the wealth gap built from systemic injustices. Your Community Foundation investments in unrestricted funds support opportunities to create generational wealth within excluded communities and advance racial, social and economic justice. You may also choose to direct your gift for the purpose most meaningful to you.

HOW WE GIVE:

Prioritizing Philanthropy Through Life’s Changes

Generations of donor partners have created significant impact in our community through gifts of all shapes and sizes to Grand Rapids Community Foundation. In the “How We Give” series, we highlight donor partners who are committed to carrying this legacy into the next 100 years by making gifts that accomplish their specific philanthropic goals. The variety of donor partners and gifts come together to create change and improve West Michigan. This is community at work and love

MEET

BOB ZYLSTRA Bob Zylstra, co-founder of electrical services company Feyen-Zylstra, has been a Community Foundation donor partner since 1996. A Chicago native, Bob moved to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin University.

Over the years, he has supported initiatives such as the Black Men Building Resources Scholarship Fund and Fund for Community Good and has established the Bob Zylstra Science, Technology, and Engineering Scholarship. Bob has also named the Community Foundation as a beneficiary of his estate, making him a member of the Metz Legacy Society. Bob has partnered with the Community Foundation through different life milestones and has taken advantage of a variety of giving strategies along the way. Bob recently talked with Shaun Shira, major and planned gifts director, about his passion for West Michigan and why he has chosen the Community Foundation as a long-time philanthropy partner.

How has your journey as a community member evolved through the years?

BOB: It started with moving into the Baxter neighborhood, joining Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and getting involved with nonprofits. A number of friends and I renovated a house donated to our church, then sold it at cost to somebody that needed it. Then another house got donated... and another. That group became the founding board of Inner City Christian Federation and also helped bring Habitat for Humanity to town.

I’ve also been fairly involved in urban planning. When I moved here in the early 70s, not much was going on downtown. I like seeing the city develop in a good fashion, so I volunteered nine years on the Grand Rapid Planning Commission and another six years on the zoning board of appeals. It’s really exciting to see how philanthropy and volunteerism have developed downtown into a vibrant place where you want to be. I’ve met amazing people through community involvement.

SHAUN: Why is giving back to our community important to you?

BOB: I get more out of it than what I give to it. There's a sense of purpose and joy in seeing results of our work and watching the community grow and thrive. Plus, a lot of the nonprofits I get involved in value diversity, equity and inclusion.

SHAUN: Why do you value equity in your community philanthropy?

BOB: Being in the trades in Grand Rapids, for the most part, people hire people like them and who they know. And you end up having a fairly similar workforce for that reason. Most contracting, environment and engineering companies here are run by white people who hire people they know. Marlin Feyen and I worked hard over the years to get into the Hispanic and African American communities. We know the trades can be a good means to support your family and access opportunities. We’re all enriched by seeing a more diverse workforce. I've benefited significantly with the opportunities I had to get into the trades and want to see that for more women and people of color. I hope the Bob Zylstra Science, Technology, and Engineering Scholarship gets more women and people of color into science, technology and engineering.

SHAUN: How has your giving changed throughout your life?

BOB: I've always given money to nonprofits. It was pretty meager at first, but I did what I could in donating time and money. As I grew

in my profession, I had more funds available to broaden my giving lists and amounts.

I just finished updating my estate plan. I started thinking about how many estate plans turn everything over to their children. I'm 75 now and quite healthy. If I live to be 85 or 90 years old, my children will be in their mid-60s. They're both educated and in professions they enjoy. They're doing fairly well. When they are 65 years old, how much will they need? So, I am making a change so more of my estate will be going to the nonprofits I am engaged in. What I look at is, what's my legacy going to be, what was important to me and what's important to the community.

SHAUN: Why have you chosen strategies like including the Community Foundation in your estate plan and making gifts via stock or a qualified charitable distribution?

BOB: I consider the tax implications. I own several income producing properties with extensive capital gains taxes. My CPA told me that, after my death, by transferring those properties to my children, they will receive them at a stepped up basis, and all those capital gains taxes go away. My longtime investment accounts have a lot of taxes because they've appreciated, therefore much of my stocks and similar assets will go to my designated nonprofits. All my basic assets—house, accounts, properties—are in a trust. My children will get the property side and much of the stock and cash side will go to the nonprofits.

SHAUN: Why do you choose to partner with Grand Rapids Community Foundation for your philanthropic goals?

BOB: The tremendous staff have done research I can’t do to vet nonprofits. Everybody I've met here—the scholarship committee, yourself and the advice you've given on transferring funds—has been incredible. I don’t think your services can be matched. I'm looking at the long term, and the Community Foundation will be there long after I am. I have 10, maybe 20 years to live, if I'm really lucky . I know my giving, the scholarship and my donations will be in good hands. It's a legacy thing.

The Community Foundation is honored to support donor partners in discussing, establishing or adapting their philanthropic investments. To start a conversation, contact the development team at 616.454.1751.

S.S. and A.R.L.

Alfield Reeves Photography

United Methodist Community House

United Methodist Community House has been serving our community since 1902. Grand Rapids Community Foundation has supported UMCH’s work through various grants and donations, including support from our Donor Advised funds. Heather Gill Fox, Community Foundation strategic communications manager, recently talked with Carla Moore, chief executive officer, and Eric Williams, vice president of strategic initiatives, about the organization’s intergenerational model that begins with expanding childcare, as well as the organization's capital campaign.

HEATHER: How is UMCH responding to community needs?

UMCH: Part of UMCH's overall big vision is ensuring sustainability for the next 100 years. We do that in part by making sure that what we offer and engage in is relevant to actual documented community needs. UMCH is and has been committed to serving lower income populations. Data shows lower income populations are more diverse. This is what drives the demographics of who UMCH serves, which is predominantly communities of color. Understanding that the system of childcare in the country is broken and needs to be addressed and there is a great need to ensure older adults have access to the programs and services that increase their ability to age in place longer. What’s unfortunate is that— until a shortage of teachers and seats began to impact higher-income populations—there really wasn't a focus on how detrimental and huge childcare disparities really are.

HEATHER: Why is early childhood development support needed?

UMCH: In 2017/2018, we learned of an extreme need for care for children ages zero through two. There were 2,400 children residing within our UMCH direct service area, but only 189 licensed registered slots of care existed for that same demographic. That is crisis level. We immediately went to work with the help of some local foundations to transform two multipurpose program spaces into two new classrooms that would help us serve 24 more children in that age range.

The woman who got the last seat available in that entire program when we had opened literally bust out in tears when she found out that she was accepted. She was excited to be having a child, but she felt like it was a twoyear sentence to unemployment. She had been searching high and low, calling nearly every center in the community and was not finding any openings as her due date was quickly approaching. Her story was a validation and eye opener about why it's so important to create more seats. Data reports in recent years also reiterate the fact that this need is persistent. The system has to be strategically thought out so that sustainability can occur.

HEATHER: What about older adults and eldercare?

UMCH: West Michigan is extremely wealthy in the number

of resources and things available to its older residents, but they are not equitably distributed in this community. When you talk about elders who are aging within the central city, they lack the ability to access these resources, let alone even know about them. Much of what we do is socialization and helping extend or create a sense of purpose for older adults. Most of what impacts an older adult's wellness is their physical and social environment. UMCH addresses both of those needs through programming and creating a place of communal belonging.

Aging in place is the number one desire of most aging citizens. But as you age, your ability to access the things that you need becomes increasingly difficult if you're not out in one of those retirement communities where everything is brought in and built around you. Unfortunately, this goes back to the reality that earning potential in communities of color is lower than in the dominant culture. We've not had or been afforded the same opportunities, so how do we ensure that older adults with lower incomes can access what they need?

HEATHER: What’s next for UMCH?

UMCH: UMCH has been reorganizing and re-envisioning who we are, what we want to become and how we can begin to answer community needs and create sustainability for the next 100 years. We’ve built upon the foundation of our intergenerational model, which is who we are.

Over the summer we are expanding our 904 Sheldon Avenue campus to include an open-to-the-public intergenerational park. It will feature equipment geared towards children ages three to five, as well as equipment for adults. We’re building a new Older Adult Activity Center and will eventually expand our infant and toddler classrooms. We will also launch alternative care services, which comprise of drop-in care for families experiencing homelessness and need care while they take care of appointments, interviews and other critical business. And we will be launching 2nd shift care to support families of shift workers need childcare beyond the regular business hours of most care facilities.

HEATHER: How can community support UMCH?

UMCH: It is important for this community to understand that this vision and our capital campaign to support it is probably one of the most ambitious, largest raises from a minority-led organization that this community has ever seen. It's historic. If we can all get behind this effort, then as a community we can realize what it means to be equitable, what it means to make room for all of us to work and to grow and improve this community. And every last member of our community has an opportunity to be a part of this. You can learn more about the campaign at UMCHouseGR. org/Campaign. There you can view our case for support, project drawings, photos, access a pledge card or even contribute online.

H.G.F.

Photos provided by UMCH

Nonprofits across Kent County are making changes to improve lives in our community. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to support and invest in those nonprofits—and we have many ways to partner with donors to make it happen. Many donor partners use Donor Advised funds to direct resources to impactful programs and nonprofits aligned with their values.

PARTNERS in Prog ress

This May $1,505,000 in grants were awarded to local nonprofits from Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds. These grant partnerships support nonprofits as they meet needs and support the community, and they are made possible due to the generous support of donor partners.

FAMILY OUTREACH CENTER,

$330,000

Family Outreach Center's mission is to build stronger families by providing high-quality behavioral health services, regardless of ability to pay, focusing on low-income, underinsured and uninsured families and children. This grant will allow Family Outreach Center to hire diverse clinicians, increasing access to culturally responsive behavioral health services for people of color and underserved populations.

GRAND RAPIDS AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH INSTITUTE,

$375,000

Grand Rapids African American Health Institute works to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities at the health systems and community levels. The grant will allow them to reach and better serve African American communities, increase staff capacity, financial stability, and operational efficiency by adding a fund development director and human resource consultant.

URBAN LEAGUE OF WEST MICHIGAN,

$500,000

Urban League of West Michigan assists all people in achieving selfsufficiency and equality. The Urban League is an organization where everyone is empowered through economic independence. This grant will support the Urban League's growing operational

needs as they launch their Community Development Financial Institution and Center for Economic Development for Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs

PROJECT GREEN,

$300,000

Project GREEN (Grassroots Economic Empowerment Network) empowers financial capability in our community and implements advocacy initiatives that tear down systemic barriers to economic success. The grant partnership will support advancement of their program participants' financial capabilities through more financial and credit workshops. Project GREEN will also be able to add facilitators and increase the reach of their advocacy projects, including the Rent Reporting Initiative, Child Support Credit Building Initiative, Pay-It-Forward and Annual Economic Empowerment Conference

Learn more about our Fund for Community Good, recent grant partnerships and our grant application process at GRFoundation.org/Apply-For-Funding

CONGRATULATIONS ON Your Retirement Ruth

“Learn from each other and share our stories and past history," says Ruth Bishop as parting advice after 32 years with Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Ruth has been focused on education and supporting students throughout her entire career. After working in various general and special education administrative positions in both the public and private school sector, she joined the Community Foundation in 1992. Here she has been responsible for administering awards for over 80 scholarship funds and supporting local efforts targeting college access for all students. She also supported grants for camp programs. She was a member of the National Scholarship Providers Association and provided college access information seminars and scholarship application writing workshops.

We are grateful for the many years of dedication to local students Ruth brought to the Community Foundation. Ruth shares that she will miss all the wonderful volunteers, staff and students she has worked with, but looks forward to volunteering and spending time with family in her retirement.

Pictured: Ruth Bishop

GROWING CAPACITY And Leadership Development

For many years now Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been on a journey of listening to reimagine what it looks like to strengthen and deepen our relationship with community. We have explored our role in supporting the nonprofit community in West Michigan. And, we have been examining how to best support smaller, grassroots organizations at various stages in their growth and development. Nonprofits in our community are often born from passionate people who care deeply about a cause impacting people close to them. Thus supporting nonprofits of all sizes benefits not only our sector, but our neighbors.

MAKING ROOM FOR SMALLER NONPROFITS

More than five years ago in our listening sessions, smaller nonprofits expressed frustration that funders often find it easier to see the benefits of supporting larger nonprofits. A preference for established organizations with large teams and budgets can leave limited dollars for smaller organizations. The Community Foundation sees benefit in a robust ecosystem with nonprofits of varying size and style, so we’ve explored ways to support more small organizations. This goal is rooted in our desire to center the experiences of those closest to the problems and invest in their solutions for bringing about change.

As researchers study funding patterns, new lessons have emerged. National statistics show that grassroots organizations receive less funding from major funders, and national funders award fewer grant dollars to organizations led by people of color. When these factors intersect, the impact can mean less funding for the projects with solutions for problems developed by the community most impacted. Also, organizations led by people of color see more restrictions on their funding.

PARTNERSHIPS DISRUPTING THE NORM

To disrupt this, the Community Foundation has revised and revisited its grant applications and policies. Beyond that, we have explored ways to invest differently into emerging nonprofits and their leaders. For smaller organizations, opportunities for leadership development can mean greater sustainability for the long term.

Two examples of the Community Foundation growing alongside nonprofits are through our partnerships with Glimpse of Africa and Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan. As political climates shift, so too does the work of organizations supporting refugees and immigrants. These organizations not only face the cycles of growing a nonprofit but often must scale their organization to meet quickly emerging immediate needs, such as a refugee crisis resulting in larger influx of new members to

our community. These nonprofits help refugees and immigrants navigate the many stages of legal paperwork, new cultures and finding a sense of belonging. It’s no easy feat and requires adaptable relationships with grant providers.

GRANT PARTNERSHIPS MAKING AN IMPACT

A Glimpse of Africa brings people together to showcase, educate, celebrate and share the diverse African cultures. It fosters essential community programs that voice, advocate for and address African refugees' and immigrants' needs and disparities. A recent grant partnership with them supports their participation in collaborative efforts and community engagement for the African community in West Michigan. Adding more funds to the grant partnership helped support them with nonprofit consulting services. The fund addition came about because we could have honest conversations with AGOA about their needs. Without a new approach and relationships driven model, their true needs might not have surfaced.

Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan is rooted in community and birthed from personal skill and passion. It is one of the only nonprofit organizations providing immigration services led and founded by a woman of color. This valuable addition to the immigrant legal support ecosystem has rapidly grown over the last two years. IAC provides equal access to affordable legal services in Kent County, and our grant award supports their ability to offer reduced-fee immigration legal assistance.

PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY

Across Kent County, we are committed to creating a community that aggressively seeks to put an end to inequity. One way we make that happen is by adapting our policies and practices to be in greater alignment with our commitment to racial, social and economic justice. As we listen to community voices and our partners, we will continue to explore ways to live into truly being our community’s foundation—one that represents everyone we serve, responds to today’s pressing needs and builds for the future.

H.G.F.

Pictured: AGOA Festival

Photos provided by A Glimpse of Africa

FOR YOUTH, By Youth

Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee gathers students from schools across Kent County to support youth-led programs that improve the lives of youth in our community. YGC volunteers gain leadership experience while working as part of a diverse team to make impactful decisions.

During the school year, volunteer student leaders meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposal process to address those needs, meet with nonprofit leaders to conduct interviews and do site visits. “It's really a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy, and it connects youth from across Grand Rapids,” says current YGC volunteer Lia Lin. “YGC invites them to come in and share experiences and thoughts to form a better community.” The committee then presents grant recommendations to the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees.

GRANTS FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH

From its first grant to today, our Youth Grant Committee has awarded more than $1.6 million dollars to local nonprofits supporting programs for youth. To inform their grantmaking priorities, the Youth Grant Committee conducts a Needs Assessment Survey of high schoolers in Kent County every other year. In the most recent survey, 785 local students participated and identified not only their top stressors but also what sorts of activities and supports relieve those worries.

YGC volunteers take the information from that Needs Assessment Survey and, through a robust grantmaking process, make decisions about where to recommend grants. In 2024, the committee recommended a total of $50,000 to 18 local nonprofits and organizations that align with the needs expressed by local youth. These conversations are not easy. Committee volunteers shared how much they appreciate the YGC being a place where youth are truly leading. Students lead meetings, engage in difficult discussions with their peers and ultimately make important about where to move funds.

“There’s a sad belief that's out there in our community that says: ‘I'm too young to make a difference. I don't have enough money to make a difference. I don't have the opportunity to make a difference.’ They don't feel like their voice is heard,” says Caebre Baty, YGC Executive Committee volunteer. “And I feel like YGC is that opportunity to have your voice heard, to have a seat at the table.”

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Besides creating ways for students to engage in philanthropy through grantmaking and service, YGC is enhancing leadership qualities. Students are teaching each other about causes close to their hearts. They are modeling how to have difficult conversations and make decisions together. “YGC isn't just making a difference for the greater Grand Rapids community, but also for the people that are in it. YGC really helps you learn how to work as a team.

I've never really met a more genuine and supportive group who's passionate about what they're doing,” Lia adds.

The committee is a great example for other youth and adult volunteer bodies. These student leaders are making important decisions in our community. They are demonstrating what it looks like to offer time, talent and treasure to causes they are passionate about. They are part of the story of giving back in our community. Youth are not just learning philanthropy; they are teaching it.

“YGC is a group of students that are dedicated to making change now,” says Caebre. “Not waiting till they have money, not waiting till they hit a certain level. When you think of community, it's everybody chipping in. And I would say all these students like me are chipping in together. Helping that next generation to be successful leaders, learn new skills and set their own goals for a life that they can flourish from.”

Read more about Youth Grant Committee, including the 2022 Needs Assessment Survey and the 2024 grant awards at GRFoundation.org/YGC

Pictured: Youth Grant Committee Members

Pictured: Top: Caebre Baty, Bottom: Lia Lin

Isabel Media Studios

H.G.F.

METZ LEGACY Society

RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO CREATE A LEGACY

We are pleased to honor and recognize members of our Metz Legacy Society, which honors those who put their trust in the Community Foundation to help carry out their philanthropic legacy. Members below have informed us that they are including the Community Foundation in their estate plans. We honor their charitable intentions and celebrate their commitment to the community.

METZ SOCIETY MEMBERS

AS OF MAY 14, 2024

Mary Abbott Cumming

Mr. William E. Alt

Mark A. and Wendy I.* Anderson

Anonymous (18)

Mr. Willem Antonides

Mr. and Mrs. Noyes Avery

Rev. Katherine Lee Baker and Danny Montoya Reyes

Brian and Deanna Bakker

Corey and Rebecca Balkon

Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bassett

John H.* and Nancy Batts

Laurie Finney Beard

Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart

Tanya and Tom Berg

Jesse M. Bernal

John R. Bertsch

John and Claire Bissell

Lynne Black

Bonnie Blandford

George and Jill Bosnjak

Janet and John Boyles

Tom Braciak

Genny Bratschie

Tracy and Tom* Breihof

The Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr.

Mark Breon

Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower

Renwick Brutus

Robert and Sandy Burnham

Anna Moore Butzner

Linda Byington

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Campbell

Ms. Esther A. Carew

David M. and Cara V. Cassard

Mandy and Christian Chardoul

Iain and Michaele Charnley

Molly and Colin Chelovich

Roger and Sally Ciapara

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Cornetet

Gina M. Covert Ostergren

Laurie and Crawford Craft

Bill and Marilyn Crawford

Randall L. Currey and Bryan Ribbens

Bob and Julie Currier

Tom Czerney

Tom and Gale Czerwinski

Thomas C. & M. Lynn Dandridge

John and Edy Davies

Pat and Gil Davis

Jennifer and David Deamud

Joy DeBoer

Roger and Marcia DeKock

Pete* and Tuti DeMaagd

Barb DeMoor

Bill and Carolyn DeNeut

Rick and Sue DeVries

Danielle DeWitt

Gail DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley

Elizabeth Tinney Donley

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Dooge, Jr.

John* and Marilyn Dooge

Beth Dornan

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Ducharme

Ms. Patricia S. Duthler

David G. Dvorak, M.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenton H. Eavey

Jay and Kim Egan

Ben Emdin

Ms. Elaine E. Emmons

Bill Essling

Hank and Marcia Fairchild

Bill and Kay Farr

Romeo Ferrer Jr. and Sam Curcuruto

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finazzi

Michael Finton Ph.D.

Eric and Kelly Fischer

Mary and Bill Ford

Joy Foster

Maxine J. Fox

Jeffrey and Sheila Frank

Jason Franklin

Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel

Mr. Henry G. Fuhs

Michael and Elyce Fuller

Dr. Iris-Naomi Garcia

Brent and Ronda Geers

Linsey Gleason

Thomas and Sally Gleason

Beth Goebel

Gary Goode

Jane and Phillip* W. Goodspeed

Derether Greer

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Groenink

Daniel Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse

Mr. and Mrs. James P. Hackett Sr.

William and Claudia Hardy

Graci Harkema

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hathaway

Jacqueline E. Haveman

Jan Heerspink

Beverly and William* Heyne

John and Gwen Hibbard

Bert Pettis and Gary Hill

Jeff Hill

Jean and David Hitchcock

Dirk and June Hoffius

Mike Hoffman and Michael Doriean

Jane Hondelink

Robert L. Hooker

Gregg and Kim Hughes

S. Katherine Humphrey

John Hunting

Mrs. Cherry H. Jacobus

Chuck and Carol Jennings

Lynne Jarman-Johnson and Robert J. Johnson

Tom* and Margy Jones

Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick

Michael and Sarah Julien

Karen A. Kania and Margaret H. McClure

Carol Karr

Mary and Dan Karrip

Nancy Kehoe Nielsen

Andy and Christina Keller

Mr. Frederick P. Keller

Paul and Beth Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kenny

Ms. Roberta F. King and Mr. Mike J. Miesch

Birgit Klohs

James* and Marilyn Klyn Galer

Chris and Amy Knape

Raymond E. Knape

Marilyn Knol

Pam Knowles

Michael E. Kooistra

David and Phyllis Koslow

Mrs. June Kosten

Cris and Tom Kutzli

Nakia Kyler

Tom and Sally Kyros

Mrs. Paula La Claire

Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad

Claire and Debbie Larson

R. Lawrence and Marilyn Leigh

Norm and Marilyn Leven

Mike Lloyd

Michael Loughman

Arend and Nancy Lubbers

Janis Lunquist and Michael May

Mr. Eugene G. Lyons

John* and Suzie Mackeigan

Barbara P. Marcus

Ron Marsteiner

Ms. Eugenia Marve

Max Matteson and Bud Baty

Kate and John McGarry

Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams

John and Betsy McIntyre

Tom Merchant

Jason and Kate Meyer

Bonnie K. Miller

Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller

Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell

Bryant and Audrey Mitchell

Ronald and Karen Modreski

Gordie and Jan Moeller

Kurt Moore and John Ruud

Mr. David W. Morgenstern

John and Gretchen Mousel

Terri A. Mulligan

Ms. Dorothy Munson

Judge Bill and Paula Murphy

Matt and Stephanie Muscat

Jon* and Carol Muth

Ardith V. Neath Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley D. Nelson

Dr. Anthony J. Foster and Linda Nemec Foster

Teresa Newmarch

Mr. Richard Norton Smith

Peggy Novosad

Juan and Mary Olivarez

Gerry L. Olson

Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf

Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik

Mr. Scott Paquin

Molly and Steve Parker

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Payne

Cynthia Pimm and Vicki Poleni Pimm

Ms. Cecilia Pius

Kathleen Stewart Ponitz

Martha J. Porter

Jim and Marie Preston

Amy Price

Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Price

Scott and Heather Pruski

Marcia L. Rapp

Rochelle Reagan

Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles

Milt and Barbara Rohwer

Dr. Jack and Lija Romence

Lisa Marlene Rose

Mary C. Roth

Bob and Marcy Roth

Dr. Owen and Bonnie Rottschafer

Alan Rumbaugh

Ms. Kathleen M. Russell

Edward W. Ryan

Margaret Ryan

Megan and Noel Rydecki

Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt

Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope

Jerry Schaefer and Polly Hewitt

Robert Schellenberg

Mary Jane Schopf

Ms. Greta Schuil

Ms. Corliss E. Scott

John Scott

Jim and Susie Sebastian

Mark A. Sellers

Elaine Shay

Lee Shedleski-Holmden and David Holmden

Marilyn* and Budge Sherwood

Shaun Shira

Diana R. Sieger

Ms. Maureen Quinn Slade

Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk

Carrie Smith

Lisa Sostecke DDS

Robert A. Sprotte

Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre

Terrence M. Start

Ron Steensma and Sandi Frost Steensma

Barbara D. Steil

Steve Steketee

Julie and John Stivers

Wendy Stock

Brian and Robin Stoner

Ms. Patty A. Story

Ms. Ann Stuart Burroughs

Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland

Elliot Talen

Mary and Steele* Taylor

Michael and Susan Taylor

Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra

Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole

Dave Thompson

Aleka Thrash

Jill and Art Tiefenbach

Vicki and Brian* Tingley

Jenine and Jose Torres

Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp

Rick Treur

George and Kerstin Trowbridge

Selma Tucker

Ms. Rebecca L. Tyke

Elizabeth A. Tyson

Dr. and Mrs. Ghayas Uddin

Scott Urbanowski

Mr. David A. Van Dyke

Frank and Sharon Van Haven

Selene Van Vleck

Don VandenBos Jr.

Lorrie and Dave Vander Ark

Lou VanderHave

Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe

Mr. and Mrs. Rick A. VanHorn

Ms. Robin E. Velte

Carl and Sandra VerBeek

Ben and Emily VerWys

John P. and Lynn Vinkemulder

Phil and Kathy Vogelsang

Gary Walker

Anita Wallgren

Ms. Sandra Ward

Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins

Elizabeth M. Welch

Connie Wenger

Mary White

Dave and Stephanie Whitford

Dorothy Wiest

Reneé Williams

Rita Williams and John Gill

Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine

Mr. Thomas D. Wisnom

Mike and Colleen Wolfe

Kate Pew Wolters

Dr. Richard J. Woltersom

Bob* and Aleicia Woodrick

Gabriel Works

John and Kathleen Woudstra

Chelsie Wyse

Dick and Barbara Young

Marilyn and Garrett Zack

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zwarensteyn

Betty Zylstra and David Baak

Robert J. Zylstra

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

185 Oakes Street SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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THIS & THAT

UPCOMING CHANGES TO DONOR AND GRANT PORTALS

Grand Rapids Community Foundation will launch a new portal for grant applications in August 2024. As we transition, we are not currently accepting pre-applications. We anticipate that grant applications will reopen for Fund for Community Good, Black Legacy Fund, Challenge Scholars Dream Fund, Lowell Area Community Fund, Hudsonville-Jenison, Wyoming, Sparta and Nonprofit Technical Assistance in mid-August.

A new portal for Donor Advised and Agency funds will be launched in the fall. If you have a Donor Advised fund, we will email instructions before the launch on how to activate your account.

Please contact our Philanthropic Services and Program teams with any questions by calling 616.454.1751.

CONGRATULATIONS, LASANDRA!

Join us in celebrating LaSandra! The Community Foundation is excited to announce that our new president and CEO, LaSandra Gaddy, was named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 50 Most Influential Woman of 2024. She is also an honoree for the Michigan Women Forward: 2024 Woman Up & Celebrate West Michigan.