PARTNERS in community
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
4 COVID-19: OUR COMMUNITY’S OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EQUITABLE RECOVERY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kathleen B. Vogelsang (Chair) Kyle D. Caldwell (Vice Chair) Ryleigh Fischer Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane Michael Rosloniec Amy Ruis Carlos Sanchez Daniel Williams Reneé Williams
Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455 Email: grfound@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.
WORKING TOGETHER TO REVIVE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
7 NONPROFIT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: FAMILY OUTREACH CENTER
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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
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@GRCommFound
THEIR DREAMS, OUR PROMISE
Graphic Design: Seventh Creative Photography: Dreams by Bella Photography , Lance Nelson Photography Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
PARTNERS in community SUMMER 2020 | Issue 84
DONOR PARTNERS STEP UP: THEN & NOW 5 PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
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CHALLENGE SCHOLARS DONORS
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THIS & THAT
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PARTNERS in Opportunity Life amid COVID-19 has been quite the experience. For some of us, it was a time of adjustment—creating new routines while balancing working from home, caring for loved ones and teaching children, all while managing the stress and anxiety of simply maintaining in a pandemic. Many struggled with the harsh reality of balancing business budgets during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, unable to avoid layoffs, furloughs or even closing their doors permanently. Others had the added responsibility of carrying out their essential roles as frontline workers—caring for our community during such a tumultuous time. And, there are those who carried the added trauma of deep and historic racial, social and economic inequities that are only intensified in times of crisis. And then, we received news of the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd—only a few of the countless Black lives that have been lost due to this nation’s history of systemic and overt racism and oppression. We can no longer turn our heads or close our eyes to this harsh reality that has persisted throughout the history of our country and right here in our community. The righteous rage that has been demonstrated in the streets of our beloved West Michigan is real. The racial uprisings happening in our region, country and world are calls for us to wake up. Calls for us to acknowledge that Black Lives do not merely “Matter,’ but that they deserve to thrive, to be cherished and to be celebrated. As author and activist Kimberly Jones so passionately stated, “They are lucky that what Black people are looking for is equality and not revenge.” We are at a critical juncture in our history and we have the opportunity to do things differently; to do things right. Together, as a community, we can take hold of the real opportunity for an equitable recovery from COVID-19 and from generations of racial and socioeconomic inequities.
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This pandemic has taught me a lot about our community. While I have been leading the Community Foundation for nearly 33 years, I am in awe of the many lessons I have recently learned from our partners. Lessons about resistance and resolve, courage and collaboration, innovation and integrity. I know I speak on behalf of the entire Community Foundation team when I say we hold close what our many community partners have taught us so far, and we know there is so much more for us to learn as we move together toward recovery.
COVID-19: OUR COMMUNITY’S
OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EQUITABLE RECOVERY
In Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s nearly 100-year legacy of responding to the most pressing issues in Kent County, we have learned that out of every crisis comes opportunity. Opportunity to lean further into your values and tap into resilience you never knew you had. Opportunity to innovate and reimagine. Opportunity to chart new paths and build new partnerships. As West Michigan recovers from the COVID-19 crisis and works to right the wrongs of generations of systemic racism so many opportunities await our community.
As we work to better understand the long-term impact of this crisis, we will remain in a posture of listening, learning and collaboration with organizations and networks seeking to advance equity through their recovery efforts. We know for sure that our recovery efforts will prioritize 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 COVID-19 pandemic.
When it became apparent in early March that West Michigan would need to brace for COVID-19’s emergence in our community, our team began preparing for the unknown. Amid so much uncertainty, a few things anchored us. Early on, we knew our response to COVID-19 would be multifaceted, so collaboration with our many community partners would be essential. We knew this pandemic’s impact would be long term and that we’d need to prepare for an extended recovery. And, while we didn’t know the details of our response, we knew that it would be rooted in equity. That’s why our response had to be co-created with those most impacted and directed toward communities navigating generations of disparities that would only be intensified by the pandemic.
GROWING OUR CAPACITY TO STRENGTHEN OUR IMPACT
LESSONS FROM COLLABORATION Early in March, we began collaborating with area foundations, nonprofits, business leaders and local governments to assess the immediate, near and long-term impacts of this crisis. “We shared information, resources and networks to ensure a comprehensive approach,” said Diana Sieger, Community Foundation president. “The group has expanded and furthered each of our organizations’ individual actions. I’m proud of the collaboration in our community and the commitment to using our resources for good.” As a result of these conversations, one of our first steps was a grant to Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Kent County Coronavirus Response Fund. This fund had a tremendous impact in supporting nonprofits serving vulnerable populations to meet immediate needs, such as housing and food. Our nonprofit and community partners have led in innovative ways, and we have invested our trust, resources and partnership in them. They helped us identify and respond to gaps. For example, many relief efforts aren’t available to people who are undocumented. Language and literacy are barriers to critical health and safety information. Our partners confirmed the need to increase access to mental health and emotional support services during Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order. They reinforced the critical role of anchor institutions, who have built trust capital in communities of color, amid a pandemic. Together, we saw how many historically under-resourced entrepreneurs of color lacked access to capital and other relief opportunities. Our nonprofit and community partners quickly mobilized to create critical and timely solutions. Our role was to walk alongside, offering financial assets, operational support, flexibility on existing grants and other resources.
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“I am very proud of the Community Foundation’s swift response to incredibly challenging circumstances that arose in very short order,” said Michael Rosloniec, immediate past chair of the Community Foundation Board of Trustees. “The staff was able to act with such speed and focus to get funds to the most marginalized in our community because they have been deliberate in researching those organizations best positioned to help. They have built outstanding relationships with amazing partner organizations throughout Kent County.”
WORKING TOWARD AN EQUITABLE RECOVERY We simply cannot ignore the reality that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted communities of color. This reality drives us deeper into our commitment to pursue equity for everyone who calls West Michigan home. The heart of our recovery work is to address the deep and historic racial, social and economic inequities that exist in our community and are intensified in times of crisis. A.R.L.
L.N.P.
We knew early on that we’d need resources beyond what our endowed Fund for Community Good could provide to mobilize dollars quickly. So, the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund was established at the Community Foundation to respond to the near and long-term impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the most marginalized, especially communities of color. This fund will be a vehicle for the Community Foundation and our donor partners to pool resources to collectively support the recovery of nonprofits and small businesses serving those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our donor partners have already shown their support to kick start the fund. The Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund is non-endowed to ensure dollars will be used to rapidly respond to the evolving crisis and long-term recovery plans. Our community’s recovery from COVID-19 has just begun. While we know it will take time, we’re in it for the long haul. As a community foundation, we were built for times such as this. We are fortunate to walk alongside our donor, nonprofit and community partners on this journey and look forward to the opportunities that will emerge from this crisis. The saying “Never waste a crisis” holds true as we embark on a new chapter in our community’s storied history. This is an opportunity for West Michigan to overcome the pain and loss and claim victory through an equitable recovery and a new future that creates pathways for us all to thrive.
To learn more about the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund, a fund of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and to join our grfoundation.org/COVID19. long-term recovery efforts, visit grfoundation.org/COVID19 See PARTNERS in Progress on page 6 for details on new grant partnerships related to COVID-19.
DO N O R PART N ERS ST E P UP :
WORKING TOGE THE R
Our donor partners have built an endowment that helps Grand Rapids Community Foundation weather—and lead through— storms. Thank you for being a partner in our work.
If we work together, our local economy will bounce back from the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is taking a multipronged approach to leveraging its resources to support small business recovery. We will prioritize access to capital and opportunities for entrepreneurs of color and small business owners, who are historically under-resourced.
THEN & NOW
The strength of the Community Foundation’s continued response was and is made possible by the stability of our endowment and the flexibility of our unrestricted funds. Over decades, donors who couldn’t have imagined our current state—but knew the Community Foundation would be an important resource and fuel for West Michigan’s recovery and prosperity—grew this power. Their foresight and generosity has contributed to meeting previous needs and played a part in our immediate and extended responses to COVID-19. As demonstrated through recent grantmaking, the Community Foundation adjusts to meet people’s needs as the environment changes. Our financial policies are designed to provide consistent nonprofit support and fund distribution despite market volatility. This long-term vision is one reason our partners trust our work. It is more important than ever that the Community Foundation can adapt and respond to our community’s most pressing needs. Our donor partners have already shown their support by kick starting the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund, supporting nonprofits they care about and backing other community initiatives, like La Lucha Fund. We are honored by your trust and encouraged to see our community rise to meet this challenge. When we join together and share our resources, we can make a collective impact. A.H.S.
WHY WE PARTNER WITH GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
TO REVIVE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
The first prong is our traditional grantmaking strategy of providing new resources to partners. The Board of Trustees recently approved a $150,000 grant partnership with West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This grant will provide business supports to Latinx owned businesses in response to the economic crisis. Also, a grant partnership with Rende Progress Capital for $250,000 responds to generations of disinvestment in communities of color. Through small business loans and support, Rende Progress Capital plays a critical role in bringing investments and resources to communities that have historically been underserved. The second prong is to keep listening to current nonprofit partners as they create innovative solutions to the pandemic. For example, Start Garden adjusted its multiyear program-specific grant partnership into immediate support for 100 Comeback. This entrepreneur relief fund specifically supports opportunities for people of color and women. The Community Foundation’s flexible grantmaking practices provide space for nonprofit partners’ inventive ideas to flourish and create responsive recovery approaches. Finally, the Community Foundation is collaborating with local foundations, chambers of commerce and other business leaders to nurture small business recovery. These conversations assess COVID-19 impacts and work to determine how philanthropy, business and government each play a role in building an equitable recovery for Kent County.
“We wanted to do something to contribute toward the coronavirus recovery. Donating to the Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund seemed to be a very good thing to do, because we know how legitimate Grand Rapids Community Foundation is.” –Tom and Mickie Fox, donor partners
H.G.F.
L.N.P.
“Grand Rapids Community Foundation always focuses on proper stewardship of their financial assets to have the flexibility to act appropriately when a crisis arises. Although few could have imagined such a horrible healthcare crisis and corresponding economic pain, I am glad the Community Foundation leadership was prepared and moved with incredible speed to get assets where they were most needed.” – Michael Rosloniec, Community Foundation Board of Trustees immediate past chair, Investment Review Committee member and donor partner
“We know that people who are undocumented don’t have access, because of their status, to a lot of supports put in place during this COVID-19 crisis. As a result, families who worked hard to feed their kids and pay their rent and still struggled even before the pandemic are being left behind. I believe it’s our responsibility to show up for each other and am honored to give to La Lucha Fund, to help support members of our community who are excluded by systems of power that were never built for their success.” –Erika VanDyke, Community Foundation program officer and donor partner
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“For nearly 100 years, donors have been setting aside unrestricted funds for use by future leaders to respond to unforeseeable needs. A few short months ago, no one could see the challenges COVID-19 would bring, but the flexibility of GRCF’s unrestricted endowment has allowed the foundation to pivot and respond. That kind of permanent protection for our community is hard to find elsewhere.” – Tom Kyros, Community Foundation Board of Trustees, Professional Advisory Committee member and donor partner
PA R T N E R S
in Progress
Since February, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has approved $2,039,000 in grant partnerships, thanks to the generosity of our donor partners. Funds to support these gifts have come from the Fund for Community Good, Field of Interest Funds and our Kent County COVID-19 Recovery Fund. These partnerships with local nonprofits support our community in many ways.
BAXTER COMMUNITY CENTER, $400,000 For 50 years, Baxter Community Center has provided quality services and met critical needs of Baxter neighborhood residents. This grant is awarded to maximize organizational potential and secure a sustainable future of service to our community.
FAMILY OUTREACH CENTER, $50,000 This grant partnership supports Family Outreach Center’s high demand for culturally responsive mental health services to children and adults. These services are for people who are uninsured or underinsured, which is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GRAND RAPIDS URBAN LEAGUE, $150,000 Grand Rapids Urban League is an anchor institution providing trusted employment, youth development and health education supports in communities of color. This grant partnership helps them continue critical operations while they leverage their relationships to provide culturally responsive services related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY, $50,000 This grant partnership supports the Kent County Coronavirus Response Fund, developed to meet immediate needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as housing, food and shelter.
HISPANIC CENTER OF WESTERN MICHIGAN, $25,000
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This grant partnership supports multilingual translation and interpretation services. These help all community members access critical information about minimizing exposure to and spreading COVID-19, as well as other resources.
HISPANIC CENTER OF WESTERN MICHIGAN, $25,000 This grant helps fund back office support so the Hispanic Center can do financial due diligence and distribute funds for La Lucha Fund (described below).
INSTITUTE OF UBUNTU, $200,000 A grant partnership with Black Impact Collective supports their exploration of seven impact areas for the immediate and postCOVID-19 recovery for Black and African American people living in greater-Grand Rapids.
KCONNECT, $10,000 KConnect is a public, private and nonprofit sectors collaboration created to dissolve systemic inequity across the prenatal to career continuum, while improving outcomes for all. This grant partnership supports developing a comprehensive community plan to address housing insecurity and racialized disparities in Kent County.
KENT SCHOOL SERVICES NETWORK, $500,000 KSSN creates the supports necessary for a community school model that ensures student access to physical health, mental health and human services within their schools. This grant partnership helps major community health and human service providers address basic needs, so students are ready to learn.
LA LUCHA FUND, $100,000 This grant partnership provided seed funding for La Lucha Fund. The fund was developed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide direct financial support to people who are undocumented or families who are mixed status in Kent County. The fund was developed through a partnership between Movimiento Cosecha, Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network and LatinxGR.
RENDE PROGRESS CAPITAL, $250,000 This grant partnership supports Rende Progress Capital as they offer flexible capital for excluded entrepreneurs facing the economic consequences of COVID-19.
SAMARITAS, $100,000 Samaritas provides many services to help older adults of any income level to age at home with dignity. This grant partnership supports a new 53-unit affordable living community for older adults in Grand Rapids.
STEEPLETOWN NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES, $10,000 Steepletown is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. This grant partnership will help them explore new approaches for delivering preschool, workforce education and other critical services now that they may no longer lease church space. They are transitioning to become an independent entity that primarily serves communities of color in urban West Side neighborhoods.
UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY HOUSE, $10,000 This grant will help United Methodist Community House grow and adapt its programs and operations to best service families in the heart of Grand Rapids.
WEST MICHIGAN HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION, $150,000 The pandemic disproportionately affects communities of color, so supporting them is critical for an equitable economic recovery in Kent County. This grant partnership leverages the Hispanic Chamber’s trusted relationships to help Latinx owned businesses navigate COVID-19’s economic consequences.
WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER, $9,000 This grant partnership will help Women’s Resource Center find a more centralized location with more room for flexible programming. Relocating will help Women’s Resource Center meet a growing demand for services.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlight:
FAMILY OUTREACH CENTER The COVID-19 pandemic is magnifying deep and historic racial inequities, which can result in elevated anxiety for people of color. Anxiety levels can also be increased due to race-based trauma, triggered by the coverage of police brutality against Black people or the backlash to racial uprisings. While mental health services are always critical, the demand for these services is rising. Family Outreach Center is a leading organization in delivering culturally responsive mental health services to children and adults who are uninsured or underinsured. “The COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the life and functioning of these underserved populations by raising anxiety levels, which negatively affects their mental health and overall sense of well-being,” said Dr. Veneese V. Chandler, FOC executive director and CEO. “Awareness of the challenges and disparities that already exist for these populations, helps Family Outreach Center deliver the appropriate interventions and support during this critical time.” As the pandemic surfaced in West Michigan, FOC quickly and successfully transitioned their programming to meet emerging needs. They offer telehealth services and maintain a limited amount of office hours for access to doctors and emergency supports. They have a culturally diverse staff and offer services in English and Spanish.
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming. If you, or people you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions, call Family Outreach Center at 616.247.3815. H.G.F.
L.N.P.
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FOC aligns with the Community Foundation’s priority to offer health and vital services in communities of color, so our Board of Trustees approved a $50,000 grant partnership in April. The grant will be matched nearly 1:1 from federal dollars through Medicaid Outreach. “Partnering with the Community Foundation helps FOC to ensure that those most at risk receive the culturally relevant treatment needed. Family Outreach Center has been able to continue providing essential counseling services that make a difference for adults, children and low income populations,” Dr. Chandler said.
THEIR DREAMS, OUR PROMISE Every graduation ceremony, whether kindergarten, high school, undergraduate or beyond, brings anticipation, excitement and pride to those honored and their loved ones. For the Union High School Class of 2020, those feelings have been building since their induction as sixth graders into the Challenge Scholars program in 2014. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is committed to reduce or eliminate financial barriers to education and create pipelines to opportunity. We do so in part through scholarships and Challenge Scholars—a program that provides wraparound supports and covers costs of post-secondary education for students on Grand Rapids’ West Side. More than a scholarship, Challenge Scholars provides inschool staff and experiences that poise students for success once they arrive at college or technical training. Our continued goal is to create opportunities for everyone in our community to make the most of their education and realize their dreams. Students in the Class of 2020 have recognized the possibilities and put in the work to make their dreams a reality. Many toured and applied to multiple colleges, explored careers in healthcare, business, STEM or the professional trades and discussed their plans with family and school staff. Their life goals are varied and demonstrate the career and college-going mindset built into their middle and high school experiences. With an ecosystem of community support, grounded by their loved ones and supported by Challenge Scholars, these students have created their bright futures. Celebrating their graduation looked different than anticipated, but the first class of Challenge Scholars is ready for what’s next. Enjoy these stories of seniors who represent their class. Daquawn Logins took his studies and attendance very seriously as a
dual enrollment, commuting to the downtown campus for half the school day. With limited time, Melanie had to make sacrifices—like time for lunch—to make her schedule work. “I have ‘Challenge Scholars’,” Melanie said. “I like to take advantage of every opportunity that’s here in front of me, like this program. It’s helped me and motivated me a lot.” Her dedication to pushing herself has put her ahead. She will continue classes at GRCC in the fall and plans to transfer to University of Michigan after earning her associate degree. Melanie’s dream is to become a civil or environmental engineer, a career she sees as having a tangible and lasting impression on community. She is driven to make something that will affect people and to be remembered for her work. In reflecting on her time in high school, Melanie said, “I think being on track for the Class of 2020 is a great accomplishment already. Ever since I came into high school as a freshman, I was like ‘I’m gonna stay dedicated, I’m gonna stay determined and consistent,’ because consistency is key to getting wherever you want to be. I’m a full believer in that.” To Antony Peña , people and place have greatly influenced his high school experience. When the school year shifted to digital, he immediately missed driving to school with and seeing friends. His extracurricular activities, including Michigan Youth in Government and the Mayor’s Youth Council, were highly relational too. Antony also contributed to grantmaking as a member of the Community Foundation’s Dream Fund and Youth Grant committees. “I’m just very thankful for the Community Foundation itself, because they opened up so many doors for me,” Antony said. “I know a lot of my friends wouldn’t have the opportunities that they have now.”
Challenge Scholar, all while juggling Advanced Placement classes and an after school warehouse job. Daquawn admits that when he was inducted as a Challenge Scholar, he didn’t fully grasp what it meant. “I was too young to realize what people go through to have what I have,” he said. “It wasn’t until like 11th or 12th grade that it sank in that I could go to college for completely free and there are people in their 60s and 70s still paying off their college. I’m truly blessed for this.”
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He credits his parents and friends for helping to keep him focused. Daquawn’s most proud and memorable moments of his senior year were making the honor roll, filling out college applications, getting his college acceptance letter and graduation. “When I got my acceptance letter, my parents had already opened it because they just wanted to be nosey,” he teased. “Once I found out that I got accepted, I was very happy. I’m not a jumping up and down person, but I felt that emotion. It was really cool.” A lifelong lover of animals, Daquawn is heading to Northern Michigan University where he will study zoology and pre-medicine, specializing in farm animals. Melanie Orozco-Zavala doesn’t take opportunities for granted.
Before graduating from Union High School, she had already completed five courses at Grand Rapids Community College through A.H.S.
D.B.B.P.
Daquawn Logins
Antony will start classes at Western Michigan University in the fall, studying for degrees in urban and regional development and Spanish. He would like to study in Spain, but wants to return to Grand Rapids, where he feels strong connections and belonging. He hopes to work for the City someday, potentially as an elected official. “I want to better my community. I want people to be successful. I want the city to be great,” he said. Shari Vargas-Ortiz loves math and looks forward to exploring
math-related career opportunities. She has prepared through dual enrollment courses at GRCC, rigorous Advanced Placement classes and multiple internships. “Four years of high school goes fast,” Shari said, “but it’s a good amount of time for students to take advantage of what the school offers—like dual enrollment classes or programs.” Her advice to younger students is to find the community or group of people who they can share the experiences with. For Shari, Trio Upward Bound through Grand Valley State University was that community of peers. She joined as a sophomore at a friend’s recommendation, and she credits the program with helping her build personal confidence and skills. Joining Upward Bound allowed her to travel, attend conferences and participate in a summer residential experience at Grand Valley.
Shari Vargas-Ortiz
Shari’s proudest moment was opening her acceptance letter to University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In that moment, she said, “I knew that all of my hard work wasn’t for nothing. I get to go to the college of my dreams.” She is excited to explore different career opportunities as a student and plans to participate in an early start program, building relationships with classmates before the fall semester begins.
Join us in celebrating Challenge Scholars’ inaugural Class of 2020 at challengescholars.org/classof2020.
Melanie Orozco-Zavala
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Antony Peña, with his parents
CHALLENGE SCHOLARS DONORS
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A special thank you to the donor partners who have made gifts to support the Challenge Scholars Program at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Their generosity has helped make the post-secondary dreams of Challenge Scholars students and families come true. This list is current as of May 10, 2020. ABLE Manufacturing The ACH Fund Andrew and Sonja Acosta E. Adelman Gerardo Aguilar Susan Alexander Martin J. and Susan J. Allen Family Fund Mr. Robert N. Alt Jr. Emily Ambs American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery Elizabeth L. Anderson* Mark and Wendy Anderson Anonymous (22) Aquinas College Ellen and Donald* Arlinsky Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter AT&T Michigan Mel Atkins II and Anna Atkins Jack and Nancy Austhof Bob and Patty Ayars Joanne Ayotte Dr. Mayda Bahamonde-Gunnell and John Gunnell David and Janice Bailey Jamie Bair Carl and Claudia Bajema Lori J. Baker Tony Baker Brian and Deanna Bakker Baldwin Foundation James and Shirley Balk Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra Bank of America Charitable Foundation - Matching Gift Program The Bank of Holland Billy and Rachel Baumann Laurie Finney Beard Todd and Rhonda Belden Dar Berghorst David and Mary Kay Berles Bob and Val Bernecker John R. Bertsch Fund Darlene J. Beyer R. Wayne Bickel The Bickford and Haynes Family Kimerlee and Rick Billings Ruth E. Bishop Lynne Black Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Ben Boerkoel Jim and Wendy BooydeGraaff Madeira BooydeGraaff Stephen and Cheryl Boshoven George and Jill Bosnjak Walter Botwinski* Rebecca Boven
William and Gari Lynn Bowling Molly Bradshaw* Larry and Nancy Branagan Johnny M. Brann Jr. Jodie and Otto Brannum James and Sharon Breuker Pat Brewer and Ken Betz Brett Brinker and Heather Slay Wayman and Dinah Britt Jim and Donna Brooks Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Mark and Lisa Brown Gary and Bonnie Bultsma Jan Burns Business Development Resource Inc. Thomas and Cheryl Butcher George and Nancy Buth Doug and Charen Buyce Jim and Sandy Byrne Kyle and Juliann Caldwell Laura Caprara Florence Carbonneau Allan* and Claudia Carlson Jack and Carol Carter Phil and Caroll Catlett CDV5 Foundation Tom and Molly Charles Marc and Karen Chircop Chris-Tina Fund Susan and Kelly Clark Andrew Claucherty and Alyssa Meyer Susan M. Cleland and Jane M. Gietzen Brian Cloyd and Agnes Kempker-Cloyd John Considine and Patrice Vrona Consumers Energy Foundation Matching Gift Program Kevin and Diana Cook Bob and Ann Cooper Jay Cooper and Eva Aguirre Cooper Anne H. Copps* Tripp and Kelli Corl Cornerstone University Janean and Michael Couch Kay Courtney Gina Covert-Ostergren and Shiloh Bovee Ed and Linda Cox Laurie and Crawford Craft Carol Crawford Delbert (Del) Crowe C U Chapter Philanthropic Education Organization Lynwood and Sandra Cudney Bob and Julie Currier Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe
John and Rene Darling Darooge Family Charitable Fund Craig and Luanne Datema Davenport University M.E. Davenport Foundation Mary Davie Julie Davis Kathy Davis Parker Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins Eileen Deamer Douglas DeBoer Memorial Fund Jolene DeLuca Pete* and Tuti DeMaagd Democracy Fund Inc. Leslie Dennis Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation Richard and Helen DeVos Advised Fund Ron and Jeanne DeWaard Danielle Josephine DeWitt Arelis E. Diaz Brad and Kim Ditmar Elizabeth Tinney Donley Douglas and Dana Donnell Sally B. Dooge Paul and Celeste Doyle Shavon Doyle-Holton and Jason Holton Richard and Linda Durell Patricia H. Edison Vernon* and Johanna* Ehlers Kost and Candy Elisevich Emergency Care Specialists, PC Jeanne Englehart and Jack Novick Michelle and John Engler Giuliana and Aaron Estrada Carolyn Evans Donna Ewigleben Jennifer Faber Gail and James Fahner Wendy VerHage Falb Jim and Peggy Falk Diane S. Farage* Bill and Kay Farr Frank B. and Virginia V. Fehsenfeld Charitable Foundation William Fehsenfeld and Cecile Cave Fehsenfeld Meredith Fennema Ferris State University Bryn and Sue Fick Fifth Third Bank Lawrence and Donna Foody Mary and Bill Ford Barb and Mike Forseman Happy Fox Heather and Sam Fox John and Kristine Fox Chuck and Julie Frayer Peter and Lori French
Frey Foundation David and Judith Frey Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel Roger and Kathy Fries Deb Fritsch Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation Marjorie Gallert* Eleanore Gallina Brian Gamm Jeff and Sue Gartner Dan and Lou Ann Gaydou GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Virginia Gearhart Jim Gepford Richard and Linda* Gillett Gene and Tubie Gilmore Thomas and Sally Gleason Robert and Nancy Gleffe Alvin L. Glick Foundation Inc. Meg Goebel Arturo González Vargas Darrow and Flip Goodspeed Philip and Jane Goodspeed Srikanth Gopal Ron and Melissa Gorman Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids Community Foundation Grand Rapids Trolley Co. Grand Valley State University Beverly Franks Grant Great Lakes Health Connect Betty Burton Groce Anel Guel Rená and Gary Guttrich James and Kathy Hackett Anna P. Hagerman* Bob and Diane Hall Diane Hamstra Kevin and Laura Harmelink Charles Harrison and Pamela Meier Keith Harrison and Connie Carter-Harrison Richard and Karen Harrison Harrison Park Teacher E. Michael Hartke Chris and Patty Hastings Jeffrey and Marilyn Hawkins Janet A. Haynes and Kelsey Haynes Advised Fund Steve and Brenda Heacock David and Gwen Heatley John Helmholdt Jill Henemyer and Dotti Clune Paul B. Henry Foundation Steve and Susan Heyne John and Gwen Hibbard Dan and Diane Hickey Jeff and Laura Hill
Timothy and Charlene Hill Anne and Rich Hiskes Diane Hoekstra Dirk and June Hoffius Mary Hofmann John and Diane Hogan David and Susan Hojnacki Matthew and Laura Holman Gwenn Holmlund Mark and Wendy Holtvluwer Jane Hondelink Lisa Honeycutt Doug and Peggy Hoogerhyde Keith and Mary Kay Hopkins Jeannie Hosey and Tony Travis David Howard and Eve Ricketts Deborah J. Hughes and Frederick J. Antczak Robert L. Hughes Laura B. Huizenga Mary I. and David D. Hunting Family Fund Barb and David Huyser John Iden The Image Gallery Irwin Seating Company Win and Kyle Irwin Halima Ismail ITW Foundation Richard S. Jackson Jr. Mark and Lauren Jacoby Mike and Sue Jandernoa Foundation Matthew and Keri Jaynes Ingrid and Renée Jensen Janet C. Jensen Claudia Jimenez Bruce and Margie Johnson Keith and Cindy Johnson Larry and Christina Johnson Terry Johnston Courtney P. Jones* and Ora M. Jones Michael and Cara Jones Tom and Margy Jones JPMorgan Chase Matching Gift Program Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick Ray* and Mamie Kalliel Paul and Kristen Kam Ann Karasinski Bette L. Karr Carol Karr and Kevin Briggs Mary Karrip Dick and Deb Kay Paul and Suzanne Keep Denise Keil The Keller Foundation Andy and Christina Keller Fred P. Keller
Eldon and Donna Mathews Bradford and Andola Mathis Jerry and Terri Matthews The McFarland Family Kate and John McGarry Lee Ann McGarry Terry McGovern and Carol Paine-McGovern McInerney & Associates LLC Brenda McKean Scott and Joy McNabb Mary McNeece Richard* and Mary McNeece Medical Advantage Group Ross and Paula Meehan Virginia Meeker Aaron and Kimberly Meles Jeff and Jennifer Mesler Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Miller Johnson Bonnie K. Miller Clark B. and Lois M. Miller Daniel W. Miller and Susan L. Wright-Miller Fund Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell and Mr. Marc Mitchell Bryant and Audrey Mitchell Mitten Brewing Company Ronald and Karen Modreski Nathaniel and Laura Moody Terri and Larry Mulligan Dorothy Munson Muskegon Yacht Club Robert and Phyllis Myers Mike and Pam Nassar Teresa Weatherall Neal and Dennis Neal Joe and June Nelson Newcomers of Grand Rapids Rick Noel Ed Nurski* Doug and Vicki Nyenhuis Ken Nysson and Carol Hennessy, Commissioner Oasis of Hope Center Jon O’Connor Patrick and Maria O’Hare Dan and Ann O’Keefe Old National Bank Patricia Oldt Mark and Judy Olesnavage Ken and Jan Oosterhouse Open Systems Technologies Inc. Terry and Maureen O’Rourke David Osborn Armen G. Oumedian* Tim Pacaud Paine Family Foundation Scott and Lisa Palczewski The Paradis Family Ed and Linda Paul Joan Pawloski - Union High School Mark and Barb Periard Per Mar Security Services Steven and Alicia Pestka Peterson Memorial Fund Julie Petrie
William and Sarah Petrovic Bert Pettis and Gary Hill Virgil and Louise Phelps Advised Fund Rhett and Jeralyn Pinsky PNC Foundation Matching Gifts Program Lynne Pope and Carlos Sanchez Lynn and Matt Porter Jim and Marie Preston Jason and Susan Proctor and Family John and Ann Puckett Purple Pen LLC Joe Raczok Dave and Laura Radle Ruth Raiman* Marcia L. Rapp Frances M. Reimondo Gary, Wayne & Don Reimondo Mary Zoe Remien Dale and Sherri Remmelts Fred and Linda Reyelts Maureen Rice Robert K. Richards and Ethel Z. Stears Susan L. Rickson David Rispler James and Susan Robbins Barbara A. Robinson Rockford Construction Deborah Rockman and Courtny Richter Ron and Deb Roden Mary A. Roeser Gail and Jim Rogers Dr. Jack and Lija Romence Children’s Fund Jim Rosloniec Michael and Christina Rosloniec Family Raynard Ross Founder’s Fund in honor of Helen Hutchins Rossano Abraham G. and Anne L. Rossi Bob and Marcy Roth Holly Salas Mike Santoski and Melissa Anderson Micalene Savage Alison Scalabrino John and Joan Scalabrino Gayle and Mark Schaub Robert E. and Marcia L. Schaub Foundation Joe and Tricia Schetz Kate and Matt Schmid Cindy and Dan Schneider Paul and Katherine Schoolmeester Mark and Debra Schremp Janet Schrier Gladys K. Schuil* Bob Schultz John Schultz Scott Group Custom Carpets Inc. in honor of Char Hill Jim and Susie Sebastian Fred Sebulske SecurAlarm Systems Inc.
Tim and Terry Selgo Eugene and Connie Shatz Mark F. Sherwood and Saralyn Coupe Shaun and Ruth Shira Jane and Scott Siegel Diana R. Sieger Eva Sitek Maureen Quinn Slade Nancy and Doug Slade Donor Advised Fund Brent and Diane Slay Sligh Memorial Fund Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk Rob and Connie Smith Kent Sparks and Erin Maze Stacy Spitler Jake Spruit III Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre Jackie Stacy Standard Computer Systems Inc. Steven A. Starnes Steelcase Foundation in honor of Peter Wege Steelcase Foundation Steve Steketee Wendy Stock Amy and Nicholas Stockero Ronald and Margaret Story Stout Bill* and Janet Stuart Jim and Annie Stuursma Laura and Jamie Stuursma Jerome P. Subar Foundation Judy Subar Judge Paul Sullivan Sundance Scholars Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland Julie and Jim Swanson Anessia Tala-Clark Jacqueline D. Taylor Mary and Steele* Taylor Jill and Art Tiefenbach Timothy Fund Vicki and Brian Tingley Wayne Titche Donor Advised Fund Ella M. Topp Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb Trapp Family Foundation Triangle Associates Laura and Steve Triezenberg Marjorie and Norman Tubbs Lyle and Annalieda Tuck John and Christine Twichell University of Michigan Richard* and Mary Van Allsburg Michael and Michelle Van Dyke Michael and Kathryn Van Haren Selene Van Vleck Charitable Fund Gary and Nancy Vandenberg Don VandenBos Jr. Roger and Jacquelyn Vander Laan Family Fund Roger Vanderlaan Mike and Gayle VanGessel Don and Barbara VanOstenberg Gay and Sally Vanotteren
Andy and Tracy Van Solkema The Vazquez-Romero Family Ben and Emily VerWys Gary and Karen Vitale Phil and Kathleen Vogelsang Trust of Kenneth Vonk Kimberly and Jon Waalkes Mitch and Stacey Watt Wege Foundation Jeremiah Weismann Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz James and Jane Welch Foundation Nancy Weller Pam Wells-Marcusse Jill and Sean Welsh Western Michigan University David Westphal and Kathryn Stieler Mike Whalen Larry and Susan Whipple Judy and Allen Whipps Lynn White Robert and Deborah White Barbara Whittenberger* Jim and Colleen Wickering Troy Wilbon Larry and Betsy Willey C. John Gill and Rita Williams Family Fund Robert and Jane Williams, Founders of Williams Distributing Company Greg and Meg Willit E. Miles Wilson Keith A. Winn Charles Winslow and Judy Sopeland Wittenbach Wellness Inc. Susan Wittenbach Paul* and Joan Witting Jack and Cindy Woller Kate Pew Wolters Fund Art and Pat Woltz Chelsie Wyse Allen, Jonse, & Austin Young Dick and Barbara Young Fund Tracy and John Young Marilyn, Garry and Macie Zack John Zadvinskis Mary Zwaanstra
If you would prefer your recognition name to be listed differently, please contact us at 616.454.1751.
*Deceased
PARTNERS in community | 11
Fred P. Keller W. K. Kellogg Foundation Trustee DonorAdvised Fund The W. K. Kellogg Foundation Matching Gift Program John and Nancy Kennedy Kent Association of Retired School Personnel Kent County Board of Commissioners Kent County Medical Society Prof. Rebecca Kier Eunice Kimm Roberta F. King and Mike J. Miesch Tom and Sue Kirkpatrick Kitchen 67 Kristi Klomp Charitable Fund Kenneth Klomparens Diana Kniowski and Gary Saulter Mara Knuble Ron and Jeanne Koehler Jeff and Jean Kraai Nicholas and Gloria Kroeze Matthew Kutsche Memorial Fund Cris and Tom Kutzli Carrie Lachniet Susan and Brad Laffrey Fund James* and Virgina Ann LaGrand Tom and Jackie Lamoreaux Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad Sandra Last Tom and Barb LeBrun Jessica I. Ledesma Harvey Lemmen* Dallas and Senita Lenear Norman J. Leven Family Foundation Jessica Lewis Lexicon Club David B. and Susan D. Lipner Fund for Challenge Scholars Loeks Family Fund - Emily Loeks Michael and Jaimie Lomonaco Mack and Teresita Long Carol and Perry Lopucki Karen Loth Mary Loupee Arend and Nancy Lubbers Marty and Cheri Luchtefeld Allison Lugo Knapp Dr. Jack and Katy Lukens Family Fund Elias and Ruth Lumpkins John and Tammy Lundeen Heather and Michael Lunt Genie and Dick* Lyman Eugene G. and Jean P. Lyons Family Fund Jessica Maat Katelyn Mack John* and Suzie Mackeigan Deborah L. Macy John and Sally Malnor Roger Mansfield Stephen T. Margulis Jarrett Martus Andrew Maternowski and Monica Randles
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.
T HIS
& THAT YOUTH GRANT COMMITTEE GRANT PARTNERSHIPS Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee spent the past year working together to make a community impact. Co-chairs Christina Vann and Antony Peña led this group of 31 students, from a variety of local high schools. After a rigorous grant process, they made recommendations for 15 grant partnerships totaling $45,000. This year, we celebrate twenty graduating seniors from the YGC. Their insights and expertise left an incredible impact on the Community Foundation. We cannot wait to see what is next for these leaders. Read a reflection from Clara Kilburn, our Board of Trustees’ outgoing youth trustee, at grfoundation.org/news. grfoundation.org/news
BOARD OF TRUSTEES TRANSITIONS Grand Rapids Community Foundation is grateful for leaders who volunteer to serve on our Board of Trustees. We are pleased to announce that Kathleen Vogelsang, Van Andel Institute chief investment officer, will serve as board chair through 2021. Kyle Caldwell, Council of Michigan Foundations president, will step into the role of vice chair. Special thanks to Michael Rosloniec, Graystone Consulting family wealth/institutional consulting director, for his recent leadership as he transitions into the role of immediate past chair. Youth Grant Committee member Ryleigh Fischer will serve as youth trustee through June 2021, with Noah Chun serving as youth trustee-in-training.
GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OPERATIONS Our staff continues to operate at full capacity in a partially remote working environment, using the office as needed. For now, you can contact any Community Foundation team member in the ways you normally might, including by phone or email. To get each team member’s individual contact information, please visit grfoundation.org/staff.
