PARTNERS in community
G RA N D
RA PIDS
COMMUNITY
FOUNDAT I ON
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Diana R. Sieger President
LOVE ENDOWED:
Laurie Craft Vice President, Community Investment
Fund for Community Good
Ashley René Lee Vice President, Public Relations & Marketing
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Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program Stan Vander Roest Chief Financial Officer
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Marilyn W. Zack Vice President, Development
DISMANTLING BARRIERS TO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Economic Growth
Michael Rosloniec (Chair) Kathleen B. Vogelsang (Vice Chair) Christina Keller (Immediate Past Chair) Kyle D. Caldwell DeUnique Dorris Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane Amy Ruis Carlos Sanchez Renee Williams
Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455 Email: grfound@grfoundation.org Website: grfoundation.org
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.
RAY MCCAHILL FAMILY FUND:
Competition Driving Growth
9 GROW YOUR IMPACT
PARTNERS in community is a
quarterly publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Diana R. Sieger, Emily Anderson
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@GRCommFound
Graphic Design: Pretty Little Bow Photography: Bird + Bird Studio Copyeditors: Joan Huyser-Honig
PARTNERS in community SPRING 2019 | Issue 79
With a Charitable Gift Annuity
PARTNERS in Growth I’ve written before about my first encounter with racism at age four. My grandparents took me to an Ann Arbor playground on a sunny summer day. A little girl joined me on the next swing. We giggled and tried to see who could swing higher. Suddenly, my grandmother grabbed me. I was shaking, wondering why. She said, loudly, “You are not to play with those people!” I asked, “What people?” She pointed to my new friend, whose mother was now standing behind her. I didn’t understand, but my friend’s mom sure did and whisked her daughter away. My new friend was African American. My grandmother dragged me into the car saying, “We do not associate with those people.” I wailed while she called my friend names I had never heard before. I recall her telling me that my friend’s skin color was the issue. I told my grandma that was “not nice” and sat frozen in the back seat as they brought me home. I have often thought about how this incident influenced me and sensitizes me to the disparities and injustices that many people experience each day. I have worked my entire career in the social (nonprofit) sector. Our sector is mission driven with an eye on the bottom line. We care about economic growth, but don’t stop there. We pave the way to address difficult issues, such as addressing racism and other isms. As Grand Rapids Community Foundation has grown, we recognize that we must become more nimble, adaptable and permeable in our relationship to all in the community. We are working in new, adaptive ways, forging new partnerships to maximize our impact, and listening for understanding.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
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DIANA SIEGER DONORS
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THIS & THAT 12
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PARTNERS IN GROWTH
Growth in social justice strengthens our community’s future. It requires tough conversations about becoming a West Michigan where we all can be our best selves, live our biggest dreams and work collectively to build a community unlike any other.
LOVE, ENDOWED:
Fund for Community Good
As our communities grow and evolve over time, so do the issues and opportunities we face. This reality is at the heart of why community foundations exist. Community foundations are about people coming together to express their love, passion and commitment for the places they call home, well after their lifetime. They create opportunities for individuals and families to leave legacies of kindness and care that will manifest during their life, and beyond. Since 1922, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has set out to play a key role in identifying and solving community problems throughout Kent County. The mission is simple, yet mighty: “To build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.” Our endowment is made up of gifts from donors, pooled with hundreds and thousands of gifts from fellow community members. These gifts are invested in the stock market and managed by a committee of experienced professionals for longterm growth. Each year, a portion of these gifts is then granted out to support the work of nonprofit organizations on the front lines of service in Kent County. These gifts will grow to help secure a fruitful future for generations to come.
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Our Fund for Community Good contributes only a portion of our annual grantmaking, but it may be our most widely known resource. This unrestricted fund allows us to address unexpected and changing needs, so it is a vehicle for donors to practice flexibility and responsiveness to help future generations.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” GREEK PROVERB The growth of the Fund for Community Good has made it possible for the Community Foundation to actively seek long-term solutions to complicated problems in West Michigan. Donor partners trust us to stay abreast of the most pressing community issues of the day and to forge strong partnerships with responsive nonprofit organizations and community leaders. This growth has supported our response to critical issues ranging from the nursing shortage that arose amidst World War II in the 1940s, to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Contributions planted by donors long gone made it possible for us to take a stand against child abuse and neglect in the 1990s and to blaze new trails in support of public education in the 2000s.
Growth for All Today, the most critical issue impacting Kent County is the pursuit of racial, social and economic justice for all. Certainly, it’s a moral issue that impacts children and families throughout Kent County and their ability to thrive. But justice is also an economic growth issue, because it affects the region’s ability to acquire and retain employees. It influences how West Michigan shows up in a global economy, where cultural competency can make or break deals and relationships. Our region’s growth depends on being intentional about business development, employment opportunities and quality education.
The legacy of donors who demonstrated their generosity a lifetime ago lives on in the Community Foundation’s current work to create an inclusive economy and thriving community for everyone who calls West Michigan home. This community legacy helps us partner now with organizations like Start Garden, Urban Core Collective, Habitat for Humanity, Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project and so many others seeking justice in our funding priority areas. We are using an equity lens in all our work to keep our promise of boldly tackling whatever threatens Kent County’s long-term growth and prosperity. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is committed to dismantling barriers to equity today. We are grateful for community members who—50, 60 and 70 years ago—had such passion for Kent County to invest in our community. The resources they provided then fuel the work we do today, just like the contributions from current donor and nonprofit partners are laying the foundation for work that will be accomplished after our lifetime. Though the critical issues might look different in the future, our consistency and growth are determined by our ability to come together as a community to address the most pressing needs of our time. A.R.L.
1940s Addressing the nursing shortage resulting from World War II
1990s
1960s Education, police-community relations, prison re-entry, housing
2010s Racial, social and financial equity and building an inclusive economy
1980s
1930s
AIDS crisis
1950s Employing professional personnel and techniques in the search for solutions to community problems, health and environment
1970s Public art, housing, transportation and health services for senior citizens
2000s Education
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Community service agencies and child welfare
Housing, neighborhoods, public facilities, revitalization of downtown Grand Rapids, child abuse and neglect
DISMANTLING BARRIERS TO Economic Growth While Grand Rapids was named the #2 best city for small businesses in 2018, economic and social barriers still prevent growth for many. In 2018, Grand Rapids Community Foundation awarded more than $650,000 in grants to local nonprofits working to expand access to prosperity. Their work supports workforce development to increase career advancement opportunities and a sustainable living wage, improving longterm financial stability for families. Start Garden is one organization we partner with to provide opportunities for historically marginalized entrepreneurs. Start Garden’s 100 Ideas program seeds 100 aspiring entrepreneurs with $1,000 to compete in a Demo Day. Ten winners receive $20,000 to get their new venture off the ground. “The program targets those who have felt excluded, either through personal or social reasons. The 100 make up the most diverse set of businesses, ethnicities, education and income levels of any new business program in West Michigan,” said Jorge Gonzalez, director at Start Garden. We interviewed three winners to learn how 100 Ideas affected their businesses.
JANAY BROWER, FOUNDER, PUBLIC THREAD: “Prior to 100 Ideas, we did not have the financial resources to pivot into working on our product lines for Public Thread. Launching our own line of products was critical for us to diversify our revenue streams and ensure longer-term financial sustainability of the business. Investing in companies that need capital to launch, grow or pivot into new areas without having strings attached or requiring payback of the money at such an early and vulnerable stage of business development is game changing.” Public Thread is a cut-and-sew shop that uses upcycled and re-purposed textiles to disrupt the current textile industry with creativity and collaboration. They produce laptop bags, totes, business card holders and more. publicthread.co BRIAN LAI, FOUNDER, ONLY BEAN: “We were able to scale our business and gain exposure and credibility in the community. Start Garden has continued to follow up with us and make connections with very useful resources. 100 Ideas makes it easy for entrepreneurs to share their ideas and encourages them to turn ideas into reality. It provides an opportunity for people to kickstart their business and validate business ideas. Once businesses are built, jobs are created, innovation and competition increases, and our economy continues to thrive.” The Only Bean produces and sells a bean pasta packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants and made with 100% organic and non-GMO beans. theonlybean.com ARIANA WALLER, FOUNDER, ADORAA COMPANY: “From inventory to equipment for our sanitation processes, to mentors and relationships that have been built because of the competition, 100 Ideas was the fuel needed to take Adoraa Company to the next level. 100 Ideas helps to dismantle the issue of accessibility for underestimated founders and business owners. How can anyone build a dream without access to resources?” Adoraa Company is a mobile app and web platform that matches users with hair and beauty products. shopadoraa.com
These businesses are enhancing our local economy in many ways. They are occupying once-vacant physical space in targeted neighborhoods and doing business with other local entrepreneurs. They are also creating wealth and job opportunities for themselves, their families and local residents, which adds to the local tax base and creates more economic development. “By providing financial capital coupled with intellectual capital, social capital and infrastructure capital, [Start Garden was] able to create 10 viable businesses in Grand Rapids that are on the pathway to sustainability,” Jorge said.
Bringing the Community Together The Start Garden winners are examples of the innovative businesses that can be launched in our community with proper support. But, how can we continue to develop economic prosperity for all Kent County citizens? Brian asserts that collaboration is essential. “We need to continue supporting local businesses and encourage innovation by supporting entrepreneurs with great ideas. Bringing the community together and making helpful connections will create a stronger ecosystem leading to economic prosperity for all,” he said. A variety of supports are needed, from creating a financial safety net for businesses to have room to fail and try again, to a network of business mentors and connections, to backend supports allowing businesses to focus on growth while managing day-today needs. Start Garden shows us one way to support entrepreneurs through a simple, barrier-free process. The Community Foundation has been fortunate to partner with other community organizations working to address the need for equitable access to economic growth opportunities. While these organizations are making a positive impact, the question remains. How else might we as a community continue to cultivate opportunities for everyone to grow and prosper? H.G.F.
PA RT N E R S
in Progress
Grand Rapids Community Foundation has a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with many local nonprofits who are leading change and influencing our community legacy for generations to come. Thanks to donors’ generous support and partnership, our Board of Trustees approved $590,000 in grant dollars to the following nonprofit partners this spring.
ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER, $100,000 Artists Creating Together empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the visual and performing arts. ACT brings together people from all arts, all abilities and all ages. This grant will support a new permanent art studio space, purchasing a mobile art studio and establishing an endowment.
D.A. BLODGETT - ST. JOHNS, $200,000 This grant will help consolidate all operations and integrate services of counseling, foster care, adoption, mentoring and resident care to their Knapp Street location. Every child has potential, and D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns provides services that impact thousands of lives each year.
FRIENDS OF GRAND RAPIDS PARKS, $200,000 This grant will help Friends of Grand Rapids Parks focus on community engagement and environmental justice by cultivating parks, trees and green spaces across the city. Their vision includes economic, environmental and cultural health.
MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF WEST MICHIGAN, $10,000
NONPROFIT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUND, $40,000
This grant helps to provide Mental Health First Aid training to volunteers at four nonprofit agencies in the Heartside neighborhood. The training inspires others to recognize, understand, accept and take action in creating communities with good mental health.
This grant provides resources for local nonprofits to secure consulting services to meet technical assistance and organizational capacity needs and identify innovative ways to take their causes and work to a new level.
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM, $10,000
KCONNECT, $10,000 KConnect aims to facilitate, advance and evolve a common agenda to ensure all children in Kent County have a path to economic prosperity through family, education and community opportunities. This grant supports developing a community plan to address homelessness and affordable housing in Kent County.
This grant assists with convening core multi-sector partners around engaging our immigrant and refugee community in the creation of a strategic welcoming plan for Kent County in 2019.
MIDWEST TECH PROJECT, $10,000 This grant will help address equity in the technology industry by engaging youth of color, females, returning citizens, millennials, parents, students and organizations. They will learn to use technology effectively to expand access to career pathways.
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SAMARITAS, $10,000
This Spring, Grand Rapids Public Museum will begin hosting a Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963.” The grant will help the museum engage many local partners, including Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives and Mosaic Film Experience, to augment the exhibit with artifacts, events and programming.
R AY M C C A H I L L F A M I LY F U N D :
Competition Driving Growth “Win or tie, I’m behind you.” A true competitor’s mantra and one that Ray McCahill’s family heard frequently as they left for their next game. It’s not that Ray didn’t tolerate losing, but rather that he felt if you prepared and worked your hardest, then even a losing score was considered a tie. This is just one of many lessons his children learned from their coach father during his lifetime. Ray valued perseverance, hard work and preparation. A rainy day and canceled golf plans brought Ray and his father from their native Chicago to Grand Rapids. After touring Aquinas College, they were sold with the area. Our community has benefitted from Ray’s thoughtfulness and generosity ever since. During his time at Aquinas College, Ray and Peaches met and fell in love. They began their lives together in Grand Rapids, where, at age 23, Ray became the head coach for Catholic Central High School’s basketball team. After a life full of community giving and a vigorous battle with cancer, Ray passed away in 2006. His family often hears stories that start with “When your dad did that for me, he would have never believed how much that changed my life.” For example, he created summer basketball clinics for students from low-income households, and he invited recruiting coaches to attend. The McCahills still hear stories of students who received scholarships because of connections made through these clinics. “It’s just these little seeds he planted or these little opportunities to allow people to flourish, just because he believed in them and leveraged the relationships he had, that continue to inspire us to focus in athletics,” said Katelin Spielmaker, Ray’s older daughter.
Over the past few years, his five children have been working to create the Ray McCahill Family Fund as one way to honor his legacy and pass along important lessons to their children and the community. Katelin said that she and her siblings are “bonded together by this desire to keep our dad’s legacy alive and the principles he taught us, including giving kids the opportunity to compete in the way we were raised. We all look at it in our professional careers, and there are so many things we’ve learned from team sports and winning and losing.” They chose to build a fund with Grand Rapids Community Foundation, so they could focus on what they wanted to accomplish while the Community Foundation uses its expertise to manage fund logistics. Ray’s memory even permeates how the McCahill siblings chose to generate resources for the fund. Three years ago, Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School and Ryan McCahill, Ray’s oldest son, collaborated to start the Legends Invitational. This basketball tournament now raises money for the Ray McCahill Family Fund. A Donor Advised Fund was a perfect fit for the McCahills, because the Community Foundation allows donors to build a fund over five years, starting with a gift of $5,000. Through tournament proceeds, they are rapidly growing toward the $25,000 mark to be fully endowed. More than just a fundraiser, the Legends Invitational honors Ray’s legacy, down to encouraging participants to wear plaid pants like the ones he was known for wearing as he coached. Ray’s family will continue to grow this fund. They seek opportunities to remove financial barriers so more youth can participate and grow in athletic and educational programs. The McCahills hope that, through this fund and the Legends Invitational, they can honor their father and also highlight other local legends who are helping students grow to their full potential. H.G.F.
Grow Your Impact with a C H A R I T A B L E G I F T When it comes to expanding your giving footprint, the options are endless. Charitable gift annuities are one way donors can grow their impact. We recently sat down with Marilyn Zack, vice president of development at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, to learn more about CGAs and the unique benefits they provide. ASHLEY RENÉ LEE: CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY IS? MARILYN ZACK: A charitable gift annuity is often referred to as a life income gift. Very simply stated, when you establish an irrevocable gift annuity contract with Grand Rapids Community Foundation, we agree to pay you income for the rest of your life in exchange for your charitable gift. The amount of income you receive is based on your age when the gift annuity is established and will continue for your lifetime or for a term of years. This rate does not fluctuate. The amount remaining in your annuity account at your death or the end of the term will be used by the Community Foundation for your chosen charitable purpose. The minimum to establish a CGA with the Community Foundation is $25,000. A: WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH CGAs? M: There are several benefits that come with CGAs, including:
A: WE OFTEN HEAR THAT CGAs WITHSTAND THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE STOCK MARKET. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW SO? M: The Community Foundation follows rates established by the American Council on Gift Annuities. The rate is a function of your age and will be higher the older you are. This rate is agreed to in the CGA agreement and will not fluctuate over time. A: WHAT IMPACT CAN CGA CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE ON TAXES? M: There is the possibility of an immediate tax deduction based on your life expectancy and payout rate. There is also the potential for a portion of the income you receive from your CGA to be tax free. Finally, there is the possibility of reduced capital gain taxes for gifts of appreciated assets. A: WHO ARE CGAs TYPICALLY A GOOD GIVING STRATEGY FOR? M: CGAs are a great option for retirement savers who want to support their charitable passions in a way that provides financial security. You may elect to begin receiving payments within a year of the gift date or if you haven’t retired yet, you may choose to defer payments until after retirement when you need more income. A: THE THEME OF THIS ISSUE OF PARTNERS in community IS GROWTH. CAN YOU SHARE HOW CGAs ILLUSTRATE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR DONORS, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PHILANTHROPICALLY? M: CGAs may help you grow the income you are currently receiving from underperforming assets like CDs, savings bonds and stocks that pay low dividends. They can also help you grow your impact through a charitable contribution that will ultimately bless the community you love. A: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT CGAs? M: In my opinion, charitable gift annuities are often overlooked and underrated. If you are charitably inclined, I hope you will contact a member of the development team for a free illustration that will explain the income and tax benefits you may receive. A.R.L.
B.+B.S.
For more information about charitable gift annuities, please contact Marilyn Zack or another member of our development team at 616.454.1751.
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Security of receiving payments for the rest of your life that will not fluctuate Opportunity to put low performing assets to work for you, because CGAs often earn more than CDs, savings bonds or low dividend stocks Possibility of an immediate tax deduction based on your life expectancy and payout rate Potential for a portion of the income you receive from your CGA to be tax free Safety, because your CGA is backed by the strength of Community Foundation assets Possibility of reduced capital gain taxes for gifts of appreciated assets Future support for 0rganizations or causes that are important to you
ANNUITY
DIANA SIEGER LEVEL
Donors
Commitment and dedication sum up Grand Rapids Community Foundation President Diana Sieger, who has provided over 30 years of service. No matter the fund(s) that you choose to support, we are grateful for all of the donors listed below. Like Diana, they demonstrate consistent and dedicated support as donor partners.
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These donors have made a gift to one or more of our funds including Donor Advised, designated, Field of Interest, scholarship, special project or unrestricted funds for the last five or more consecutive fiscal years, as of June 30, 2018. Rick and Loy Adamy Dr. Marc and Darcy Afman Gasper J. Amodeo Amway Mark and Wendy Anderson Anonymous (13) Deborah J. Hughes and Frederick J. Antczak Mary M. Appelt, M.D. Paul and Marti Arnold Joanne Ash Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Ayars Joanne Ayotte John and Janet Baab David and Janice Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Joel Bair Carl and Claudia Bajema Dr. Dennis and Dr. Donna Banks Maurice A. and Connie Barnes Sr. Betsy and Jim Barton Rob and Shelly Batterbee Laurie Finney Beard Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Ms. Shelly L. Belstra Rosemary Bennett (Posie) Darlene Berghorst Louis and Linda Berra John R. Bertsch Ken Betz and Family Dr. William H. Beute Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson P.C. Ruth E. Bishop Lynne Black Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Boerman Dianne Boozer Glen and Betsy Borre Mr. and Mrs. Steve J. Boshoven John and Sharon Bouma Janet and John Boyles Doug and Dawn Brackmann Jonathan and Grace Bradford Molly Bradshaw John and Virginia Braley Mr. and Mrs. Karl E. Braunschneider Jean S. Breay James and Sharon Breuker Fredrick “Fritz” Briscoe Wayman and Dinah Britt Andrew and Janay Brower Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Jim and Susan Brown The Brown Group of the GR Federation of the U of M Alumnae John and Suzette Buchan Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burkhart The Honorable George and Nancy Buth Anna Moore Butzner Katharine Cangelosi Allan* and Claudia Carlson The Honorable Nanaruth and Mr. Steven Carpenter Michael Cary and Marjorie Loughrin Betts and Jim Casey Margot and Todd Cavalier
CDV5 Foundation Iain and Michaele Charnley Tom and Natalie Chase Colin Chelovich and Molly Tupper Chelovich Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Mary Clark Jim and Pat Clay Mr. and Mrs. Frederick R. Clemens Jr. Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer Gerry and Kay Colby Robert and Diane Collier Ms. Barbara E. Cone Ms. Mary Cook Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation Ann M. and Robert P. Cooper Jay Cooper and Eva Aguirre Cooper Huey G. and Mary Copeland Gina Covert-Ostergren and Craig Ostergren Dr. Ed and Linda Cox Laurie and Crawford Craft Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe Tom and Jan Czerney Tom and Gale Czerwinski Bill and Margie Darooge Mr. and Mrs. Craig S. Datema M.E. Davenport Foundation Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins Bob and Lois De Boer Dorothy DeMaagd Barbara DeMoor and Clive Morris Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation Martha and Nick Dewey Gail O. DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Mary DeYoung Nancy L. Douglas Paul and Celeste Doyle Douglas and Kristine Dozeman David G. Dvorak, M.D. Penny and John Edison Patricia H. Edison Ms. Marla J. Ehlers Mark and Jennifer Ellis Ben and Susan Emdin Pat and Dan Esch Bill Essling Hank and Marcia Fairchild Bill and Kay Farr Barbara and Ronald Feenstra Marilyn and David Fernstrum Amy Flick Greg and Sarah Flick Gene and Nyla Fonger Mary and Bill Ford Barb Forseman Dr. Tony Foster and Mrs. Linda Nemec Foster Henry A. (Happy) Fox Jr. Paula and Michael Freed Frey Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David G. Frey Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel Margaret Gage The Honorable Patricia D. Gardner and Mr. Kim DeStigter
Pat and Patty Geary Cheryl Gillett Gene and Tubie Gilmore Linsey Gleason Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason Keith and Lisa Gohlke Mike and Rachel Goorhouse Srikanth Gopal Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Ken Grashuis and Lori Lockyear Justin and Jodie Gritter Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse Rená and Gary Guttrich Scott and Gail Haebich Lew and Sheryl Haeck Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph E. Hanka Dick Hansen Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hardy Jr. Kevin and Laura Harmelink Jackie Haveman and Nathan Dwiri Janet A. Haynes Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Heacock Jan Heerspink Paul B. Henry Foundation Ms. Ann C. Hess John and Gwen Hibbard David Hibschman David Hill and Elizabeth Kidd Anne and Rich Hiskes Dirk and June Hoffius Mark and Wendy Holtvluwer Jane Hondelink Steven and Joan Huyser-Honig John L Hornbach Richard and Anne Horvitz Robert and Eleanore Howieson Bonnie Hunter and Merl Morehouse Integrity Business Solutions, LLC Ionia County Community Foundation Win and Kyle Irwin Robert and Paulette Israels Cherry and Phil Jacobus Jandernoa Foundation Ms. Janet C. Jensen Patricia Jones Tom and Margy Jones Dr. Julian and Judith Joseph Joseph and Elizabeth Junewick Bryan and Kelly Kading Ray* and Mamie Kalliel Carol J. Karr and Kevin J. Briggs Mary Karrip Corrine E. Kass Paul and Suzanne Keep Nancy Kehoe Nielsen The Keller Foundation Andy and Christina Keller Mr. Fred P. Keller The W. K. Kellogg Foundation Paul and Beth Kelly Ruth and Carl Kelly Kennari Consulting
Timothy J. and Debra D. O’Rourke Matt and Beth Osterhaven Martin and Enid Packard Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company Ms. Linda B. Patterson Ken and Jill Peirce Peter and Carroll Perez John L. Peterson Mr. Larry R. Petrick Mr. John H. Pimm Sr. Larry and Jean Pinckney Ms. Shirley A. Plaska Ms. Charlene Pletcher Charles F. Pletcher Charles Forrest Pletcher II, Sarah Granger, and Julia Pletcher PNC Bank Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Martha J. Porter Scott Pruski John and Ann Puckett Daniel and Judy Rau Hilda H. Reed Mary Zoe Remien Dale and Sherri Remmelts Rhoades McKee PC Richard V. and Maria Del Pilar Rice Robert K. Richards and Ethel Z. Stears Lisa Rios Michael Rios Sally and Larry Robson Marjorie and Bud Roegge Milt and Barbara Rohwer Michael and Christina Rosloniec Family Richard and Esther Ross Abraham G. and Anne L. Rossi Bob and Marcy Roth Alwyn and Chris Rougier-Chapman Brian and June Rudy Steve and Amy Ruis Curtis and Colleen Ruppal David Russell Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope David Sarnacki and Bridget Flynn Bob and Marcia Schaub Robert and Rose Schenck Matthew and Kate Schmid Harold and Carol Schmidt David and Jerri Schroeder Rana and Joseph N. Schwartz Sebastian Foundation Fred Sebulske Martin Shedleski Family Shaun and Ruth Shira Mr. Thomas P. Sibley Diana R. Sieger Mr. and Mrs. Theodore G. Simpkins Mr. and Mrs. Brent Slay Ryan Slusarzyk Eric and Amy Smith Mary Lou Smith Ms. Peggy Smith Terrence M. Start Steelcase Foundation Deb and Fred Steketee Rick and Sue Steketee Stan and Norma Sterk James M. Stewart Wendy Stock Susan A. Stoddard Mr. George Stoutin and Mr. David Heilman Philip and Dawnielle Streng Judy Subar Frank and Ruth Suskey Eddie T.L. Tadlock
Michael and Susan Taylor Jill and Art Tiefenbach Vicki and Brian Tingley Claude and Sharyl Titche Ms. Marilyn Titche Wayne Titche Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Tomsik Jr. Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb Ms. Patti Trepkowski Rick Treur Triangle Associates Cheryl and John Tully Mr. Peter M. Turner Universal Forest Products, Inc. Rudy and Nancy Van Donk Michael and Kathryn Van Haren Geraldine M. Van Herp Randall and Laurie Van Houten Don and Ruth Van Stee Mr. and Mrs. Rodney J. Van Tol Selene Van Vleck Steve and Laura Vande Lune Don VandenBos Jr. Dave and Lorrie Vander Ark Mrs. Dori Vander Mey John and Diane VanderVeen Mike and Gayle VanGessel Andy and Tracy Van Solkema Mr. and Mrs. Matthew VanZetten Marvin Veneklasen Larry and Margaret Ver Merris Mr. and Mrs. Theodore J. Vlahas Phil and Kathleen Vogelsang Theodore J. Vogt Bobbie and Gary Vruggink Bill and Pat Waanders Ms. Susan M. Waddell Gary Walker Anita Wallgren James and Pamela Walsh Mary Warner Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Watt Andrew and Katherine Weatherbee Wege Foundation Elizabeth Welch and Brian Schwartz Ms. Aleta Wells Barbara Wepman David Westphal and Kathryn Stieler Robert and Deborah White Mary White Walter F. Whitman Richard and Ellen Wicks Ryan and Stacey Wieland Dorothy Wiest Larry and Betsy Willey Drs. Chad and Kathy Williams Jeffrey S. and Janet K. Williams Joan Wilson Susan Wittenbach Kurt and Sally Yost Bruce Young Marilyn and Garrett Zack John Zadvinskis Anne G. Zimmerman Ruth and Jack Zimmerman William F. Zoellmer III George and Gretchen Zuiderveen Ms. Mary E. Zwaanstra Ms. Betty V. Zylstra and Rev. David P. Baak Bob J. Zylstra IF YOU WOULD PREFER YOUR RECOGNITION NAME TO BE
*Deceased
LISTED DIFFERENTLY, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 616.454.1751
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John and Nancy Kennedy John Kershek and John Potter Mr. and Mrs. Kristopher Kimball Kurt and Randy Kimball Tom and Vicki Kimball Roberta F. King and Mike J. Miesch Bruce F. Klein-Wassink Jim and Jane Knack Garry and Barb Knott Mr. Kevin Kobiela Douglas and Louann Kohlbeck Janet L. Koopman Ron and Bonnie Kopp David A. and Phyllis E. Koslow John and Marnie Kotwick Daniel and Mary Kozera Jerry and Wendy Kregel Diane Kroll Blake and Mary Krueger Mr. and Mrs. Rex Kuhn Dr. David and Mary Kutsche Ruth Kutsche Cris and Tom Kutzli Tom and Sally Kyros Virginia LaGrand Rob and Linda Lalley Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad B. Kenneth Larm Paul and Nora LeBlanc Leedy Holdings, Inc. Gary and Janeen Lemke Ms. Emily Loeks Jamie Loeks Duffield and Ryan Duffield Ray Loeschner Marcia and Chuck Logie Arend and Nancy Lubbers Marty and Cheri Luchtefeld Laurie and Larry Luciani Mr. and Mrs. Elias Lumpkins Peter and Barbara Lundeen Barbara P. Marcus Dr. Ralph E. Mathis Jim and Teresa McCarty Terry McGovern and Carol Paine-McGovern Brenda L. McKean Scott P. and Heidi L. McPheeters David Meier Meijer, Inc. Lena Meijer Lea P. Menko Dr. Dan P. Millar and Mrs. Karen Lee Carpenter Millar Bonnie K. Miller Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Ronald and Karen Modreski Gordie and Jan Moeller Monsma Marketing Corporation Margaret Sellers Walker Morris Dr. and Mrs. Randall Morris Mr. and Mrs. Gene Morrison Ms. Dawn M. Mumford Hon. David M. Murkowski and Ms. Diane E. Goller Judge William B. Murphy and Paula Murphy Jon and Carol Muth Bruce Myers Bob and Margaret Nault Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nobel Jr. Gary and Peg Novosad Mr. John V. O’Connor and Ms. E. Gabriel Works Judge W. Baldwin and Judy Ogden Dan and Ann O’Keefe Old National Bank Fred Olert Jr. Benjamin Oliver Ward Oliver and Catharine Grad Terry and Maureen O’Rourke
Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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& THAT NEW CHAIRS OF OUR LGBT FUND AND AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FUND Help us welcome Kenneth James as the new committee chair for our African American Heritage Fund, which awards grants to support organizations providing opportunities to prevent summer learning loss for African American students. We also welcome Michele McIsaac as the new committee chair for Our LGBT Fund, which supports local organizations that provide a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for the LGBT community in West Michigan. We are excited and grateful to have both volunteers serving in leadership roles for these committees.
OUR LGBT FUND PARTNERS ON THE LAKESHORE You are used to reading about grants we make, but this item is about a grant received. Our LGBT Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation, received a grant of $75,000 from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Our LGBT Fund strives to address issues faced by the LGBT community in West Michigan.
CONGRATULATIONS, ANN! We are thrilled to congratulate Ann Puckett, our IT manager, who recently earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ferris State University!
SUMMER CAMP Summer is around the corner, and West Michigan offers many local day and overnight camp options for children. There are a variety of camps with an emphasis on sports, arts, computers or academics. Grand Rapids Community Foundation, through the Mary I. and David D. Hunting Family Fund, provides a list of accredited camps, including those that offer transportation and financial aid. Visit: westmisummercamps.org.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS We are grateful to the volunteers who serve on our Board of Trustees and are excited to announce the 2019 leadership transition. Michael Rosloniec, family wealth/ institutional consulting director for Graystone Consulting, will serve as the board chair through 2019. Kathleen Vogelsang, director-chief investment officer at Van Andel Institute steps into the role of vice chair. We also welcome one new trustee to the board, Renee Williams, senior vice president, community development, Michigan market manager, at Huntington Bank.