hope HARVESTING
Sowing Seeds of Progress, Reaping a Future of Possibilities
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
HARVESTING hope
In 2023, we celebrated 35 years of dedication and growth to our community. Since 1988, we have sown seeds of generosity, fostered dreams, and harvested a landscape of positive change throughout Genesee County.
Our vision is clear: A vibrant and equitable Genesee County where everyone can thrive.
This vision drives us every day, inspiring us to co-create a Flint and Genesee County where everyone can thrive and succeed.
Our mission is our guiding light: The Community Foundation of Greater Flint partners and leads by influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For Good. For Ever. For Everyone.
We transform your generosity into tangible outcomes, addressing the diverse needs of our community with lasting impact.
Our values are the foundation of our work:
Integrity
Encompassing credibility, ethics, and stewardship
Inclusiveness
Encompassing accessibility, diversity, and social justice
Impact
Encompassing agility, responsiveness, and effectiveness
LEADERSHIP letter
As we reflect on the Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s 35-year journey, we are filled with gratitude and profound optimism. This year’s annual report highlights the growth and transformation we have achieved together, embodying the spirit of hope that has guided us through the years.
Since 1988, we have cultivated opportunities and nurtured potential within our community, resulting in a flourishing landscape of positive change. Our unwavering commitment to integrity, inclusiveness, and impactful action has ensured that we remain responsive and effective in meeting the diverse needs of Flint and Genesee County.
The projects, partnerships, and programs we have supported have empowered individuals, and fostered a spirit of unity and resilience. These achievements are a testament to the collective strength, determination, and dedication of our community members, donors, volunteers, and partners.
Central to our success has been our collaboration with our partners. By working hand in hand with community-based organizations, generous donors, and residents, we have been able to harness our community’s unique strengths and insights. This collaborative spirit has driven innovation and ensured our efforts are relevant and impactful.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to connect generosity to need. We envision a future where everyone in Genesee County can thrive and contribute to a shared vision of prosperity and well-being. Your continued support, collaboration, and belief in our mission make all things possible.
Thank you for being an essential part of our story and for helping us build a legacy of positive change. Together, we will continue to nurture strength and progress for generations to come. For good. For ever. For everyone.
With gratitude,
Mark L. Miller CFGF Interim President & CEO
Mark Piper Chair, Board of Trustees
The 2023 MDHHS Opioid Annual Report highlights the resilience of communities facing health disparities, which increases the vulnerability to the opioid crisis. In Genesee County, drug-induced deaths have increased significantly since 2000, with the Black community particularly impacted. Ensuring equitable access to recovery services supports these communities in their ongoing journey toward wellness.
Serenity House Communities in Flint offers a free, public Slow Flow Yoga class.
HEALING together
SERENITY HOUSE COMMUNITIES, A NONPROFIT RECOVERY ORGANIZATION IN FLINT, IS DEDICATED TO EXPANDING ITS RECOVERY METHODS THROUGH ITS PROJECT, HOLISTIC HEALING FOR ALL.
Grants Awarded to SHC
Founded in 2015, Serenity House Communities (SHC) offers peer support services for residents and their families dealing with the negative impact of addiction, codependency, and trauma.
SHC stands out among other service providers through its delivery of alternative recovery methods. Its holistic medicine approaches range from recovery reiki, yoga, guided meditation, movement, and acupuncture.
SHC program coordinator Clarissa Stout says alternative recovery services are key for individualized care.
“Alternative recovery services support all of the recovery pathways—not just abstinence-based programs,” Stout said. “Everyone is different, and these methods allow people to find what works for them.”
With a focus on equitable healthcare, funding from the Tuuri Health Fund supported the organization in efforts to provide these services to a more diverse participant population. Staff engaged in training, focus groups, healing circles, and more to promote cultural competency awareness.
SHC is also addressing transportation challenges for those struggling to reach the center. Through its Rides for Recovery program, SHC offers free transportation to ensure individuals can attend recovery-related events, meetings, and activities.
“Diversity and culture are a beautiful thing. The more we know, the more we can help service people in a more diverse community,” Stout said. “With the additional education we received, Serenity House could let our walls down.”
SHC is expanding its reach through health equity initiatives and community outreach. The group recently opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Lapeer to serve more residents in Flint and beyond.
“We’re putting the boots on the ground and moving outward,” Stout said. “We’re giving a home to people who may not have found their place. That’s what we’re all searching for.”
A PLACE OF BELONGING
The Serenity House Communities mission hits close to home for members like program coordinator Clarissa Stout.
Stout first heard about SHC in 2023 during her personal recovery journey. As someone passionate about holistic and naturopathic medicine, she paid SHC a visit. Attending a Sober Social event turned into volunteering, and later evolved into a position with the organization.
Stout reflects on her journey, which has resulted in the discovery of self-healing, self-love, and self-worth, and now helps others do the same at SHC.
“Having people come in and just find a place where they belong to get the healing that they need is really my favorite part of it all,” Stout said. “I also love watching people grow—which is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Clarissa Stout, SHC Program Coordinator
HEALTHY FOOD acc ess
CULINARY VISION AND SOCIAL IMPACT: TONY VU’S JOURNEY WITH FLINT SOCIAL CLUB
Tony Vu, the force behind Flint Social Club and the upcoming pop-up, The Kickback, discusses culinary innovation, healthy food access, and community empowerment in this Q&A.
Damon Ross: Share a bit about yourself and your background. How did you land in the culinary world?
Tony Vu: My journey starts with my parents. My family fled Vietnam at the end of the war and settled in Flint, Michigan, where I was born. Growing up in Millington as the only non-white family, my mom kept our Vietnamese culture alive through her cooking. This laid the foundation for a huge part of my identity. My
most vivid childhood memories are based around food—waking up to certain smells, getting excited when my mom cooked pho at night. That’s what seeded this culinary sense in me.
FLINT SOCIAL CLUB
Flint Social Club, a nonprofit social enterprise lowering food barriers and increasing business support for marginalized communities, received a $50,000 grant towards its mission.
$4.5 + million
Since 2014, the Tuuri Health Fund and the Flint Kids Fund have invested in Access to Healthy Foods
DR: Did that cultural heritage shape the way you approach your entrepreneurship?
TV: I think my Asian heritage and cultural upbringing totally shaped my approach to entrepreneurship. I saw my parents’ hard work and their service to our community, which laid a solid foundation for me to follow in their footsteps and always try to leave the world a little better than I found it.
DR: In what ways does your culture show up in your dishes?
TV: I see it through its accessibility. With chefdriven food, there’s this sense of perfection. It can appear unattainable. What I try to do is serve food how my culture serves it: it’s delicious and beautiful, but at the end of the day, it’s a plate. It’s a way to connect people to have a meal together and to have conversations while they’re waiting for it. I just tried to break down as many barriers through food, and the service of food, as possible.
DR: Why do you believe that access to healthy food in the community is so important?
TV: Healthy, fresh food isn’t a question—it’s a human right. Locally grown, nutrient-dense, flavorful food is often more expensive than conventional produce, but there’s so much of the soul of a place that comes from the food that’s grown in its ground. The local food movement has been building, and healthy food should become more accessible.
DR: You often refer to the Flint Social Club as a “social enterprise.” What’s your definition of that?
TV: I would say that social enterprise measures its bottom line by its positive impact on the community. Positive impact, creating opportunities, and lowering barriers comes first. From that, we figure out sustainable models to keep that culture up.
DR: Why is supporting entrepreneurs so important to you?
TV: In my own journey, it was by no means easy for me to go through all the steps to start my business. I’m trying to build what I lacked in Flint—a supportive food community. A place where people can lean on each other, relate, and ask questions. Flint is a city where everybody has each other’s back and everybody truly wants each other to win. We’re all rooting for each other.
LISTEN TO TONY VU’S FULL CONVERSATION
“Imagine what it is like for a parent to sit in a room, reading to a child. Yes, it sets the atmosphere for visualization, imagination, dialogue, and vocabulary development. Now, imagine what it is like for a parent to sit on the sofa, next to the child, with their arms wrapped around the child’s shoulders as they read or view the illustrations together. That is what the arts and culture do for the student. It envelops them in love, human connection, security, and warmth in the learning process. Those gifts cannot be taken away and cannot be taught through a computer screen or a lecture hall. The arts and culture give us emotional strength of our humanity.”
Maestra S. Quintanilla Founder and Director, El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil
Maestra Angela Carrier engages students in Spanish literacy instruction.
EMPOWERING heritage
First-language literacy enrichment with a focus on cultural arts is taking root for immigrant and Spanish-speaking individuals in Genesee County. The Heritage Language Literacy Project, a program through El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil, fosters literacy and communication across generations.
“Research shows that literacy in the first language is crucial for success in the second language (in this case, English),” says founder and director Maestra S. Quintanilla. “With a significant increase in the Hispanic/Latino population, this program seeks to equip the youth in our communities with the tools they need to be successful.”
In 2023, the Flint Kids Fund allocated $50,000 to El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil for the quality reading program for Spanish heritage learners.
Participants from kindergartners to postsecondary students gather weekly at Richfield Public School Academy and the Latinx Technology & Community Center, previously at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Educational Center in Flint. Here, under the guidance of certified instructors, they dive into explicit Spanish literacy instruction, supplemented by homework tutoring and engaging literacy activities. Additionally, adult learners benefit from special sessions on finance, banking, real estate, and more.
Passionate teachers implement innovative teaching strategies that effectively promote Spanish literacy development. Beyond the
classroom, the program ensures accessibility for all students by funding meals and transportation.
El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil fuses the arts into their literacy curriculum including art, music, dance, reading, and writing, sparking a greater interest in Hispanic culture among students.
“By integrating cultural arts into the literacy program, our students fully submerge into the roots of what makes up our Hispanic culture,” Maestras Rosanna Calma and Angela Carrier agreed. “By creating such a space for learning our language, the emotional impact is undeniable. It feels like being back home.”
EN ESPAÑOL
STRONGER CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
A six-year-old Peruvian student, initially reluctant to speak Spanish with his father, experienced a remarkable transformation after just a few classes with El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil. He now proudly participates in reading and speaking Spanish, enhancing their family communication and connection.
“A story like his highlights the importance of becoming proficient in one’s mother tongue in terms of one’s sense of identity and confidence. While he may have been receiving implicit messages that Spanish wasn’t worth speaking, he now has a stronger connection to his culture and has demonstrated personal empowerment,” said Quintanilla.
Pierce Park Nature Preserve is a 501c3 nonprofit charity founded by Sherry Hayden, secretary of Pierce Park Nature Preserve, and Mike Keeler, president of Pierce Park.
NATURE’S revival
PIERCE PARK’S TRANSFORMATION
Natural trails, a native pollinator garden, pavilion, and wildlife now thrive in a 68acre park—and Flint residents don’t have to leave home to enjoy it.
Formerly a golf course, Pierce Park is undergoing a transformation fueled by a multi-year investment of $16,031 from the Neighborhood Small Grants Program and the Mary Elizabeth Adams Manley Beautification Fund. A group of volunteers is working to enhance the ecological health, educational
opportunities, and recreational offerings of Pierce Park through responsible natural resource management.
The comprehensive project involves the development of 12 acres of wet meadow and oxbow wetlands, seven culvert improvements, a six-acre reforestation buffer, and nine acres of prairie restoration along a mile of Gilkey Creek.
The award funded the installation of barriers and an entrance gate. The added security prepared the site for restoration work to follow.
“It’s my practice to gaze at the meadow until I can see the Monarchs dancing in the Sun, feel myself in the wings of the Great Blue Heron landing in the wetlands, laugh with the Spring Peepers, and be enlightened by the sweet smell of the Milkweed in flower. In those moments I know in my bones that I belong, that our community belongs, to this land.”
— Sherry Hayden
Secretary, Pierce Park Nature Preserve
“The barriers look clean and inviting,” says Pierce Park Nature Preserve secretary Sherry Hayden. “They announce, ‘Welcome to your public park. You are worthy of a nice, safe, healthy place.’”
Restoration work will include removal of invasive species, reforestation, trail rerouting, pollinator meadow creation, planning for wetland projects, and a usable sports field— all necessary to restore a healthy ecosystem.
In addition to the transformational improvements to Flint’s natural environment, the park will significantly enhance the quality of life for park users, who are already reaping the benefits of a safe park.
“Pierce Park invites exploration in a natural setting, supporting mental and physical health,” said Hayden. “Outdoor exercise leads to healthy outcomes—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Our volunteers and park users experience a deep sense of place, love for our little place on Earth, and the sense of community.”
As Pierce Park continues to evolve, it blossoms with the spirit of community engagement and environmental stewardship, offering a vibrant, safe, and healthy space for all to enjoy.
68 acres
pierce park by the numbers 2 streams
Natural Trails
2 miles of
FLINT NEIGHBORHOODS SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM
In 2023, we proudly marked 30 years of the Flint Neighborhoods Small Grants Program Endowment Fund (NSGP). Over three decades, the NSGP fund has awarded $2.2 million in grants to 377 organizations, driving positive change and fostering transformation throughout Flint neighborhoods. When residents have the resources they need, they can create lasting change in their communities.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NSGP FUND
CUMULATIVE GRANTMAKING
Clio: $189,881 Since 1991
Davison: $75,173 Since 2004
Fenton: $482,445 Since 1991
Flushing: $75,185 Since 1997
Grand Blanc: $958,721 Since 1989
HOMEGROWN philanthropy
The true measure of a community foundation lies in how effectively it represents and reflects the community it serves. In Genesee County, five communities—Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, and Grand Blanc—have endowed community funds. Local leaders advise grants from these funds to best meet their community’s needs.
The impact of these community funds strengthens philanthropic giving, preserves family legacies, and fulfills the Community Foundation’s mission to serve all of Genesee County.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY FUNDS
Youth Health and Fitness Fund 2023 Clio Youth Health and Fitness
Clio Area Human Services Fund Food Support
7,000 Clio Center for the Arts Senior/Special Needs Social
2,000 City of Clio AEDs
3,237 Pine Run Church of Christ Park Improvements
Davison Township Lake Callis Day Camp Start-Up Supplies
2,000 Greater Genesee County Area BMX Parents Association Facility Upgrades and Beautification
Community Schools Actors Playhouse by DCER
1,300 Davison Community Schools Inclusive Playground for Siple Elementary
Davison Community Schools Davison High School Outdoor Classroom
Davison Fraternal
Area Resource and Referral (FARR)
LIVING legacy
MARLENE WILSON’S IMPACT IN THE CLIO COMMUNITY
F or decades, Marlene Wilson has poured her time, talent, and treasure into the Clio community. Now, Wilson finds joy in seeing the positive impact of her generosity firsthand.
Wilson and her late husband, Jim, established the Wilson Family Fund of the Clio Community Fund with a gift of IBM stock in 1991. Wilson recommends grants that align with her family’s charitable interests, allowing her to witness the results of her giving during her lifetime.
Her dedication to the Clio community deepened through her 10-year service on the Clio Community Fund Advisory Committee. This role gave Wilson a profound understanding of local organizations and community needs. Trusting the Community Fund process, she established an associated fund now advised by the committee.
Wilson’s giving has supported various causes through the Wilson Family Fund of the Clio Community Fund, the Mustang Scholarship for Mott Community College Fund, and the G. Jim and Marlene Wilson Family Fund.
Wilson says that philanthropy and giving back come naturally.
“I don’t know why I give—I just do,” says Wilson. “It feels right, and I love everything in Clio. There’s so much to enjoy, like Clio Cast and Crew and the Clio Amphitheater.”
When it comes to loving Clio, few understand its growth better than Wilson, who has called the city home since 1958. Clio was the place Wilson settled down with her husband, and where all four of her children went to school. Wilson now has nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Her connection to Clio extends beyond her family; Wilson’s generosity has left a lasting imprint on the community. The Clio Center for the Arts, Clio Area Youth Sports Complex Advisory Committee, Clio Cast and Crew, Clio Area Fire Authority, and Clio Area Schools are
“Giving through others, like the Clio Area Community Fund, is what philanthropy is all about. I just want to make this a better community for others to enjoy.”
—
Marlene Wilson Community Philanthropist
just some of the entities that have benefitted from Wilson’s non-endowed donor-advised funds.
Reflecting on her philanthropy, Wilson remarked, “Giving through others, like the Clio Area Community Fund, is what philanthropy is all about. I just want to make this a better community for others to enjoy.”
Marlene Wilson at Clio Cast and Crew.
ART OF philanthropy
In 2023, we celebrated our 35th anniversary at the Art of Philanthropy, an annual celebration of time, talent and treasure. We also celebrated the invaluable contributions made by individuals and those who have played a vital role in our growth.
Piper Family Philanthropy Award –Lawrence E. and Valaria Conerly-Moon Lawrence E. and Valaria Conerly-Moon received the Piper Family Philanthropy Award for their contributions to Flint and Genesee County. Lawrence, the longest-serving trustee of CFGF since 1995, led significant growth and revitalized 500 South Saginaw Street in 2008.
Valaria transformed the Valley Area Agency on Aging from a $25,000 budget to $20 million, enhancing elderly services in Genesee County. She also contributed to the Bishop International Airport Authority and the Flint Area Chapter of the Links, which established the Flint Kids Matter Fund during the Flint Water Crisis.
The Moons run Moon Funeral Home and their philanthropic efforts include the Lawrence E. Moon Fund for Children and Youth, and the Lawrence E. and Valaria Moon Fund. They joined the Legacy Society in 2009, pledging part of their estate to CFGF. The Moons’ legacy continues to uplift Flint and Genesee County.
Professional Advisor Award – Michael Bila
Michael Bila, AIF, CLU, received the Philanthropic Advisor Award. Founder of Bila Financial Consultants in Grand Blanc, he facilitated a major gift to the Community
Foundation with donor Marlene Wilson.
“Marlene had a trust for charitable distributions upon her death,” Bila said. “We sped up the process so she could see the impact of her grantmaking during her lifetime.”
The gift to the G. Jim and Marlene Wilson Family Fund is an endowment benefiting the Clio area community forever. Michael formed his company in 2002 to help clients achieve financial goals and plan their legacy, often involving charitable giving. His son and business partner, Nathan Bila, CFP, aims to simplify the process for charitably inclined clients.
Clement A. Alfred Humanitarian Award –Raymond F. Gist, DDS Raymond F. Gist received the 2023 Clement A. Alfred Humanitarian Award. Founder of Valley Dental Center in Flint, Dr. Gist began his practice in 1970. He met “Clem” Alfred as a new member of the Genesee District Dental Society.
“Dr. Alfred was kind, caring, and committed to serving his patients,” said Dr. Gist. “I was impressed by his dedication even as he commuted from Florida to Flint.”
Dr. Gist, a Flint Northern graduate, attended Flint Junior College and then the University of Michigan Dentistry Program. After serving in the Army medical corps, he established his Flint practice. Dr. Gist has served as president of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He also serves on many boards, including the Genesee Health Plan.
Dr. Gist’s humanitarian efforts focus on advocating for the underserved, particularly in expanding affordable dental health coverage for all children and adults.
LEGACY society
The Legacy Society recognizes those donors who have named the Community Foundation in their estate plan or have created a life income gift to the Foundation. To be a part of the Legacy Society, all you need to do is let us know about your intention to include the Community Foundation in your will or estate plan. By letting us know, we can better carry out your charitable intentions. If you have included the Community Foundation of Greater Flint in your estate plans and are not a recognized Legacy Society member, please contact our development staff.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
Kathryn Ruth Adamson*
Eric Allen
Karima Amlani Bostick
Dr. Joseph and Carol Batdorf
Jane M. Bingham
James* and Dorothea* Bolton
Herbert* and Dorothy* Booth
Philip* and Sally* Braun
Robert* and Bessie* Breeden
Dorothy Broomfield
BriElle Bryson
Caleb Calkins*
Jim and Kathy Cheek
Carl Conner*
G. Allen* and Adabeth* Cook
William E. and Pamela M. Costabile
Nicholas Daddario
Dustin and Amanda Doren
Kurtis and Deborah Dunckel
Wallace Eaton*
Alan J. Ferrari
Raymond* and Elizabeth* Finley
Becki Flanagin
H. Halladay Flynn* and Jean Craig Flynn
Eric and Lauren Gasper
Gary* and Kathleen Haggart
Jack* and Lily* Hamady
Aaron Hamp
Willie and Wanda Harden
Mark and Kathi Horton
Carol Hurand
Ja’Nel and Phaejare Jamerson
Kristina Johnston
David and Renee Keswick
Timothy and Linda Knecht
Richard H.* and Ann U. Kraft
Joel and Sonya LaGore
Roy Lahring*
Donald E. Lee
Steven and Jennifer Lee
Charis Lee
Ivan* and Dorothy* MacArthur
Patrick J. and Terese M. McGuire
Carol and Richard* Miller
Mark and Rebecca Miller
Kathryn and William* Moeller
Lawrence E. and Valaria Moon
Carol Judith Noye*
Gary Oberlin
M. Harry* and Wanda* Piper
William and Joyce* Piper
Nicholas* and Donna Popa
Frances J. Price
Lee* and Pam Price
Edith Prunty Spencer
Dorothy Reynolds*
Kendra and Steve Reynolds
James and Nancy* Ricker
Rick Sadler
Grayce Scholt*
Philip W. and T. Ardele Shaltz
Cleo Silver*
Kathy and George* Skaff
Jeff and Diana Snider
James Somers*
Shelley Spivack
Sherri E. Stephens
Ernelle Taylor
Dr. Jack* and Virginia* Thompson
Dr. Allen F. Turcke
Dr. and Mrs.* F. W. Van Duyne
Kim and Ginger Virkler
Shannon E. White
Gordon “Jim” Wilson* and Marlene J. Wilson
*Deceased
2023 financials
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Year ended December 31, 2023 REVENUES, GAINS AND
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
GRANTMAKING guidelines
Each year the Community Foundation awards grants for charitable purposes through a competitive grantmaking process. Applications for competitive grants must align with the strategic priorities of the CFGF Board of Trustees. The funding priority areas in 2023 were education, health and human services, and Flint neighborhoods. The first step in the grant application process is a pre-application conversation with a program officer. This interchange of information serves as an opportunity for you to inform the Community Foundation about your organization’s needs, outline your project, and ask clarifying questions. CFGF makes most competitive grants to organizations which are classified as publicly supported charities in the Internal Revenue Service Code, Section 170(b)(1)(A) and includes schools and universities, churches, synagogues and mosques, and governmental entities. Under certain
circumstances, grants are made to private charities, supporting organizations, and non charities. Organizations applying for competitive grants must give evidence of non-discrimination in hiring and providing services.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER FLINT
GRANTS BY PROGRAM AREA
FOUNDATION FOR FLINT
The Foundation for Flint (FFF) is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. As a 501(c)3 public charity, the FFF raises and distributes resources to serve the long-term health and development needs of Flint children and their families through the Flint Kids Fund. Directors of the Foundation for Flint are: Mark Piper, Chair; Bobby Mukkamala; George Wilkinson; Manal Saab; and LeAnne Panduren.
Eight advisory committee members are responsible for the grantmaking strategy and funding decisions of the Flint Kids Fund. Committee members are: Wanda Harden, Chair; Manal Saab, Vice Chair; Elizabeth Burtch; Kenyetta Dotson; Samantha Farah; Jamie Gaskin; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha; Keiona Murphy; Julie Serra; Kirk Smith; Kristin Stevenson; and Sheryl Thompson.
With your ongoing support, the Foundation for Flint ensures that Flint children and families have long-term resources as they recover from Flint’s water crisis.
GRANTS BY STRATEGY
Access to Medical Home
Education & Literacy
Family Supports
Healthy Food and Nutrition
Special Projects
$75,000
$620,249
$348,000
$75,000
$79,163
TOTAL $1,197,412
FOUNDATION FOR THE FLINT CULTURAL CENTER
The Foundation for the Flint Cultural Center (FFCC) is a supporting organization established in 2000 to administer a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation that benefits the Flint Cultural Center organizations – the Flint Cultural Center Corporation, Flint Institute of Arts, and the Flint Institute of Music. Serving as directors of the FFCC are: Lennetta Coney; Raymond J. Kelly III; John MacDonald; Michael Melenbrink; Sherri Stephens; and LeAnne Panduren.
GRANTS BY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FLINT CULTURAL CENTER
$960,844
2023 new funds
NEW FUNDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
ENDOWED FUNDS
Christmas in Clio Fund
Established by Clio Area Human Services to support Clio area families at Christmas in partnership with the Clio Human Services Fund.
Creasey Family Parks Fund
Established by John Creasey and Charles Creasey for the purposes of supporting park development, park beautification and park land acquisition within the geographic area of the Grand Blanc Community Fund.
Reach Resource Services Fund
Established by the Genesee County Youth Corporation this fund supports Reach Resource Services.
Christopher Stallworth Endowment Fund
Established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation this fund supports grassroots level entrepreneurship projects to honor the memory of Christopher J. Stallworth and his dedication to Mott’s practice of shoe-leather philanthropy.
State Park in Downtown Flint Endowment Fund
Established by the State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division, this fund is used to finance maintenance and operations of the new state park in Flint.
NON-ENDOWED FUNDS
American Institute of Architects-Flint Scholarship Fund
Established by the American Institute of Architects Michigan – AIA Flint, this fund will be used to award the AIA Flint Donald E. Lee Architecture Scholarship.
AT&T Technology Equity Fund
Established by the AT&T Foundation to support the implementation of a neighborhood center for people living in public housing properties and address the lack of devices, low technology literacy and access to training and resources.
Laura Kenworthy Bowers Fund
Established by Bruce Bowers to provide support for a variety of charitable purposes in the community. Primarily, but not exclusively, to benefit qualifying programs at the Flint Institute of Music.
Community Education and Afterschool Fund
Established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to be used to operationalize the full-service community schools (FSCS) framework in 14 Flint-area schools through a multi-tiered system that expands the reach of FSCS initiatives and advances outcomes for Flint kids in attendance, academics, and college/career readiness.
FCEE - Comprehensive Evaluation Fund
Established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to support the development, implementation, and refinement of a comprehensive research and evaluation agenda.
FCEE - Technical Assistance Fund
Established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to support the development and implementation of the Community Council on Education, Network for School Excellence, and Flint Parent Collaborative through technical assistance from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Mass Insights, Inc.
FlintNOW Fund
Established by the FlintNOW Foundation to support qualified recipients for charitable purposes that are consistent with the Community Foundation’s mission.
Gun Violence Prevention Fund
Established by the A.G. Bishop Charitable Trust to be used for facilitation of meetings in the second year of the Department of Justice funding.
Gun Violence Prevention Fund
Established by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to support the strategic planning phase of Gun Violence Prevention Network that will precede allowable expenditures of the Department of Justice funding received by the City of Flint.
Justin “Jubbs” Kosak Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established by James and Rebecca Kosak to award the Justin “Jubbs” Kosak Memorial Scholarship.
Arthur L. Tuuri Health Fund
Established by the Ben. F. Bryer Foundation to address current or emerging problems in community health; to support constructive health programs, innovative health-oriented projects, training of professionals, and medical education in Genesee County, which may include investigative or research projects supportive of its primary objectives.
CREATE LASTING IMPACT
Creating a charitable fund with CFGF is an impactful way to link your generosity to the needs of Flint and Genesee County. We can assist you in establishing a fund that aligns with your philanthropic goals. Reach out to our Development & Donor Services team today to begin the conversation.
2024 BOARD OF trustees
The Community Foundation of Greater Flint’s funds and assets are governed by an independent board of trustees composed of respected community leaders from diverse backgrounds. Board members are selected for their knowledge of community needs and for their professional expertise.
Chair
Mark Piper Piper Realty
Vice Chair
Mark L. Miller
General Motors (Retired) CFGF Interim President & CEO
Treasurer
Chris Graff Hank Graff Chevrolet
Secretary
Patrick McGuire Farm Bureau Insurance
Gabrielle Clarke Student, Flushing High School
Joel Feick Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
Dawn Hiller
Hurley Medical Center (Retired)
Carol Hurand Community Volunteer
Tim Knecht Cline, Cline & Griffin
Nita Kulkarni, M.D. Physician
DeAndra Larkin Community Engagement Advocate
Carma Lewis U.S. House of Rep., Dan Kildee Flint Neighborhoods United
Robert Landaal, Jr. Landaal Packaging Systems
Jill Norwood Educator (Retired)
Jia Patel Student, Grand Blanc High School
Manal B. Saab SGT Ltd.
Ron Stack Cyclefit Sports
Sherri E. Stephens Stephens Wealth Management Group
Shannon White Funchitecture
Omari Young, M.D. Hurley Medical Center
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Each year, hundreds of individuals volunteer their time and expertise to help the Community Foundation achieve its mission of engaging people in philanthropy and growing the community’s permanent endowment. We are grateful to all our volunteers, whose dedication and commitment exemplify the philanthropic spirit of Genesee County.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS
OUR staff
Our staff works closely with donors, grantees, civic leaders, and community residents to ensure the Community Foundation makes an equitable impact in Genesee County.
Mark L. Miller
Interim President and CEO
Community Impact
Sue Peters
Vice President of Community Impact
Jennifer Farrington Senior Program Officer
Damon Ross Program Officer
Lydia Starrs Senior Program Officer
Chakara Wheeler Program Manager
Stephanie Whitledge Grants Administrator
Lynn Williams Director of Equity & Community Engagement
Development
Lottie L. Ferguson
Vice President of Development & Donor Services
Amy Krug Director of Development
Sherry LaFave
Development Administrator
Jashell Mitchell-Cross Development Officer
Rebecca Pettengill Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Finance and Administration
Kelli Glomski Senior Accountant
Brianna Rimmer Finance and Accounting Analyst
Marketing and Communications
Alexandria Dawson Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Katelyn Stuck Communications Officer
Strategic Initiatives
Moses C. Bingham Director of Strategic Initiatives
Sara Lorence Executive Staff Coordinator
INVEST IN genesee county
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible impact and growth we have cultivated together. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint has supported many projects and initiatives that have made a real difference in our community. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our success.
However, our journey is far from over. There are still many opportunities to nurture, inspire, and empower our community. To continue this important work, we need your support. Your donation, no matter the size or the fund, will help us fund essential services and programs to meet the diverse needs of our community.
By giving today, you are investing in a brighter, more equitable future for all. Together, we can create a Genesee County where everyone can thrive for good, for ever, for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership. Let’s keep the momentum going. To give, please see the enclosed envelope, visit our website, www.cfgf.org, or speak to anyone on our Development and Donor Services Team at 810.767.8270.
GIVE ONLINE
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER FLINT ENDOWMENT OPERATIONS FUND ONLINE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Copywriting & Project Management: Alexandria Dawson, Katelyn Stuck
Design & Production: Olmsted Associates, Inc.
Photography: Jessica Hatter
Printing: PrintComm
