PARTNERS in community
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“We are passionate about supporting initiatives that are collaborative catalysts in moving our community forward.” AARON TERPSTRA & BERNIZ CONSTANZA TERPSTRA 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
4 100 NEW PHILANTHROPISTS: AARON TERPSTRA & BERNIZ CONSTANZA TERPSTRA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Kathleen B. Vogelsang (Chair) Kyle D. Caldwell (Vice Chair) Noah Chun Ken Fawcett, M.D. Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D. Ana Ramirez-Saenz Richard Roane Carlos Sanchez Daniel Williams, Ed. D. Reneé Williams
Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.454.6455 Email: Info@GRFoundation.org Website: GRFoundation.org
PARTNERS in community is a
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 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.
quarterly publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, Heather Gill Fox, Audra Hartges-Stern, Diana R. Sieger
@GRCommFound
Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography, Bird + Bird Studio, Well Design Studio
6 OUR COMMITTMENT TO LEVELING UP
8 BLACK LEGACY FUND & LATINX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
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SEEDS OF PROMISE: SUPPORTING RESIDENT-LED COMMUNITY CHANGE
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CATALYZING COMMUNITY GIVING: LEARNING TOGETHER
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METZ LEGACY SOCIETY DONOR PARTNERS
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THIS & THAT 12
Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig
PARTNERS in community
SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN HOUSING
WINTER 2021 | Issue 90
PARTNERS in Commitment So much has changed since Grand Rapids Community Foundation was founded in 1922. Yet, as we walk into a new century of service and impact, we have not wavered from our shared commitment to a better, more equitable future for Kent County. We have always cared about our neighbors and making our community a better place for future generations. The lessons we’ve learned over the last century have evolved our approach and sharpened our focus. We’re grateful for all the individuals, families, nonprofits, community leaders and more who have kept coming together to commit their resources, skills, networks, influence and dollars to create a better community. In each issue of PARTNERS in community, we use specific themes as the thread that ties the articles and stories together. Over the past year, we’ve discussed renewal, power and adaptation. This issue’s overarching theme of commitment holds special significance for me. As we enter our centennial year, the Community Foundation is renewing our commitment to this community using the power of collaboration with our partners to ensure that all voices are heard. We vow to embrace adapting to the ever-changing times. We remain steadfast in our commitment to racial, social and economic justice, leading to significant social change. Today, we remain committed to working with our partners to tackle complicated issues and break down barriers to equity. To honor the legacy of past generations, we must recommit every day to this work. As we reflect on our history and march toward a more equitable and just tomorrow, this shared commitment is stronger than ever.
10 0 N E W P H I L A N T H R O P I S T S :
Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra As Grand Rapids Community Foundation moves toward its 100th anniversary in 2022, we will continue to celebrate One Hundred New Philanthropists. This special group of partners has committed to help us usher in a new century of service and mark out our path for the future. These philanthropists commit to giving, volunteering, making a planned gift and sharing their story with others. As One Hundred New Philanthropists, Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra have shared their passion and commitment to our community—for today and the future. They care deeply about immigrant rights, housing and ensuring living wages and economic access. They are proud to live in the Boston Square neighborhood and are personally enthusiastic about creating a welcoming environment for all people. “We are passionate about supporting initiatives that are collaborative catalysts in moving our community forward, particularly those that intentionally support and empower our undocumented and refugee neighbors,” Aaron and Berniz said. “After serving as foster parents for a number of young people, we have seen firsthand the unsung heroes whose work helps to stabilize the most vulnerable among us.”
WHY DO YOU GIVE? Aaron and Berniz strongly feel that in order to live in a community that respects and treats all people equitably, they must invest in organizations doing that work. They value nonprofits addressing the uneven access to economic opportunity, healthcare and housing that some of our neighbors experience.
Christian Federation, a nonprofit housing corporation that believes all people deserve safe, clean, affordable housing. As the City of Grand Rapids parking facility supervisor, Aaron is responsible for the operations of City-owned parking lots and ramps. “We support Grand Rapids Community Foundation because they have an extensive track record of supporting the Grand Rapids community,” Aaron and Berniz said. “The Community Foundation is not afraid to collect real data that informs their decisions and leads them to unapologetically invest in work that propels our community forward.” Because they give to the Fund for Community Good, Berniz and Aaron’s support today will yield results for future generations. Last year, the fund provided over $5 million in critical resources for nonprofit partners addressing inequities and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to respond is a credit to the power of the Community Foundation’s endowment, which has been built by donor partners like Aaron and Berniz over decades. In addition, as 100 New Philanthropists they will leave a future planned gift through their estate, creating a lasting legacy for their passions. A.H.S.
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“These causes matter to us because we know firsthand that our community plays a huge role in helping families thrive financially, mentally, spiritually and physically. We believe that when people have support from the community where they live, they are more likely to succeed and know that they were empowered to say, ‘We did it ourselves,’” Berniz said.
WHY GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION? Aaron and Berniz were invited to partner with the Community Foundation when their friends—and fellow members of One
Hundred New Philanthropists—Jeff and Margarita Chappell invited them to a Community Foundation event. Both were familiar with the Community Foundation through their professional work. Berniz is vice president of housing and family services at Inner City
&B er n iz Aaro n Te rps tra
Aaron and Berniz make monthly contributions to the Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good, our unrestricted fund, which provides flexibility in our grantmaking and allows us to address a wide spectrum of community needs. Besides their monthly pledge, Berniz and Aaron supported La Lucha Fund in spring 2020. Berniz has personal experience as an immigrant growing up in a community of individuals with mixed immigration status. This shaped her perspective on giving and informed the couple’s advocacy for immigrants in Kent County.
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“We would like Kent County to be a place where people would be treated with respect regardless of their race, age, ability, status or gender. We want Kent County to be a city on a hill where everyone has access to affordable housing and receives fair wages for their work,” Aaron and Berniz said.
p Ter za n sta on
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B.B.S.
SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
Through Investments in Housing Every member of our community needs safe, stable, quality housing, because it affects individual and family health, wellbeing and financial stability. Housing offers the opportunity to build generational wealth, community stability and thriving neighborhoods where people feel a sense of belonging. Grand Rapids Community Foundation uses three main strategies to create more equitable housing opportunities and stronger neighborhoods. We partner with nonprofit organizations through grants and investments; we influence change through leadership and advocacy; and we serve as fiduciary for collaborative projects.
GRANTMAKING INVESTMENTS AND INFLUENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS We invest through grantmaking to produce and preserve affordable housing in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. The Community Foundation adapts solutions as needs change. We do so by convening and collaborating with nonprofit organizations, local government and leaders. For example, during the economic downturn, little new housing was built. When the economy resurged, those who could afford market rate property bought it, while neighbors with lower incomes were left out of the market. In 2009, a $2 million loan from the Community Foundation helped local organizations acquire and redevelop 100 foreclosed homes in Grand Rapids. In 2020, the Community Foundation made a $100,000 grant to Samaritas for their 53-unit affordable living community for older adults in Burton Heights. Our 2021 grant partnerships support transitional housing for women and children experiencing homelessness and those aging out of foster care.
THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AS FIDUCIARY Small nonprofits often have strong relationships with their donor and community partners. But accepting, stewarding, matching and paying out funds to and from many sources is a complex and specialized job. Because the Community Foundation has these unique capabilities, we sometimes act as the fiduciary for collaborative partnerships. “Over our history the Community Foundation has been invited to partner with a variety of community organizations and groups that need our special skills and capabilities to move projects forward. It has been our pleasure to lend our assistance and expertise to these unique community efforts,” said Marilyn Zack, vice president of development.
The Community Foundation will also be the fiduciary for the brand-
The Community Foundation invests and manages the Affordable Housing Fund monies. We ensure funds can be accepted from many sources —including the City of Grand Rapids, private individuals and philanthropic organizations, and state and federal funding sources. The City aims to increase the fund to $25 million by 2025. An independent 11-person board of community members will make annual plans on how to spend and distribute funds to meet affordable housing objectives. “In working with the City to establish this fund, I have been struck by how in sync we are about the challenges and opportunities related to housing in our community. Exploring, learning and problem solving together benefits our neighbors in the long run,” said Marilyn.
A.H.S.
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As the pandemic exploded in spring 2020, community leaders and activists began organizing to support families who are undocumented or mixed status—and therefore not eligible for government stimulus, unemployment or other social safety net programs. The Community Foundation helped establish La Lucha Fund, made a first investment of $100,000, and, as fiscal sponsor, accepted and processed donations on its behalf. From April to December 2020, La Lucha Fund awarded $710,000 to some 1,200 families across Kent County. Many recipients used awards for rent, utility payments or household necessities.
new Grand Rapids Affordable Housing Fund, which aims to reduce racial and ethnic housing disparities. Months in the making, the first deposit to this unique fund will be made by the City in December, establishing this dynamic nonprofit fund. The fund type will create flexible access to fund assets while ensuring an endowed legacy of support for the community. The charge of the fund is to help residents with low and moderate incomes, preserve existing affordable housing, offer financing for new housing development and offer loans to nonprofit developers.
O U R CO M M I T M E N T
to Le veling Up
In 2020, Grand Rapids Community Foundation committed to leverage our resources, networks and influence at a higher level to combat racism and inequity. The Community Foundation made a pledge to specifically deepen its investment in Black communities. Since then, we have been interrogating systems and processes to uncover new ways to live into that commitment.
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We are also leveraging our existing infrastructure to build a healthy, robust and increasingly resourced ecosystem of people of color-led nonprofits and movements to increase equitable outcomes across systems. Here are six ways the Community Foundation is leveling up our action:
PRIORITIZE PEOPLE OF COLOR-LED ORGANIZATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS BECOMING ACTIVELY ANTI-RACIST. In fiscal year 2020 – 2021, more than half of funds awarded from the Fund for Community Good went to people of color-led organizations. Additionally, the Community Foundation is setting aside resources to prioritize well-being and capacity building for people of color-led organizations, as well as resources for relationship building with Indigenous communities. The Community Foundation defines being led by people of color as: people of color are a majority in three or more of these categories: founder(s), executive director, leadership team, board of directors, volunteers and staff.
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LEAN INTO COMMUNITY-LED GRANTMAKING
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by leaning into our roles as advocate, storyteller, network connector, capacity builder, champion and co-learner. Besides making grants, we partner by providing feedback on how best to apply for funding, sharing stories for potential Donor Advised fund partnerships and facilitating introductions for ecosystem building. We also offer spaces for rejuvenation and shared learning and amplify stories through our communication channels.
INCREASE OUR TRANSPARENCY
by directing $1 million of unrestricted resources to the Black Legacy Fund (formerly African American Heritage Fund), whose committee has been invited to determine the timeframe and distribution of resources into Black communities. Additionally, resources have been administered to our Youth Fund, Our LGBTQ Fund and the fund to be established by our Latinx Advisory Committee, at varying amounts. This will help committees to support communities of color at the intersections of their fund’s focus.
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WORK TO LEVERAGE RESOURCES beyond grantmaking
about resource allocation by clearly stating how the Community Foundation makes impact through the grants we award to nonprofit partners. Our Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds represent the most flexible resources and are most visible publicly. Yet, the Community Foundation also makes an impact through a collection of over 800 funds, each with its own purpose. We are sharing with current and prospective partners more context and definition about the funds available for grantmaking and how those resources are awarded.
LEARN ALONGSIDE DONOR ADVISED FUND HOLDERS
as we create opportunities for them to align their grantmaking with our organizational commitment to racial, social and economic justice. Fund holders have the discretion to make grant recommendations for causes they are passionate about, and our philanthropic services team intentionally keeps them informed of new opportunities to align their philanthropic interests while also advancing equity. It is also a goal of the Community Foundation to increase the diversity of our Donor Advised fund holders to ensure they are more representative of community demographics.
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KEEP MOVING FORWARD
with the ongoing individual, organizational and community work required to become more actively anti-racist. This includes focusing on internal practices in addition to our outward facing work. Through our internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Human Resources department and Senior Leadership Team, our staff continues to work on our internal culture, including critical work to address individual biases and increase education about systemic injustice. We have updated our vendor policy to prioritize companies led by people of color. Also, we continue to seek and develop ways to gather and share data about our efforts to increase public accountability.
PA R T N E R S
in Progress
In October, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved $370,000 in grant awards from the Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds. These partnerships demonstrate how the generous commitments from donor partners over decades have provided resources to meet today’s needs. The dedication of local nonprofit and grassroots partners to improving the lives of everyone who calls West Michigan home is apparent throughout this work, as well. AFRICAN COLLABORATIVE NETWORK, $150,000
The African Collaborative Network works to uplift African voices in decision-making spaces as they advocate for better outcomes in health, economics and education through programming, resource connection and networking. This grant partnership supports their work as they plan, organize and address economic inequity at a systems level.
THE DIATRIBE, $10,000
The Diatribe empowers youth to raise awareness of social issues through a variety of programming. This grant supports capacity building to expand performing arts programming and services. This partnership was made possible by the Fund for Arts and Social Engagement and the Leonard and Eileen Newman Fund for the Arts.
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS, $10,000
This grant partnership supports expanded stakeholder engagement in Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Strategic Plan Process. This partnership was made possible by the William H. and Inetta P. Martindill Fund.
SEEDS OF PROMISE, $200,000
This grant partnership supports Seeds of Promise as they develop a community giving circle and implement their Neighborhood Improvement Plan. It will support their ability to create a community investment program to allow local residents to invest in their community development and have input in how their money is spent.
SEEDS OF PROMISE
Supporting Resident-led Community Change Seeds of Promise is a community improvement hub located in the Southtown neighborhood in Grand Rapids. They describe themselves as a “bottom-up” organization, rather than being “top-down,” and 75% of their board is made up of community residents. This place-based initiative has worked in the neighborhood since 2014, supporting residents in creating and directing their strategies for community change. The organizational goals include helping neighbors manage their money, find and retain jobs and maintain their housing. Recently, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved a $200,000 grant award to Seeds of Promise to support their work and expand their capacity. “The Community Foundation is committed to resourcing grassroots movements and organizations like Seeds of Promise,” said Eugene Sueing, Community Foundation program director. “These strategies support community leaders and community-led solutions to improve the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.”
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
One way the housing impact team is making a difference is through the Neighborhood Improvement Plan. In partnership with Northpointe Bank, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy, the Seeds of Promise NIP provided nearly $80,000 in grants for existing homeowners to make deferred maintenance repairs in 2021. “Seeds of Promise processed more applications than any other county in Michigan for the NIP, making Seeds of Promise a leader in the whole state of Michigan,” said Ronald Jimmerson, executive director of Seeds of Promise.
Seeds of Promise will soon pilot a community giving circle. This giving circle will generate a local source of capital to be reinvested back into the community. This approach supports local residents as they invest in their community development and determine how their money is spent. “The development of these community revitalization programs is critical to the future growth and local economic development,” Ronald said. “These innovative strategies will help build local equity and wealth creation for residents, the neighborhood and the overall community at large.” The Seeds of Promise resident-led model helps residents improve the overall quality of life in their neighborhood. It also elevates voices of communities of color in systems and neighborhood design. This model directly corresponds with the Community Foundation’s grantmaking strategy from our unrestricted resources. “We believe that people closest to the pain are closest to the solution,” Eugene said. “We aim to invest in projects that are communityled in voice, scope of work and the iterative process for change.” H.G.F. Tracy Byrd, the first homeowner served through NIP, who is now an employee of Seeds of Promise.
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Seeds of Promise achieves their goals through resident-led impact teams, such as the housing impact team. This group improves resident access to quality, cost-effective housing and works to maximize owneroccupied housing in the community. Due to historical racial inequity, poverty and systemic inequities, many homeowners lack the ability and resource connections to make critical home repairs or address code violations. As a result, many homeowners are forced to give up their homes and move out of Southtown.
COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY-DRIVEN IMPROVEMENT
B L AC K L EG AC Y F U N D : New Name, Same Legacy “WE ARE LIVING OUT WHAT OUR ANCESTORS WANTED US TO DO, AND NOW WE ARE CREATING LEGACY FOR OTHER PEOPLE.” Keyuana Rosemond chair of Black Legacy Fund Advisory Committee
Over the last few years, the African American Heritage Fund Advisory Committee members have been exploring their fund’s strengths, values and guideposts. Through working with a consultant and deep conversations among committee members, we are proud to announce the African American Heritage Fund is transitioning its name to Black Legacy Fund. This intentional renaming is meant to honor the heritage of ancestors, invite a more inclusive understanding of Black communities in Kent County and create a legacy for future generations. The committee members chose this name to honor the many ways that Black communities contribute to society, both historically and into the future. “Legacy is something that we are part of,” says Black Legacy Fund Advisory Committee member Zahna Woodson. “This is something that we are adding to.” For committee member Aleka Thrash, the new name embodies the ideas of collective memory and effort. She says, “Legacy is something we are all striving for.” For more than 15 years, donor partners supported this fund to fuel grant partnerships with organizations that combat summer learning loss. Today, the Black Legacy Fund Advisory Committee wants to build on that legacy and broaden the scope of the fund’s impact. More than just renaming the fund, the committee is preparing to do listening sessions with communities to help inform what this broadening scope will look like. “We’re having conversations about how we take care of our communities, how we take care of the planet and what legacy we want to leave for future generations,” says Keyuana Rosemond, the newly appointed committee chair.
L AT I N X A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T E E :
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C e n t e r i n g C o m m u n i t y Vo i c e i n G i v i n g Our Latinx Advisory Committee is working toward establishing a fund. The committee members have dug deep into conversations about defining philanthropy for themselves, understanding that many structures and institutions have not been and are not currently responsive to the urgent needs in Latinx communities. As the committee works to identify the practices and procedures they want to move forward, they firmly believe that all decisions should be guided by the voices of Latinx communities in Kent County. And they aren’t afraid to think outside the box to consider new ways of approaching philanthropy. These deep conversations over the past few years are clarifying their focus for the forthcoming fund. The committee is intentional in its process. By creating committees to dive into each aspect of the fund, they interrogate how the creation and execution might best
support Latinx focused and driven initiatives. They seek an adaptable approach that balances immediate community needs, while also looking at root causes of inequity. The Latinx Advisory Committee thinks about this balanced approach as one might think about their family. How can we support the community’s children today, as well as the children of many generations to come? Laci Resendiz, a Latinx Advisory Committee member, explains the benefit of this approach: “You can see it working now and you can see it building for the future.” As the committee continues to define their model, one thing is certain. Each decision will be rooted in community voice—from that, the committee will not waiver. H.G.F.
W.D.S.
C ATA LY Z I N G CO M M U N I T Y G I V I N G
Learning Together Participating in W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Catalyzing Community Giving program has helped Grand Rapids Community Foundation reimagine and redefine philanthropy through powerful insights from community volunteers. Through the CCG program, the Community Foundation joined a cohort of community foundations, nonprofits and emerging networks across North America working to collaborate more equitably and effectively with communities of color. The Community Foundation’s focus has been to invest more time and energy into building trust and accountability with Black and Latinx communities in Kent County, while growing funds created by and for these communities. Philanthropy has taken a variety of forms in Black and Latinx communities throughout Kent County, including mutual aid, community organizing, grassroots movements, community care and so much more. The CCG program has allowed the Community Foundation to intentionally leverage resources to support communityled philanthropy. This approach helps us continue to shift away from the ways philanthropy has historically been harmful to communities it has intended to help, while supporting and uplifting the positive and impactful work being led by communities. While the three-year CCG partnership is ending in August 2022, we remain committed to honor our commitment to community-led philanthropy in partnership with Black and Latinx communities by putting to practice what we’ve learned. The Community Foundation created a permanent community giving officer staff position to honor our community’s collective wisdom while inspiring and driving the work.
We interviewed Danah Montgomery, our recently hired community giving officer, to learn how she’ll work with Community Foundation staff, stakeholders and volunteer committees.
DM: I am a community organizer, so I am very passionate about the ways the community can hold powerful institutions accountable. The community giving officer position has the capacity to shift power and resources into the hands of the communities who deserve it. The role also demands trust and accountability to the community. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE BLACK LEGACY FUND AND LATINX ADVISORY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS? DM: Our Black Legacy Fund and Latinx Advisory Committee volunteers model the beauty of community through their collaborative decision making, mutual respect, intentionality, patience and generosity. They have encouraged me to think creatively and boldly about the ways we show up for the community. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2022? DM: We are entering an exciting chapter in our Black Legacy Fund and Latinx Advisory Committee stories. I am looking forward to walking the talk and putting some action behind the words and commitments we have made to the community.
Danah Montgomery
“OUR BLACK LEGACY FUND AND LATINX ADVISORY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS MODEL THE BEAUTY OF COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR COLLABORATIVE DECISION MAKING, MUTUAL RESPECT, INTENTIONALITY, PATIENCE AND GENEROSITY.” DANAH MONTGOMERY, COMMUNITY GIVING OFFICER
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BLACK LEGACY FUND AND LATINX ADVISORY COMMITTEE, contact Danah at DMontgomery@GRFoundation.org or call 616.454.1751 x107
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Building this role into the Community Foundation’s operations focuses attention and resources for the Latinx Advisory Committee and our Black Legacy Fund. The community giving officer will work with both funding groups to address their direction, implementation, financial sustainability, operations and execution.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE COMMUNITY GIVING OFFICER ROLE IS MOST COMPELLING FOR YOU?
M E T Z L EG AC Y S O C I E T Y
Donor Partners
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Grand Rapids Community Foundation was seven years old when it received its first major bequest, a gift from the estate of Mary Metz in 1929. Mary was the widow of George Metz, who had built a successful tannery and real estate businesses with his wife’s support. To honor the legacy of the Metz’s bequest, the Community Foundation created the George and Mary Metz Legacy Society. It recognizes those donor partners who have included the Community Foundation in their estate plans or have created a life income gift to benefit the Community Foundation. In good times and bad, gifts of all sizes support the community in perpetuity. Here, we recognize and thank the following members of our Metz Legacy Society, as of October 26, 2021. Mr. William E. Alt
Bob and Julia Currier
Ms. Anita M. Gilleo
Mark and Wendy* Anderson
Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe
Gene and Tubie Gilmore
Anonymous (17)
Tom Czerney
Linsey Gleason
Mr. Willem Antonides
Tom and Gale Czerwinski
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Gleason
Mr. and Mrs. Noyes Avery
John and Edy Davies
Beth Goebel
Rev. Katherine L. Baker
Gilbert R. and Patricia K. Davis
Jane and Phillip* W. Goodspeed
Brian and Deanna Bakker
Jennifer and David Deamud
Ms. Derether Greer
Corey Balkon
Joy DeBoer
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Groenink
Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra
Roger and Marcia DeKock
Dan Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bassett
Pete* and Tuti DeMaagd
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hardy Jr.
John H.* and Nancy Batts
Barb DeMoor
Graci Harkema
Roger and Willa Bauer
Bill and Carolyn DeNeut
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hathaway
Laurie Finney Beard
David R. and Helene M. Despres
Jacqueline E. Haveman
Lois Eberhard Beckering
Rick and Sue DeVries
Jan Heerspink
Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip DeWildt
Beverly and William* Heyne
Tanya and Tom Berg
Danielle DeWitt
John and Gwen Hibbard
Jesse M. Bernal
Gail DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley
Jeff and Laura Hill
John R. Bertsch
Rita Didrichsons*
David and Jean Hitchcock
Ken Betz and Pat Brewer
Elizabeth Tinney Donley
Dirk and June Hoffius
Kristine L. Bishop
John* and Marilyn Dooge
Michael Hoffman
John and Claire Bissell
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Dooge Jr.
Jane Hondelink
Lynne Black
Beth Dornan
Robert L. and Judith* S. Hooker
Ms. Bonnie L. Blandford
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Ducharme
Gregg and Kim Hughes
George and Jill Bosnjak
Bob Dunlap
S. Katherine Humphrey
Janet and John Boyles
Ms. Patricia S. Duthler
Bonnie Hunter
Tom Braciak
David G. Dvorak, M.D.
John Hunting
Genny Bratschie
Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick
Cherry and Phil Jacobus
Tracy and Tom* Breihof
Mr. and Mrs. Kenton H. Eavey
Lynne Jarman-Johnson and Robert J. Johnson
The Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Egan
Chuck and Carol Jennings
Mark Breon
Ben Emdin
Shirley Jeter
Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower
Ms. Elaine E. Emmons
Tom* and Margy Jones
Renwick Brutus
Bill Essling
Michael and Sarah Julien
Robert and Sandy Burnham
Hank and Marcia Fairchild
Karen A. Kania and Margaret H. McClure
Jan Burns
Bill and Kay Farr
Carol Karr
Anna Moore Butzner
Jane and Gerald Feldman
Mary and Dan Karrip
Linda Byington
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finazzi
Nancy Kehoe Nielsen
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Campbell
Michael Finton, Ph.D.
Christina Keller
Ms. Esther A. Carew
Eric and Kelly Fischer
Mr. Fred P. Keller
David M. and Cara V. Cassard
Mary and Bill Ford
Paul and Beth Kelly
Mandy and Christian Chardoul
Dr. Anthony J. Foster and Linda Nemec Foster
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kenny
Iain and Michaele Charnley
Joy Foster
Roberta F. King
The Chelovich Family
Thomas S. and Maxine J. Fox and Family
Birgit Klohs
Roger and Sally Ciapara
Jeffrey and Sheila Frank
James* and Marilyn Klyn Galer
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Cornetet
Jason Franklin
Raymond E. Knape
Gina Covert-Ostergen and Craig Ostergren
Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel
Marilyn Knol
Bill and Marilyn Crawford
Mr. Henry G. Fuhs
Carrie and Mike Kolehouse
Ms. Elizabeth J. Crosby
Michael and Elyce Fuller
Michael E. Kooistra
Mal* and Mary Abbott Cumming
Iris-Naomi Garcia
David A. and Phyllis E. Koslow
Randall L. Currey and Bryan Ribbens
Brent and Ronda Geers
Mrs. June Kosten
Cris and Tom Kutzli
Milt and Barbara Rohwer
Selma Tucker
Nakia Kyler
Dr. Jack and Lija Romence
Donald and Mary Tuttle
Tom and Sally Kyros
Lisa M. Rose
Ms. Rebecca L. Tyke
Mrs. Paula La Claire
Bob and Marcy Roth
Elizabeth A. Tyson
Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad
Mary C. Roth
Dr. and Mrs. Ghayas Uddin
B. Kenneth Larm
Dr. Owen and Bonnie Rottschafer
Scott Urbanowski
Claire and Debbie Larson
Alan Rumbaugh
Mr. David A. Van Dyke
R. Lawrence and Marilyn Leigh
Ms. Kathleen M. Russell
Frank and Sharon Van Haven
Norm and Marilyn Leven
Edward W. Ryan
Selene Van Vleck
Mike Lloyd
Margaret Ryan
Don VandenBos Jr.
Michael Loughman
Megan and Noel Rydecki
Dave and Lorrie Vander Ark
Arend and Nancy Lubbers
Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt
Mrs. Dori Vander Mey
Jan Lunquist and Michael May
Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope
Lou VanderHave
Mr. Eugene G. Lyons
Jerry Schaefer and Polly Hewitt
Mr. and Mrs. Rick A. VanHorn
Suzie Mackeigan
Robert Schellenberg
Ms. Robin E. Velte
Barbara P. Marcus
Mary Jane Schopf
Carl and Sandra VerBeek
Ron Marsteiner
Ms. Greta Schuil
Ben and Emily VerWys
Max Matteson and Bud Baty
Ms. Corliss E. Scott
John P. and Lynn Vinkemulder
Kate and John McGarry
John Scott
Phil and Kathy Vogelsang
Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams
Jim and Susie Sebastian
David and Kay Wagner
John and Betsy McIntyre
Mark A. Sellers
Gary Walker
Jason and Kate Meyer
Mrs. Elaine Shay
Anita Wallgren
Bonnie K. Miller
Eileen Shedleski
Ms. Sandra Ward
Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller
Marilyn and Budge Sherwood
Mr.* and Mrs. Russel Warner
Bryant and Audrey Mitchell
Shaun Shira
Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins
Kim S. Mitchell
Diana R. Sieger
Elizabeth M. Welch
Ronald and Karen Modreski
Ms. Maureen Quinn Slade
Ms. Connie Wenger
Gordie and Jan Moeller
Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk
John Wert
David and Diana* Morgenstern
Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Snyder
Mary White
John and Gretchen Mousel
Lisa Sostecke DDS
Dave and Stephanie Whitford
Terri A. Mulligan
Robert A. Sprotte
Dorothy Wiest
Ms. Dorothy Munson
Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre
Reneé Williams
Judge William B. Murphy and Paula Murphy
Terrence M. Start
Rita Williams and John Gill
Matthew and Stephanie Muscat
Ron Steensma and Sandi Frost-Steensma
Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine
Jon* and Carol Muth
Barbara D. Steil
Mr. Thomas D. Wisnom
Ardith V. Neath Adams
Steve Steketee
Mike and Colleen Wolfe
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley D. Nelson
Stan and Norma Sterk
Kate Pew Wolters
Mr. Richard Norton Smith
Julie and John Stivers
Dr. Richard J. Woltersom
Peggy Novosad
Wendy Stock
Bob* and Aleicia Woodrick
Judge W. Baldwin and Judy Ogden
Brian and Robin Stoner
E. Gabriel Works and John O’Connor*
Mr. Gerald Olson
Ms. Patty A. Story
John S. and Kathleen B. Woudstra
Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf
Ms. Ann Stuart Burroughs
Dick and Barbara Young
Mr. Scott Paquin
Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland
Marilyn and Garrett Zack
Molly and Steve Parker
Elliot Talen
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zwarensteyn
Mr. and Mrs. James B. Payne
Mary and Steele* Taylor
Betty Zylstra and David Baak
John L. Peterson
Michael and Susan Taylor
Bob J. Zylstra
Bert Pettis and Gary Hill
Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra
Cynthia Pimm
Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole
Mr. John H. Pimm Sr.
KG Thompson
Ms. Cecilia Pius
Aleka Thrash
Kathleen Stewart Ponitz
Jill and Art Tiefenbach
Martha J. Porter
Vicki and Brian* Tingley
Jim and Marie Preston
Ella M. Topp
Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Price
Jenine and Jose Torres
Scott Pruski
Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb
Marcia L. Rapp
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp
Rochelle Reagan
Rick Treur
Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles
George and Kerstin Trowbridge
We go to great lengths to list each donor according to their personal preference. If you wish to have your recognition name listed differently or spotted a typo in your name, please accept our apologies and let us know by calling 616.454.1751 with any changes.
PARTNERS in community | 11
Marjorie and Bud Roegge
*Deceased
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
YEAR-END GIFT DEADLINES Investments from donor partners are critical to our community’s future. To be credited for 2021 tax returns, gifts must be postmarked or given online by December 31. If you prefer to make a gift in person, please call 616.454.1751 to schedule an appointment, and deliver the gift by noon on December 31. Complex gifts may take longer to facilitate. We encourage you to begin these contributions as soon as possible and by the deadlines below: • Stock: DTC eligible securities should be sent by the delivering institution by noon on December 30. • Mutual Funds, Automated Customer Account Transfer (ACAT) System Transfer: As long as the mutual fund is in the ACAT system, the deadline for initiating the transfer is noon on December 30. • Mutual Funds, Non-ACAT Transfer: Initiate for shell account generation by December 20. Our team is here to help! You can reach any member of our development team at 616.454.1751. WELCOME, DANAH! We are excited to introduce Danah Montgomery, community giving officer. Before joining our team, Danah worked as a Spectrum Health community health program specialist. Danah has a background with nonprofit organizations, with prior roles at New City Neighbors and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. In these roles Danah has facilitated community outreach, led diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, secured grant funding and supported youth programming. Danah is active in the community in many capacities including as a youth mentor and a birth doula. Learn more about Danah’s role on page 9.
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 360
WELCOME, CLAUDIA! Join us in welcoming Claudia Pohlen, our newly-hired campaign coordinator. In this temporary role, Claudia will support our centennial campaign efforts. Claudia brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently through work with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and True North Community Services. Claudia has a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Iberoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia in Nicaragua. Claudia is bilingual in Spanish and English, fluent in Italian and proficient in French. CONGRATULATIONS, ERIKA! Erika VanDyke, a program officer, received the 2021 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award, presented during the Council of Michigan Foundations 49th Annual Conference. The award, which was given for the first time this year, recognizes Erika as an emerging practitioner in the field who demonstrates leadership, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and advocacy for social justice. Congratulations, Erika! SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN The Community Foundation’s general scholarship application is now open until March 1, 2022. Students who complete the application will be entered in the selection process for 500+ scholarships from 80+ funds. Share the application with the students in your life! Visit GRFoundation.org/Scholarships HAVE YOU READ OUR ANNUAL REPORT? In it, we feature donor, community and nonprofit partners who are working to create a renewed West Michigan and a foundation for our future. Visit GRFoundation.org/AnnualReport