work or professional encounters. However, the organization has evolved into a group of committed individuals working together to bring about change in the community.
The Community Foundation has partnered with BIC to support initiatives related to COVID-19 response, eldercare and returning citizens. What milestones, accomplishments or discoveries can you share?
What do you see for the future of BIC? KD: BIC’s responsive communication platform is key to determining how the future of BIC looks. It is our desire to build on the premises that we need to gather as much information as possible and [continue to] share information for the well-being of Black Greater Grand Rapids. There are many barriers that exist to just getting some of the simple information that’s needed regarding resources. Rev. ECG: The future for BIC will further expand its reach into areas where there is a much-needed change. The plight of incarcerated persons and providing the necessary support for individuals and families is vital. BIC is investigating programs that will sever the school-to-prison pipeline, advocate for persons in the justice system, provide family support and secure post-release programming for returning citizens.
KD: We are grateful for the support and partnership with the Community Foundation. This partnership allows us to expand on the need to inform, educate and bring vaccine information and education to the Black community. BIC has been able to create events to provide education and information regarding COVID-19 vaccine clinics as well as provide information on the virus. Partnering helps BIC broaden the reach. There have been successful vaccine clinics held at various churches with a goal to create neighborhood-specific vaccine clinics. Current accomplishments include providing information and education to 246 Black businesses about BIC and its vaccine initiatives. Efforts continue to create programming around the top five health conditions affecting the Black community at disproportionate rates and share COVID-19 and vaccine clinic information during specific engagements. T.G.
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What Our Partners Are Saying: Defining
Philanthropy
Community Foundation financial analyst
*Deceased, quote from 1973 when he was board chair for the Community Foundation
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Fund for Community Good volunteer
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100 New Philanthropist
Describe your giving and how you make giving decisions. “My giving decisions, including time, funding and grassroots hard work, have been in line with the things that have been important to my family over our course of growth. As we grow and learn, we understand where needs are and do our best to support them, to make a difference and to start the ripple or grow the ripple.”
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Somos Comunidad Fund volunteer
People of color have a long history of giving selflessly of their time, talents and treasures to pour back into our communities. How have you seen this show up in your personal experience? “I’ve seen philanthropy play out in the Latino community, the Black community, different communities, at different levels. I think people that have grown up under systems of oppression tend to dedicate their lives to changing those systems. They give their entire lifetime to change these systems of oppression. I think that’s one way to give. I also see it person to person, just people giving and helping out their neighbors.”
PARTNERS in community | 9
How do you define What lessons about giving philanthropy were you taught growing and what can it “Part of the philosophy of up that inspire your accomplish? The Foundation is that we generosity today? “Philanthropy is a colonial should within reason go “Philanthropy is important construct steeped in into things which reflect imperialism and patriarchy— because it is a vehicle for the changing social and meaning that those with us to enact meaningful environmental scene…The resources have often change quickly that reflects role of The Grand Rapids “remedied” problems of community need. If it is Foundation in such cases those with less resources. within your power to help, is to take the risk of the The answers to problems then help. No matter how experiment, to provide the in marginality are found in small or inconsequential it seed money for a potentially the margins. Philanthropy, might seem, if we each do worthwhile service or to me, is being the most what we can to support one agency, then get out.” human you could possibly another, we all benefit in the be. When worked WITH end.” and IN communities of marginality, great things can be accomplished. True equity can be found by the In the next issue of PARTNERS in giving of compassion from community, we will be exploring the theme those with resources. This of legacy. Are you interested in submitting a can only be done by allowing perspective on the topic? [grant partners] time to build meaningful relationships in Send an email with your thoughts to communities.” Communications@GRFoundation.org.
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During our centennial year, we will include a variety of voices and perspectives from partners about theme’s we are exploring in each issue of PARTNERS in community. For this issue, we asked staff and volunteers to define philanthropy, acknowledging that Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s understanding of philanthropy has evolved. Over the last century, we’ve broadened our perspective to include a spectrum of cultures and giving styles. We asked partners to share why they believed philanthropy was important and what it could accomplish. Some shared with us the culture, lessons and experiences that inspire their generosity today.
