E Q UITY TA KES OF US
It's a time of rapid change in West Michigan. Local nonprofits have been pressure tested. But rarely like this. Hard-won advances have been challenged and reversed. Affordable housing solutions are falling short of demand. Health care costs continue to rise. The widening wealth and opportunity gap in our country has created a new level of inequity. These are not challenges any of us can afford to walk away from.
For the last 100 years, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has worked to strengthen the lives of people in West Michigan. This staying power is a testament to you — our partners and the community at large. To endure, we need to adapt and meet the moment, and plan thoughtfully for the years ahead.
To lift one another up.
EQUITY TAKES ALL OF US
Our strategic framework - Our daily work and key decisions need to meet shared goals. So we stepped back and created a strategic framework for the future.
We partnered with strategists to walk through insights, learning, data and feedback, and to listen to important voices throughout our community. Our commitment to hear from everyone involved staff, trustees, donors, volunteers, committee and community members as well as civic, higher education, philanthropic and corporate partners.
We listened. We incorporated your input. This go-forward strategic framework couldn't have been built without you.
To meet the moment.
EQUITY TAKES ALL OF US EQUITY TAKES ALL OF US
What we learned - You told us that the Community Foundation is known for its commitment to equity and inclusion. Actions over time have built trust in our impact on the community. You believe that our leadership and staff offer the experience needed to make more possible.
You also encouraged us to create a clear roadmap to achieving our North Star. To deepen engagement with volunteers and community members. And to enhance transparency in grant making and decision making. All of which informed the path forward.
O UR CORE VALUES
Equity We believe a community where everyone can belong and have access to opportunities for better lives is possible.
Collaboration We work together, recognizing our collective strengths can create a better present and brighter future.
Trust We act with integrity, transparency, stewardship and accountability to uphold the trust between us, our partners and the communities we serve.
Adaptability We strive for a lasting impact that meets the needs of our community for today and tomorrow.
Courage We are resolute in our commitment to equity, to amplifying the voices in our communities and to boldly pursuing a thriving community for all.
O UR MISSION
To create a thriving and equitable West Michigan by connecting people, passion and resources today and for generations to come.
OUR NORTH STAR
The people of West Michigan deserve to thrive. Together, we ensure everyone has access to opportunity, prosperity and belonging. It is only by embracing our differences and overcoming inequities that we can create a more vibrant community.
To advance our Mission and North Sta r, we have identified the following goals:
ADVANCE
EQUITY-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY
Empower purposeful and equity-driven philanthropy that fosters a vibrant community
DEEPEN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Cultivate a shared responsibility for continuous listening, learning and authentic relationship building in order to strengthen community partnerships
STRENGTHEN
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Invest in organizational excellence and effectiveness to advance our mission and North Star
GRO W AND EXPAND FUNDING
Grow financial assets and expand access to Community Foundation resources that will support equitable and thriving communities
To reimagine our future.
We are excited to continue on our journey together. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is committed to equity and our strategic framework is the path.
We offer many thanks to you and to the many partners who gave their time, ideas, insights, and perspectives that helped to shape the focus of our work.
