Partners in Collaboration

I have been reorganizing my office, digging through files and finding reports that I’d thought “invaluable,” and then realizing that they belong in the recycling bin. We are transitioning to a hybrid work situation, so I am bringing more files back to the office from home. During this treasure hunt, I uncovered a wonderful relic—the first strategic plan I wrote in 1990! The plan’s “Philosophy of the Grand Rapids Foundation” section included: “We recognize that the process of change and enhancement often involves a partnership of individuals, groups and institutions.”

So many things in that and subsequent plans led us to where we are today. Although Grand Rapids Community Foundation was perceived in 1990 primarily as a funder, I was determined to send the message that we needed to collaborate with community partners. I intentionally connected more with organizations, businesses, leaders of various sectors and individuals to catalyze the actions needed to collaboratively move the community in a direction that included everyone. The Community Foundation shifted its role to being a convenor. Rooting ourselves ever more deeply in partnership and community opened our eyes as we dove into issues and began advocating for more equitable change.

In 1992, we focused on the year 2000 and how we could shape the future! We coordinated a community listening session to ask, “What should the Community Foundation focus on as we approach the new millennium?” Despite the January snow, 200 people attended. Because of recent high-profile cases of child abuse and neglect, the group determined we should zero in on children and youth. We convened a nine-month community process involving child welfare experts and people who cared deeply about vulnerable youth.

We met regularly, listened to stories of children and youth and had robust discussions about how systems designed to protect our children were failing them. This led to the Perspective 21 action plan. Many of its 16 recommendations were gradually implemented and led to increased funding for prevention services and a renewed effort for the social sector to stand together. This work required significant collaboration among nonprofit and government sectors and other key parties. It helped set the stage for other collaborative efforts the Community Foundation has initiated or participated in ever since. As a result, we have become a trusted partner in efforts that led to founding Kent Schools Services Network and KConnect.

Fast forward to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Community Foundation convened local funders to collaborate on how we were prepared to respond to the crisis in real time—and ensure our efforts would be sustained. Collaboration has been essential as this community works to expose and address the disparities that Black and Latinx communities have experienced before and during the pandemic and, unfortunately, continue to navigate.

Throughout our 100-year history, we’ve repeatedly seen how collaboration leads to promising outcomes. Our partners have taught us that it takes guts, tenacity and standing together when resolution seems impossible. The Community Foundation has been and continues to be intentional about listening to community voice. As we embark on a new century of service and impact, we stand alongside the people most affected by the disparities. We will continue to lean in to assure their voices are heard and revered.