PARTNERS in Action and Impact

At Grand Rapids Community Foundation, we know that lasting impact begins at the community level—with people recognizing a need and stepping forward to address it. Community action is not just a concept—it’s a force that has driven change throughout our history and continues to shape our collective future.

For more than 100 years, we have partnered with individuals and organizations who are committed to improving Kent County. From neighborhood leaders advocating for safer, more connected spaces, to grassroots organizers creating solutions to food insecurity or educational equity, we see the transformative power of local leadership in action every day. Their voices continue to shape our priorities, challenge us to think bigger, and remind us that transformational change is only possible when everyone has a seat at the table.

As we continue to refine our new strategic framework, community input is helping us stay grounded in what matters most: building a more inclusive, equitable Kent County where everyone can thrive.

The Community Foundation is rooted in the belief that the people closest to the issues are also closest to the solutions. This is why we center community voice in everything we do. It’s not enough to respond to community needs—we must also invest in the people driving change, creating room for new leaders, new ideas, and shared power.

Our commitment to impact extends beyond individual efforts. Through collaborative giving, convening, and shared learning, we strive to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to unite around common goals. Whether it’s working alongside local nonprofits, funding resident-led initiatives, or co-creating new systems that address root causes of inequity, the Community Foundation serves as a bridge between aspiration and meaningful action.

In this issue, you’ll see how that action comes to life. We highlight donor partners investing in our next century of service and impact through our Centennial Campaign, a Q+A about our grantmaking approach, feedback from students and recent grant partners who are advancing racial, social and economic justice. You’ll also find a special invitation to join our Centennial Campaign—an opportunity to sustain and grow this impact for the next 100 years and beyond.

As always, we invite you to be part of this journey. Whether through giving, advocacy, storytelling, or service, your involvement fuels progress toward a better tomorrow. Thank you for believing and investing in the power of community action. Thank you for making impact possible.

Partners together,

LaSandra A. Gaddy

President and CEO Grand Rapids Community Foundation