Dear partners and friends, Over the last year, our team at Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been holding two things at once. We are responding to systemic challenges in our community and working with partners like you to shape what comes next. That work has felt heavy at times, but also hopeful. What keeps me going is knowing we’re not doing it alone. Whenever we ask community members to share their ideas—through focus groups, listening sessions, surveys or sharing experience or expertise—the answer is, “Yes!” Thank you for walking alongside us. Your insight and feedback gave us so much to reflect on as we defined the future focus of our work. I speak for myself, our staff team and our trustees when I say you challenge us to show up better for this community. You help us stay accountable, teach us and inspire us. You remind us that real change is inevitable when we work together. Our work is only possible because of your love and care for West Michigan. We’re excited to share our new mission, North Star and core values in this issue of PARTNERS in community. Formal and informal feedback from you and many others shaped all these over time. In this next season of service and impact, we are stepping forward with clarity, accountability and courage. These ideas may feel familiar—and they are. Yet, we are bringing a sharper focus to our work and doubling down on our commitment to equity-driven philanthropy. We are listening deeply, bringing partners together with purpose and being honest about what’s working and what isn’t. This will help us keep building stronger relationships in our communities. We want to match donor intent with what people truly need and focus on long-term solutions instead of quick fixes. In this issue, we share insights from Eugene Sueing, program director, on how we work with local nonprofits to increase access to opportunity. You’ll read a heartwarming example of the power of planned giving and learn about some of our most recent grant partnerships. I am so excited for this next chapter. Together, with partners like you, we are building a more thriving and equitable West Michigan—starting now. Partners together,
LaSandra A. Gaddy President and CEO Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Pictured: YWCA West Central Michigan