VALUES THAT LIVE ON
The impact of planned gifts
Philanthropy is deeply personal. How you give reflects experiences that shape your life and the future you hope to create. In the last 100 years, more than 300 people have included Grand Rapids Community Foundation in their estate plans. They know their gifts will be given after they pass away, and they trust us to carry out their wishes. 2010, has made multiple grants to support the arts in our region. Recently, it supported a partnership with Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities to bring arts programs to the community. Thanks to the power of endowment (investing funds and giving away the proceeds indefinitely), awards from the Mieras Fund will eventually exceed the initial amount Bob gave. THE LONG-TERM POWER OF A PLANNED GIFT Leaving a planned gift to the Community Foundation through your estate is a gift that keeps giving. It’s a powerful way to support education, the arts, the environment, and more. These funds strengthen our region today and for generations to come. To start a conversation about your goals or to update us on your plans, contact our development team at 616.4541751.
Pictured: Bob Mieras
ROBERT D. MIERAS’S LEGACY Robert D. Mieras was a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids. A World War II veteran and longtime employee of General Motors, Bob loved the outdoors and the arts. His focus on traditional arts led to travels throughout the Americas, researching and learning from Indigenous peoples. One way to experience Bob’s legacy is through a visit to the Quigley Creek Natural Area—a Chippewa Watershed Conservancy property now named in his honor. His passions for art and music also live on in greater Grand Rapids. Bob included the Community Foundation in his life story by establishing the Robert D. Mieras Fund for Dance and Music. The fund, created after his death in
Gift value
Thanks to the power of endowment, the resources provided to our community will eventually exceed the initial gift amount.
A.H.S Courtesy of Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
Time since initial gift
PARTNERS in community | 7
HOW ENDOWED GIVING WORKS
Pictured: Quigley Creek Natural Area, Robert D. Mieras Preserve