PARTNERS in Community - Spring/Summer 2024

PARTNERS in community

4 “There's a sense of purpose and joy in seeing results of our work and watching the community grow and thrive.”

-Bob Zylstra

G RA N D

RA PIDS

COMMUNITY

FOUNDAT I ON

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO Ashley René Lee Vice President, Strategic Communications Kate Luckert Schmid Vice President, Program Stan Vander Roest Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marilyn W. Zack Vice President, Development

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Reneé Williams (Chair)

YOUR PHILANTHROPIC PARTNER THROUGH LIFE

Caitlin Townsend Lamb (Vice Chair) Kyle D. Caldwell (Immediate Past Chair) Ken Fawcett, M.D. Thomas Kyros Emily Loeks Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed. D. Ana Ramirez-Saenz Alexandria Smith Kathleen B. Vogelsang Daniel Williams, Ed. D.

Tel: 616.454.1751 Fax: 616.580.1040 Email: info@GRFoundation.org Website: GRFoundation.org

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. For more than a century, people who care about the future of Kent County have built the Community Foundation through their time, financial resources and thought partnership. Our partners - donors, nonprofits, leaders, doers and more - consistently trust us to help bring key issues to the forefront to build community will, investment and collaboration needed to inspire change.

PARTNERS in community is a

HOW WE GIVE: PRIORITIZING PHILANTHROPY THROUGH LIFE'S CHANGES

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GROWING CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

9 FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH

publication of Grand Rapids Community Foundation Contributing writers: Ashley René Lee, LaSandra Gaddy, Heather Gill Fox, DeShawn Pope, Jenine Torres, Shaun Shira

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@GRCommFound

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PARTNERS IN EVERY SEASON

Graphic Design: Michele Keren Design

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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

Photography: Alfield Reeves Photography and Isabel Media Studios

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PARTNER LISTING

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THIS & THAT

Copyediting: Joan Huyser-Honig

PARTNERS in community

SPRING/SUMMER 2024 | Issue 99

PARTNERS in Every Season

Over the last few months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with many of you, including donor partners, nonprofit partners, community partners and more.

One thing that has stood out to me is the wide range of stories of how you began your partnership with Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

Some of you started as leaders serving on our Youth Grant Committee and kept us in mind as your career progressed and your giving capacity grew.

Like our YGCers, many of you started as passionate community members, giving your time and talent as volunteers and deepening your investment to also include financial contributions.

Others were introduced to the Community Foundation through one of our Field of Interest funds led by community volunteers you know and trust.

Many of you learned about our services through your financial advisor or estate planning attorney. You began your relationship with us by starting your very own fund to carry out your and your family’s philanthropic goals.

And then, there are those of you who have elevated the Community Foundation to the level of family from the very beginning by joining our Metz Legacy Society and naming us in your estate plan.

These are just a few incredible stories I’ve heard so far. I am so eager to learn more.

The central theme of these stories is that whether you are a rising or seasoned philanthropist—philanthropist defined as anyone with a love for humanity— there is an opportunity to partner with us through all your life phases and stages.

In this issue of PARTNERS in community, we share tips on how to partner with the Community Foundation throughout various life milestones; we invite you into a conversation with a donor partner whose relationship with us has taken many forms over the years; we provide an update from our Youth Grant Committee leaders and our longtime nonprofit partner United Methodist Community House; we explore how we are supporting leadership development and capacity building for leaders of color; and so much more!

No matter how our story together started, I am so grateful for all the ways you partner with the Community Foundation and trust us to help carry out your vision for the future of our community.

LaSandra A. Gaddy President and CEO Grand Rapids Community Foundation

YO U R P H I L A N T H R O P I C Pa r t n e r Th ro u gh Life

Talk with your professional advisors to see what’s most beneficial and aligned with your goals.

As we journey through life, meet new people, take on new challenges and explore new interest areas, our lives adjust— and often our ideas about giving back change. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is here as your philanthropic partner through every step of life’s journey. Whatever your current life stage, we’re here to help you consider your shortand long-term philanthropic strategies. With all of life's stages can come greater complexity in your charitable giving options, including gifts of stock, closely held business assets and gifts of property. Consider these tips for how you can adjust your giving strategies when you approach different life moments:

NEW JOB

GROWING YOUR CAREER

RAISING CHILDREN

Starting a new job includes a lot of paperwork. One of the first things you may have the opportunity to do is set up a new retirement account (after you’ve found the bathroom). You will be asked to name beneficiaries of an HSA, 401k, 403b or other retirement account. Many people choose to name a nonprofit organization as full, partial or contingent beneficiary.

Mid-career professionals’ calendars often fill with work, community, family and other obligations. Make giving back easier with options like a Donor Advised fund. The Community Foundation or other Donor Advised fund providers will take care of the administrative and investment details while you focus on advising how grants should be made. You can establish a DAF at the Community Foundation or name us or other nonprofits as the ultimate beneficiary of Donor Advised fund assets managed by another provider.

Philanthropy can involve the whole family.

It's never too early to talk with children about how giving time, talent and treasure can impact their community. Discuss as a family what issues are important to you. Consider volunteering or making annual contributions to your favorite nonprofit or one large gift to fulfill a need in your neighborhood/ community. Many people first create a will or trust when they start a family, to ensure their children are cared for. Don’t wait to set up your estate plan, regardless of asset amount.

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DID YOU KNOW? Your employer may offer an option for you to support your favorite nonprofits through a recurring payroll deduction. And many employers have programs to match employee giving and double your impact.

DID YOU KNOW? The Community Foundation continuously partners with professional advisors to ensure donors’ wishes are executed for the donors’ benefit and the community good.

DID YOU KNOW? 68% of Americans do not have a valid will!

RETIREMENT & EMPTY NESTERS

MARRIAGE & ANNIVERSARIES

INHERITANCE

Life’s golden years perks include waking up when you want to and pursuing hobbies on a Monday morning. It's also a time to consider what will happen to your worldly goods after you are gone. If you haven’t yet established your estate plan, don’t wait. Your loved ones will thank you. As your budget changes, charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts could be an option to consider if you’re interested in giving but also desire an income.

When you bring two lives together, you’re not only combining kitchen gadgets. Have a proactive conversation with your advisors about your and your partner’s individual and shared charitable goals. Often, you will also update your estate documents or beneficiary forms when combining or separating households. Consider listing the Community Foundation when you make these updates.

“When I win the lottery, I will...” More likely than a lucky number, perhaps a loved one left you an unexpected inheritance or you are planning to sell a business or home for a profit. This might be the time to build a strategic philanthropic philosophy, if you have not already. There are benefits to talking with the Community Foundation and your advisors about the benefits of donating before you sell.

Consider the depth of your investment, your favorite cause(s) and your timeframe for using your resources to make the world a better place.

DID YOU NOW? There are gifts that pay income. In 2022, tax laws changed to allow a one-time direct transfer from an eligible retirement account to a charitable gift annuity or other life income plan up to $53,000 if over the age of 70½.

DID YOU KNOW? IRA assets passed along to loved ones may carry tax implications.

However, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA during your lifetime will lessen the estate tax burden for your beneficiaries while also providing you current income tax benefits.

DID YOU KNOW? Over the next 20 years, studies show $90 trillion in assets will be transferred between U.S. generations, primarily to heirs—further widening the wealth gap built from systemic injustices. Your Community Foundation investments in unrestricted funds support opportunities to create generational wealth within excluded communities and advance racial, social and economic justice.

You may also choose to direct your gift for the purpose most meaningful to you.

HOW WE GIVE: Prioritizing Philanthropy Through Life’s Changes Generations of donor partners have created significant impact in our community through gifts of all shapes and sizes to Grand Rapids Community Foundation. In the “How We Give” series, we highlight donor partners who are committed to carrying this legacy into the next 100 years by making gifts that accomplish their specific philanthropic goals. The variety of donor partners and gifts come together to create change and improve West Michigan. This is community at work and love in action!

MEET BOB ZYLSTRA Bob Zylstra, co-founder of electrical services company Feyen-Zylstra, has been a Community Foundation donor partner since 1996. A Chicago native, Bob moved to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin University.

Over the years, he has supported initiatives such as the Black Men Building Resources Scholarship Fund and Fund for Community Good and has established the Bob Zylstra Science, Technology, and Engineering Scholarship. Bob has also named the Community Foundation as a beneficiary of his estate, making him a member of the Metz Legacy Society. Bob has partnered with the Community Foundation through different life milestones and has taken advantage of a variety of giving strategies along the way. Bob recently talked with Shaun Shira, major and planned gifts director, about his passion for West Michigan and why he has chosen the Community Foundation as a long-time philanthropy partner.

SHAUN: How has your journey as a community member evolved through the years?

BOB: It started with moving into the Baxter neighborhood, joining

Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church and getting involved with nonprofits. A number of friends and I renovated a house donated to our church, then sold it at cost to somebody that needed it. Then another house got donated... and another. That group became the founding board of Inner City Christian Federation and also helped bring Habitat for Humanity to town.

I’ve also been fairly involved in urban planning. When I moved here in the early 70s, not much was going on downtown. I like seeing the city develop in a good fashion, so I volunteered nine years on the Grand Rapid Planning Commission and another six years on the zoning board of appeals. It’s really exciting to see how philanthropy and volunteerism have developed downtown into a vibrant place where you want to be. I’ve met amazing people through community involvement.

SHAUN: Why is giving back to our community important to you?

BOB: I get more out of it than what I give to it. There's a sense

of purpose and joy in seeing results of our work and watching the community grow and thrive. Plus, a lot of the nonprofits I get involved in value diversity, equity and inclusion.

SHAUN: Why do you value equity in your community philanthropy?

BOB: Being in the trades in Grand Rapids, for the most part,

SHAUN: How has your giving changed throughout your life?

BOB: I've always given money to nonprofits. It was pretty meager

at first, but I did what I could in donating time and money. As I grew

I just finished updating my estate plan. I started thinking about how many estate plans turn everything over to their children. I'm 75 now and quite healthy. If I live to be 85 or 90 years old, my children will be in their mid-60s. They're both educated and in professions they enjoy. They're doing fairly well. When they are 65 years old, how much will they need? So, I am making a change so more of my estate will be going to the nonprofits I am engaged in. What I look at is, what's my legacy going to be, what was important to me and what's important to the community.

SHAUN: Why have you chosen strategies like including the Community Foundation in your estate plan and making gifts via stock or a qualified charitable distribution?

BOB: I consider the tax implications. I own several income

producing properties with extensive capital gains taxes. My CPA told me that, after my death, by transferring those properties to my children, they will receive them at a stepped up basis, and all those capital gains taxes go away. My longtime investment accounts have a lot of taxes because they've appreciated, therefore much of my stocks and similar assets will go to my designated nonprofits. All my basic assets—house, accounts, properties—are in a trust. My children will get the property side and much of the stock and cash side will go to the nonprofits.

SHAUN: Why do you choose to partner with Grand Rapids Community Foundation for your philanthropic goals?

BOB: The tremendous staff have done research I can’t do to vet

nonprofits. Everybody I've met here—the scholarship committee, yourself and the advice you've given on transferring funds—has been incredible. I don’t think your services can be matched. I'm looking at the long term, and the Community Foundation will be there long after I am. I have 10, maybe 20 years to live, if I'm really lucky . I know my giving, the scholarship and my donations will be in good hands. It's a legacy thing.

The Community Foundation is honored to support donor partners in discussing, establishing or adapting their philanthropic investments. To start a conversation, contact the development team at 616.454.1751.

S.S. and A.R.L. Alfield Reeves Photography

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people hire people like them and who they know. And you end up having a fairly similar workforce for that reason. Most contracting, environment and engineering companies here are run by white people who hire people they know. Marlin Feyen and I worked hard over the years to get into the Hispanic and African American communities. We know the trades can be a good means to support your family and access opportunities. We’re all enriched by seeing a more diverse workforce. I've benefited significantly with the opportunities I had to get into the trades and want to see that for more women and people of color. I hope the Bob Zylstra Science, Technology, and Engineering Scholarship gets more women and people of color into science, technology and engineering.

in my profession, I had more funds available to broaden my giving lists and amounts.

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United Methodist Community Hou se

United Methodist Community House has been serving our community since 1902. Grand Rapids Community Foundation has supported UMCH’s work through various grants and donations, including support from our Donor Advised funds.

Heather Gill Fox, Community Foundation strategic communications manager, recently talked with Carla Moore, chief executive officer, and Eric Williams, vice president of strategic initiatives, about the organization’s intergenerational model that begins with expanding childcare, as well as the organization's capital campaign. of resources and things available to its older residents, but they HEATHER: How is UMCH responding to are not equitably distributed in this community. When you talk community needs? about elders who are aging within the central city, they lack the UMCH: Part of UMCH's overall big vision is ability to access these resources, let alone even know about them. ensuring sustainability for the next 100 years.

Much of what we do is socialization and helping extend or create We do that in part by making sure that what a sense of purpose for older adults. Most of what impacts an older we offer and engage in is relevant to actual adult's wellness is their physical and social environment. UMCH documented community needs. UMCH is addresses both of those needs through programming and creating and has been committed to serving lower a place of communal belonging. income populations. Data shows lower income populations are more diverse.

Aging in place is the number one desire of most aging citizens. But This is what drives the demographics of as you age, your ability to access the things that you need becomes who UMCH serves, which is predominantly increasingly difficult if you're not out in one of those retirement communities of color. Understanding that communities where everything is brought in and built around you. the system of childcare in the country is broken Unfortunately, this goes back to the reality that earning potential and needs to be addressed and there is a great need in communities of color is lower than in the dominant culture. to ensure older adults have access to the programs We've not had or been afforded the same opportunities, so how do and services that increase their ability to age in we ensure that older adults with lower incomes can access what place longer. What’s unfortunate is that— until they need? a shortage of teachers and seats began to impact higher-income populations—there HEATHER: What’s next for UMCH? really wasn't a focus on how detrimental UMCH: UMCH has been reorganizing and re-envisioning who and huge childcare disparities really are. we are, what we want to become and how we can begin to answer community needs and create sustainability for the next 100 years.

HEATHER: Why is early childhood We’ve built upon the foundation of our intergenerational model, development support needed? which is who we are.

UMCH: In 2017/2018, we learned of an extreme need for care for children ages zero Over the summer we are expanding our 904 Sheldon Avenue through two. There were 2,400 children residing campus to include an open-to-the-public intergenerational park. It within our UMCH direct service area, but only 189 will feature equipment geared towards children ages three to five, licensed registered slots of care existed for that same as well as equipment for adults. We’re building a new Older Adult demographic. That is crisis level. We immediately Activity Center and will eventually expand our infant and toddler went to work with the help of some local classrooms. We will also launch alternative care services, which foundations to transform two multipurpose comprise of drop-in care for families experiencing homelessness program spaces into two new classrooms and need care while they take care of appointments, interviews that would help us serve 24 more children in and other critical business. And we will be launching 2nd shift care that age range. to support families of shift workers need childcare beyond the regular business hours of most care facilities.

The woman who got the last seat available in that entire program when we had opened HEATHER: How can community support UMCH? literally bust out in tears when she found out UMCH: It is important for this community to understand that that she was accepted. She was excited to be this vision and our capital campaign to support it is probably having a child, but she felt like it was a twoone of the most ambitious, largest raises from a minority-led year sentence to unemployment. She had been organization that this community has ever seen. It's historic. If we searching high and low, calling nearly every center can all get behind this effort, then as a community we can realize in the community and was not finding any openings as what it means to be equitable, what it means to make room for all her due date was quickly approaching. Her story was a validation of us to work and to grow and improve this community. And every and eye opener about why it's so important to create more seats. last member of our community has an opportunity to be a part of Data reports in recent years also reiterate the fact that this need is this. You can learn more about the campaign at UMCHouseGR. persistent. The system has to be strategically thought out so that org/Campaign. There you can view our case for support, project sustainability can occur. drawings, photos, access a pledge card or even contribute online.

HEATHER: What about older adults and eldercare?

H.G.F. UMCH: West Michigan is extremely wealthy in the number Photos provided by UMCH

Nonprofits across Kent County are making changes to improve lives in our community. Grand Rapids Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to support and invest in those nonprofits—and we have many ways to partner with donors to make it happen. Many donor partners use Donor Advised funds to direct resources to impactful programs and nonprofits aligned with their values.

PA R T N E R S i n P r o g r e s s This May $1,505,000 in grants were awarded to local nonprofits from Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good and Field of Interest funds. These grant partnerships support nonprofits as they meet needs and support the community, and they are made possible due to the generous support of donor partners.

FAMILY OUTREACH CENTER, $330,000 Family Outreach Center's mission is to build stronger families by providing high-quality behavioral health services, regardless of ability to pay, focusing on low-income, underinsured and uninsured families and children. This grant will allow Family Outreach Center to hire diverse clinicians, increasing access to culturally responsive behavioral health services for people of color and underserved populations.

GRAND RAPIDS AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH INSTITUTE, $375,000 Grand Rapids African American Health Institute works to eliminate racial and ethnic inequities at the health systems and community levels. The grant will allow them to reach and better serve African American communities, increase staff capacity, financial stability, and operational efficiency by adding a fund development director and human resource consultant.

URBAN LEAGUE OF WEST MICHIGAN, $500,000 Urban League of West Michigan assists all people in achieving selfsufficiency and equality. The Urban League is an organization where everyone is empowered through economic independence.

This grant will support the Urban League's growing operational

needs as they launch their Community Development Financial Institution and Center for Economic Development for Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

PROJECT GREEN, $300,000 Project GREEN (Grassroots Economic Empowerment Network) empowers financial capability in our community and implements advocacy initiatives that tear down systemic barriers to economic success. The grant partnership will support advancement of their program participants' financial capabilities through more financial and credit workshops. Project GREEN will also be able to add facilitators and increase the reach of their advocacy projects, including the Rent Reporting Initiative, Child Support Credit Building Initiative, Pay-It-Forward and Annual Economic Empowerment Conference.

Learn more about our Fund for Community Good, recent grant partnerships and our grant application process at GRFoundation.org/Apply-For-Funding

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S O N Yo u r R e t i r e m e n t R u t h “Learn from each other and share our stories and past history," says Ruth Bishop as parting advice after 32 years with Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

We are grateful for the many years of dedication to local students Ruth brought to the Community Foundation. Ruth shares that she will miss all the wonderful volunteers, staff and students she has worked with, but looks forward to volunteering and spending time with family in her retirement.

Pictured: Ruth Bishop

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Ruth has been focused on education and supporting students throughout her entire career. After working in various general and special education administrative positions in both the public and private school sector, she joined the Community Foundation in 1992. Here she has been responsible for administering awards for over 80 scholarship funds and supporting local efforts targeting college access for all students. She also supported grants for camp programs. She was a member of the National Scholarship Providers Association and provided college access information seminars and scholarship application writing workshops.

G R O W I N G C A PAC I T Y

And Leadership Development For many years now Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been on a journey of listening to reimagine what it looks like to strengthen and deepen our relationship with community. We have explored our role in supporting the nonprofit community in West Michigan. And, we have been examining how to best support smaller, grassroots organizations at various stages in their growth and development. Nonprofits in our community are often born from passionate people who care deeply about a cause impacting people close to them. Thus supporting nonprofits of all sizes benefits not only our sector, but our neighbors.

MAKING ROOM FOR SMALLER NONPROFITS More than five years ago in our listening sessions, smaller nonprofits expressed frustration that funders often find it easier to see the benefits of supporting larger nonprofits. A preference for established organizations with large teams and budgets can leave limited dollars for smaller organizations. The Community Foundation sees benefit in a robust ecosystem with nonprofits of varying size and style, so we’ve explored ways to support more small organizations. This goal is rooted in our desire to center the experiences of those closest to the problems and invest in their solutions for bringing about change.

As researchers study funding patterns, new lessons have emerged.

National statistics show that grassroots organizations receive less funding from major funders, and national funders award fewer grant dollars to organizations led by people of color. When these factors intersect, the impact can mean less funding for the projects with solutions for problems developed by the community most impacted. Also, organizations led by people of color see more restrictions on their funding.

PARTNERSHIPS DISRUPTING THE NORM To disrupt this, the Community Foundation has revised and revisited its grant applications and policies. Beyond that, we have explored ways to invest differently into emerging nonprofits and their leaders. For smaller organizations, opportunities for leadership development can mean greater sustainability for the long term.

Two examples of the Community Foundation growing alongside nonprofits are through our partnerships with Glimpse of Africa and Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan. As political climates shift, so too does the work of organizations supporting refugees and immigrants. These organizations not only face the cycles of growing a nonprofit but often must scale their organization to meet quickly emerging immediate needs, such as a refugee crisis resulting in larger influx of new members to

our community. These nonprofits help refugees and immigrants navigate the many stages of legal paperwork, new cultures and finding a sense of belonging. It’s no easy feat and requires adaptable relationships with grant providers.

GRANT PARTNERSHIPS MAKING AN IMPACT A Glimpse of Africa brings people together to showcase, educate, celebrate and share the diverse African cultures. It fosters essential community programs that voice, advocate for and address African refugees' and immigrants' needs and disparities. A recent grant partnership with them supports their participation in collaborative efforts and community engagement for the African community in West Michigan. Adding more funds to the grant partnership helped support them with nonprofit consulting services. The fund addition came about because we could have honest conversations with AGOA about their needs. Without a new approach and relationships driven model, their true needs might not have surfaced.

Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan is rooted in community and birthed from personal skill and passion. It is one of the only nonprofit organizations providing immigration services led and founded by a woman of color. This valuable addition to the immigrant legal support ecosystem has rapidly grown over the last two years. IAC provides equal access to affordable legal services in Kent County, and our grant award supports their ability to offer reduced-fee immigration legal assistance.

PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITY Across Kent County, we are committed to creating a community that aggressively seeks to put an end to inequity. One way we make that happen is by adapting our policies and practices to be in greater alignment with our commitment to racial, social and economic justice. As we listen to community voices and our partners, we will continue to explore ways to live into truly being our community’s foundation—one that represents everyone we serve, responds to today’s pressing needs and builds for the future.

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H.G.F. Photos provided by A Glimpse of Africa

Pictured: AGOA Festival

YGC volunteers take the information from that Needs Assessment Survey and, through a robust grantmaking process, make decisions about where to recommend grants. In 2024, the committee recommended a total of $50,000 to 18 local nonprofits and organizations that align with the needs expressed by local youth.

These conversations are not easy. Committee volunteers shared how much they appreciate the YGC being a place where youth are truly leading. Students lead meetings, engage in difficult discussions with their peers and ultimately make important decisions about where to move funds.

“There’s a sad belief that's out there in our community that says: ‘I'm too young to make a difference. I don't have enough money to make a difference. I don't have the opportunity to make a difference.’ They don't feel like their voice is heard,” says Caebre Baty, YGC Executive Committee volunteer. “And I feel like YGC is that opportunity to have your voice heard, to have a seat at the table.”

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

Pictured: Youth Grant Committee Members

FO R YO U T H ,

By Youth

Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee gathers students from schools across Kent County to support youth-led programs that improve the lives of youth in our community. YGC volunteers gain leadership experience while working as part of a diverse team to make impactful decisions.

During the school year, volunteer student leaders meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposal process to address those needs, meet with nonprofit leaders to conduct interviews and do site visits. “It's really a unique opportunity to learn about philanthropy, and it connects youth from across Grand Rapids,” says current YGC volunteer Lia Lin. “YGC invites them to come in and share experiences and thoughts to form a better community.”

The committee then presents grant recommendations to the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees.

From its first grant to today, our Youth Grant Committee has awarded more than $1.6 million dollars to local nonprofits supporting programs for youth. To inform their grantmaking priorities, the Youth Grant Committee conducts a Needs Assessment Survey of high schoolers in Kent County every other year. In the most recent survey, 785 local students participated and identified not only their top stressors but also what sorts of activities and supports relieve those worries.

The committee is a great example for other youth and adult volunteer bodies.

These student leaders are making important decisions in our community. They are demonstrating what it looks like to offer time, talent and treasure to causes they are passionate about.

They are part of the story of giving back in our community. Youth are not just learning philanthropy; they are teaching it.

“YGC is a group of students that are dedicated to making change now,” says Caebre. “Not waiting till they have money, not waiting till they hit a certain level. When you think of community, it's everybody chipping in. And I would say all these students like me are chipping in together. Helping that next generation to be successful leaders, learn new skills and set their own goals for a life that they can flourish from.”

Read more about Youth Grant Committee, including the 2022 Needs Assessment Survey and the 2024 grant awards at GRFoundation.org/YGC H.G.F.

Isabel Media Studios

Pictured: Top: Caebre Baty, Bottom: Lia Lin

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GRANTS FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH

Besides creating ways for students to engage in philanthropy through grantmaking and service, YGC is enhancing leadership qualities. Students are teaching each other about causes close to their hearts. They are modeling how to have difficult conversations and make decisions together. “YGC isn't just making a difference for the greater Grand Rapids community, but also for the people that are in it. YGC really helps you learn how to work as a team.

I've never really met a more genuine and supportive group who's passionate about what they're doing,” Lia adds.

M E T Z L EG AC Y Society

RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO CREATE A LEGACY We are pleased to honor and recognize members of our Metz Legacy Society, which honors those who put their trust in the Community Foundation to help carry out their philanthropic legacy. Members below have informed us that they are including the Community Foundation in their estate plans. We honor their charitable intentions and celebrate their commitment to the community.

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METZ SOCIETY MEMBERS AS OF MAY 14, 2024 Mary Abbott Cumming Mr. William E. Alt Mark A. and Wendy I.* Anderson Anonymous (18) Mr. Willem Antonides Mr. and Mrs. Noyes Avery Rev. Katherine Lee Baker and Danny Montoya Reyes Brian and Deanna Bakker Corey and Rebecca Balkon Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bassett John H.* and Nancy Batts Laurie Finney Beard Connie Bellows and Darlene Zwart Tanya and Tom Berg Jesse M. Bernal John R. Bertsch John and Claire Bissell Lynne Black Bonnie Blandford George and Jill Bosnjak Janet and John Boyles Tom Braciak Genny Bratschie Tracy and Tom* Breihof The Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr. Mark Breon Robert D. and Katherine M. Brower Renwick Brutus Robert and Sandy Burnham Anna Moore Butzner Linda Byington Dr. and Mrs. Mark Campbell Ms. Esther A. Carew David M. and Cara V. Cassard Mandy and Christian Chardoul Iain and Michaele Charnley Molly and Colin Chelovich Roger and Sally Ciapara Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Cornetet Gina M. Covert Ostergren Laurie and Crawford Craft Bill and Marilyn Crawford Randall L. Currey and Bryan Ribbens Bob and Julie Currier Tom Czerney Tom and Gale Czerwinski Thomas C. & M. Lynn Dandridge John and Edy Davies Pat and Gil Davis Jennifer and David Deamud Joy DeBoer Roger and Marcia DeKock Pete* and Tuti DeMaagd Barb DeMoor Bill and Carolyn DeNeut Rick and Sue DeVries Danielle DeWitt Gail DeYoung and F. Jay Schoettley Elizabeth Tinney Donley Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Dooge, Jr. John* and Marilyn Dooge Beth Dornan Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Ducharme Ms. Patricia S. Duthler David G. Dvorak, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Kenton H. Eavey Jay and Kim Egan

Ben Emdin Ms. Elaine E. Emmons Bill Essling Hank and Marcia Fairchild Bill and Kay Farr Romeo Ferrer Jr. and Sam Curcuruto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finazzi Michael Finton Ph.D. Eric and Kelly Fischer Mary and Bill Ford Joy Foster Maxine J. Fox Jeffrey and Sheila Frank Jason Franklin Ellie Frey Zagel and Chad Zagel Mr. Henry G. Fuhs Michael and Elyce Fuller Dr. Iris-Naomi Garcia Brent and Ronda Geers Linsey Gleason Thomas and Sally Gleason Beth Goebel Gary Goode Jane and Phillip* W. Goodspeed Derether Greer Mr. and Mrs. Steve Groenink Daniel Grzywacz and Holly Westhouse Mr. and Mrs. James P. Hackett Sr. William and Claudia Hardy Graci Harkema Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hathaway Jacqueline E. Haveman Jan Heerspink Beverly and William* Heyne John and Gwen Hibbard Bert Pettis and Gary Hill Jeff Hill Jean and David Hitchcock Dirk and June Hoffius Mike Hoffman and Michael Doriean Jane Hondelink Robert L. Hooker Gregg and Kim Hughes S. Katherine Humphrey John Hunting Mrs. Cherry H. Jacobus Chuck and Carol Jennings Lynne Jarman-Johnson and Robert J. Johnson Tom* and Margy Jones Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick Michael and Sarah Julien Karen A. Kania and Margaret H. McClure Carol Karr Mary and Dan Karrip Nancy Kehoe Nielsen Andy and Christina Keller Mr. Frederick P. Keller Paul and Beth Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kenny Ms. Roberta F. King and Mr. Mike J. Miesch Birgit Klohs James* and Marilyn Klyn Galer Chris and Amy Knape Raymond E. Knape Marilyn Knol Pam Knowles Michael E. Kooistra David and Phyllis Koslow Mrs. June Kosten Cris and Tom Kutzli

Mark A. Sellers Elaine Shay Lee Shedleski-Holmden and David Holmden Marilyn* and Budge Sherwood Shaun Shira Diana R. Sieger Ms. Maureen Quinn Slade Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk Carrie Smith Lisa Sostecke DDS Robert A. Sprotte Amanda and Ryan St. Pierre Terrence M. Start Ron Steensma and Sandi Frost Steensma Barbara D. Steil Steve Steketee Julie and John Stivers Wendy Stock Brian and Robin Stoner Ms. Patty A. Story Ms. Ann Stuart Burroughs Lawson and Suzanne Sutherland Elliot Talen Mary and Steele* Taylor Michael and Susan Taylor Aaron Terpstra and Berniz Constanza Terpstra Nick Thole and Amy Turner-Thole Dave Thompson Aleka Thrash Jill and Art Tiefenbach Vicki and Brian* Tingley Jenine and Jose Torres Caitlin and Paul Townsend Lamb Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp Rick Treur George and Kerstin Trowbridge Selma Tucker Ms. Rebecca L. Tyke Elizabeth A. Tyson Dr. and Mrs. Ghayas Uddin Scott Urbanowski Mr. David A. Van Dyke Frank and Sharon Van Haven Selene Van Vleck Don VandenBos Jr. Lorrie and Dave Vander Ark Lou VanderHave Erica Curry VanEe and Brian VanEe Mr. and Mrs. Rick A. VanHorn Ms. Robin E. Velte Carl and Sandra VerBeek Ben and Emily VerWys John P. and Lynn Vinkemulder Phil and Kathy Vogelsang Gary Walker Anita Wallgren Ms. Sandra Ward Dr. and Mrs. James K. Watkins Elizabeth M. Welch Connie Wenger Mary White Dave and Stephanie Whitford Dorothy Wiest Reneé Williams Rita Williams and John Gill Jim and Connie Winter-Troutwine Mr. Thomas D. Wisnom Mike and Colleen Wolfe Kate Pew Wolters Dr. Richard J. Woltersom Bob* and Aleicia Woodrick Gabriel Works John and Kathleen Woudstra Chelsie Wyse Dick and Barbara Young Marilyn and Garrett Zack Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zwarensteyn Betty Zylstra and David Baak Robert J. Zylstra

PARTNERS in community | 11

Nakia Kyler Tom and Sally Kyros Mrs. Paula La Claire Marilyn Lankfer and Jeff Schad Claire and Debbie Larson R. Lawrence and Marilyn Leigh Norm and Marilyn Leven Mike Lloyd Michael Loughman Arend and Nancy Lubbers Janis Lunquist and Michael May Mr. Eugene G. Lyons John* and Suzie Mackeigan Barbara P. Marcus Ron Marsteiner Ms. Eugenia Marve Max Matteson and Bud Baty Kate and John McGarry Michelle McHale-Adams and George Adams John and Betsy McIntyre Tom Merchant Jason and Kate Meyer Bonnie K. Miller Daniel Miller and Susan Wright-Miller Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell Bryant and Audrey Mitchell Ronald and Karen Modreski Gordie and Jan Moeller Kurt Moore and John Ruud Mr. David W. Morgenstern John and Gretchen Mousel Terri A. Mulligan Ms. Dorothy Munson Judge Bill and Paula Murphy Matt and Stephanie Muscat Jon* and Carol Muth Ardith V. Neath Adams Mr. and Mrs. Bradley D. Nelson Dr. Anthony J. Foster and Linda Nemec Foster Teresa Newmarch Mr. Richard Norton Smith Peggy Novosad Juan and Mary Olivarez Gerry L. Olson Dr. Theresa Osmer and Dr. Eric Graf Shelley Padnos and Carol Sarosik Mr. Scott Paquin Molly and Steve Parker Mr. and Mrs. James B. Payne Cynthia Pimm and Vicki Poleni Pimm Ms. Cecilia Pius Kathleen Stewart Ponitz Martha J. Porter Jim and Marie Preston Amy Price Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Price Scott and Heather Pruski Marcia L. Rapp Rochelle Reagan Richard A. Roane and Leandro Robles Milt and Barbara Rohwer Dr. Jack and Lija Romence Lisa Marlene Rose Mary C. Roth Bob and Marcy Roth Dr. Owen and Bonnie Rottschafer Alan Rumbaugh Ms. Kathleen M. Russell Edward W. Ryan Margaret Ryan Megan and Noel Rydecki Rebecca and Dale Rynbrandt Carlos Sanchez and Lynne Pope Jerry Schaefer and Polly Hewitt Robert Schellenberg Mary Jane Schopf Ms. Greta Schuil Ms. Corliss E. Scott John Scott Jim and Susie Sebastian

Grand Rapids Community Foundation 185 Oakes Street SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 If you would like to receive PARTNERS in community and other Community Foundation news in your email inbox, sign up at GiveGR.org/Partners

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& THAT UPCOMING CHANGES TO DONOR AND GRANT PORTALS Grand Rapids Community Foundation will launch a new portal for grant applications in August 2024. As we transition, we are not currently accepting pre-applications. We anticipate that grant applications will reopen for Fund for Community Good, Black Legacy Fund, Challenge Scholars Dream Fund, Lowell Area Community Fund, Hudsonville-Jenison, Wyoming, Sparta and Nonprofit Technical Assistance in mid-August.

A new portal for Donor Advised and Agency funds will be launched in the fall. If you have a Donor Advised fund, we will email instructions before the launch on how to activate your account.

Please contact our Philanthropic Services and Program teams with any questions by calling 616.454.1751.

CONGRATULATIONS, LASANDRA! Join us in celebrating LaSandra! The Community Foundation is excited to announce that our new president and CEO, LaSandra Gaddy, was named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 50 Most Influential Woman of 2024. She is also an honoree for the Michigan Women Forward: 2024 Woman Up & Celebrate West Michigan.

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