Historical Perspectives on Legacy
From its earliest days, Grand Rapids Community Foundation partners knew that getting involved meant they were joining a collective—and continually growing—legacy. Generations of partners have made gifts to build our community’s endowment, fueling grantmaking that addresses needs in Kent County.
Many significant gifts have come through planned gifts, where the Community Foundation is designated in a community member’s will or estate plan. Making a planned gift demonstrates care
for our region and its future. These types of gifts are attractive because they allow donors to preserve their assets for today while knowing that something truly generous and meaningful is planned for the community they love. Partnering with the Community Foundation builds our region’s philanthropic legacy. Establishing a planned gift with the Community Foundation ensures that a legacy lasts in perpetuity.
1929 An estate gift of more than $100,000 adds significant strength to the Community Foundation’s endowment. The gift from Mary Metz allowed for annual community support. She and her late husband, George Metz, had built successful tannery and real estate businesses. Pictured: George and Mary Metz
1983 Motivated to build awareness of the Community Foundation and increase assets, partners form the Friends of Grand Rapids Foundation giving group. Friends endorse the growing Community Foundation and declare their intent to support with financial gifts. Over two decades, Friends make over $47 million in collective gifts to the Community Foundation. Pictured: Jim Carpenter, a leader of the Friends of Grand Rapids Foundation group.
1994 We have long benefitted from close relationships with professional advisors—lawyers, attorneys and tax professionals—who play an important role in their clients’ charitable giving. The Professional Advisory Committee, whose members serve as consultants to help direct the Community Foundation’s strategies, is formally established. Pictured: Professional Advisor partners at an event.
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2022 Our 100 New Philanthropists goal is surpassed! As we celebrate being 100 years old, we recognize over 100 community-minded people who have a clear vision for the Kent County of tomorrow and commit to leveraging their philanthropy to bring it to light. Pictured: 100 New Philanthropists Celebration
1958 A significant bequest from Curtis Wylie transforms the Community Foundation. The $6.2 million gift allows greater diversification in supported projects. Pictured: Curtis Wylie
1990 Donor Advised funds offer donor partners the opportunity to build their legacy by recommending grants to nonprofit organizations. The first Donor Advised fund at the Community Foundation is established in 1990 by Tom and Mickie Fox, who later say “…now that we’re at a point in our lives where we can give back, doing it through the Community Foundation just makes sense to us.” Pictured: Tom and Mickie Fox
1999 The Metz Legacy Society is formally established to recognize donor partners who include the Community Foundation in their will or estate plans or have created a life income gift. Pictured: Metz members at a 2018 luncheon event
A.H.S.