PA RT N E R S
in Progress
Grand Rapids Community Foundation has the pleasure of working closely with our generous partners and donors to create a flourishing community for many generations to come. Thanks to this support, our Board of Trustees approved just over $1.2 million in grants in October 2019 for the following nonprofits.
LATINA NETWORK OF WEST MICHIGAN, $450,000 In its first five years, Latina Network of West Michigan has established a space for network building, professional development and healing for 300+ women in Kent County. It has also received federal nonprofit designation. Through this grant partnership, Latina Network of West Michigan will create a system for long-term sustainability, purposeful impact and cultivate the assets of the network.
THE EDUCATION TRUST-MIDWEST, $300,000 The Education Trust-Midwest is a nonpartisan, equity-driven, data-centered education policy, research and advocacy organization. It campaigns for high academic achievement of all students. Its Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning network works with principals, teachers and leaders in high-poverty schools. This grant will help innovate and expand the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning network in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
KCONNECT, $375,000 KConnect convenes groups of cross-sector leaders to create a common agenda. Its workgroups align institutions and leaders in Kent County working on issues, such as education, health, housing and food security. KConnect focuses on creating a clear path to economic security for all children in Kent County. This grant will help KConnect improve the lives of all by addressing systemic inequity from prenatal to career stages.
COMMUNITY REBUILDERS, $66,000 Community Rebuilders is known for their work and full range of services to all populations that face a housing crisis. These services include case management, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, links to employment, health and more. This grant will help Community Rebuilders address social determinants of health, so they can prevent and end homelessness for Kent County families.
HEALTHY HOMES COALITION OF WEST MICHIGAN, $10,000
PARTNERS in community | 6
This grant will allow Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan to partner with FEMA on a fire safety program targeted to underserved Spanish-speaking households in Wyoming.
Editor’s Note: The Fall 2019 PARTNERS in community article “PARTNERS in progress” incorrectly said that the grant made to the Heart of West Michigan United Way was for $150,000. It was for $50,000. The total amount awarded in grant partnerships for that article was $720,000.