Expanding Locally Driven
PHILANTHROPY BY AND FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR Since 1994, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has focused on building relationships and celebrating identity-based philanthropy, by and for communities. Now we can elevate this work, thanks to being selected by W. K. Kellogg Foundation as a Catalyzing Community Giving grantee. The CCG partnership will provide $350,000 over the next three years. CCG grant partnerships support communities of color in using philanthropy to become agents of their own change. It engages donors in issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable children and families in their communities. Here in Kent County, the partnership will support the Community Foundation’s African American Heritage Fund growth and emerging philanthropic partnerships in the Latinx community. It will also help us explore potential frameworks, possibilities or models that may evolve as we learn along with community members. “W. K. Kellogg Foundation and Grand Rapids Community Foundation are both committed to equity and leveraging philanthropy. Specifically, Kellogg’s theory of change and the Community Foundation’s North Star operating models embody empowerment, access and inclusive growth. Fueled by community voice, these allow communities to
be agents of their own change,” says Jonse Young, our director of philanthropic services. Thirty-one other community foundations, nonprofits and emerging networks across North America make up the fourth CCG cohort. This three-year, $9.5 million WKKF investment includes the Community Foundation among eight new grantees. “We are so fortunate to be counted among an international cohort of grantees. It takes all types of institutions, partners and ideas to carry out this work in an intentional way. We are so thankful W. K. Kellogg Foundation sees us as a trusted partner in West Michigan,” says Jenine Torres, our development officer. With the first year’s funds, the Community Foundation will build its operational capacity to effectively engage communities of color. Included in this focus is a consultant(s), who will manage the African American Heritage Fund and Latinx Advisory Committees, inform staffing structure, build relationships, fundraise and convene community members. A Request for proposals will be released soon. For more information, contact Jenine Torres at 616.454.1751, ext. 126. A.R.L.
A H I S T O RY O F C E L E B R AT I N G I D E N T I T Y- B A S E D P H I L A N T H R O P Y
2014 2005-2009 COMMUNITIES OF COLOR INITIATIVE This initiative was created to celebrate, engage and impact communities of color in philanthropic partnerships. It birthed the African American Heritage Fund.
1994 BLACK MEN BUILDING RESOURCES SCHOLARSHIP
CATALYZING COMMUNITY GIVING, W. K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION
This regional Field of Interest Fund addresses LGBTQ issues. It began when a donor couple matched $100,000 with gifts from 263 initial donors. The fund is still growing and accepts endowed and non-endowed gifts. A volunteer committee approves grants annually.
2006 AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FUND This endowed Field of Interest Fund pools gifts to address issues unique to the African American community. A $10,000 match from the Community Foundation and gifts from 109 initial donors began the fund. It’s still growing, and a volunteer committee approves grants each year.
This grant partnership supports communities of color in using philanthropy to address issues impacting their communities. The partnership will support African American Heritage Fund growth, emerging Latinx philanthropy and ideas that may evolve.
2017 LATINX PHILANTHROPY Early in the Communities of Color initiative, there was discussion about philanthropic partnerships with the Latinx community. More recent conversations resulted in a volunteer committee and focus groups to gauge philanthropic interest among Latinx people in Kent County. Now the committee is identifying next steps.
PARTNERS in community | 9
Local African American men made gifts to create this scholarship fund. It helps African American graduates of Grand Rapids-area high schools pursue certificates or degrees in occupational education or skilled trades.
2019
OUR LGBTQ FUND