Grand Rapids Community Foundation

A skilled bowler and active in his community, Robert Dunlap volunteered with Advocates for Senior Issues, an arm of the Area Agency on Aging. He also gave back through his estate, creating the Robert J. Dunlap Scholarship Fund to provide flexible support for students to pursue their goals. He was especially interested in supporting students who are pursuing technical careers or the trades. We are grateful to Bob and other donor partners who prioritize giving back in their estate plans. Read about Metz Legacy Society members who passed away last year at GRFoundation.org/Metz

It is National Estate Planning Week! Are you among the 68% of Americans who do not have an updated will? Here at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, we aim to help people know that estate planning doesn’t need to be stressful or time-consuming. Some planned gifts entitle you to an immediate income tax deduction; others provide flexibility during your lifetime and can provide benefits to your estate and heirs. And with thoughtful intention, you can create an estate plan that creates a win-win solution for you and our community. Learn more at https://ow.ly/Sok850TLVI0

Join us in welcoming Hannah Fernando, who started in her role as community giving manager this week! Hannah is responsible for providing support and project management to the advisory committees of the Black Legacy Fund, Somos Comunidad Fund, Our LGBTQ Fund and Youth Fund. She serves as a liaison between departments, team members, and the advisory committees to coordinate and support efforts for advancing equity and inclusion. Hannah was previously involved in development work at The Association for a More Just Society. Before that she lived in Toronto, Canada and served as a partnership manager for Community Food Centres Canada helping to advance food justice and belonging on a local to national scale. Welcome to Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Hannah!

As sixth graders, students in the Union High School class of 2020 were inducted as the first class of Challenge Scholars. Since that first induction in 2014, those students have been dreaming and leading with determination and they are achieving their dreams. Today we feature the first of many Challenge Scholars students graduating with their bachelor's degrees - a celebration years in the making! Read more and meet some of the students in an article from our recent issue of PARTNERS in community: https://ow.ly/hXgZ50TBu6X

The late Anita Gilleo was adventurous, accomplished and an active philanthropist. Raised primarily in her grandparents' home, Anita’s career would take her to from her hometown of Grand Rapids to places such as Morocco, Spain, Lebanon, Germany and Vietnam. In 2022, Anita gifted one of her grandfather Mathias J. Alten’s artworks to the Community Foundation in honor of our Centennial. A member of the Metz Legacy Society, her giving spirit lives on through the causes she supported.

Thank you for visiting with our Youth Grant Committee! These young leaders are making their make on our community.

Are you looking for a way to connect and make a difference in our community? Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee is seeking volunteers. Our LGBTQ Fund Advisory Committee's current recruitment priorities include folks who identify as members of LGBTQ+ communities and are able to actively participate to help move this critical community work forward. We recognize that many folks in our community don’t have formal experience in philanthropy, grantmaking or even nonprofit work. If this is the case for you, please still consider sharing your interest. Learn more about the committee and complete an interest form by October 24, 2024 at GRFoundation.org/LGBTQFund

In our recent issue of PARTNERS in community, Stacey Hongsyvilay-Thayer shares how she makes decisions as a young professional committed to giving back to community. Learn more about how she gives back to support students through monthly giving that makes sense for her family's budget. Read more here: https://ow.ly/Q3x850TBtS1

Congratulations to all of the ATHENA Leadership Award finalists, including LaSandra Gaddy, our president and CEO. Thank you, Grand Rapids Chamber for the opportunity to highlight the inspirational leadership of these women in our community! https://lnkd.in/exezBivq

The latest issue of PARTNERS in community is bringing you inspiring stories about students and education. GRFoundation.org/PARTNERS You'll read about: 🌟 A Challenge Scholars celebration years in the making 🌟 How Stacey Hongsyvilay-Thayer gives back 🌟 A feature on nonprofits supporting students 🌟 Over $1 million in scholarship awards to students 🌟 And so much more! Read the entire magazine: GRFoundation.org/PARTNERS