Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Don't miss out on scholarships for college, grad school and career programs. Head to https://lnkd.in/dg8qgVDn to fill out your application for academic scholarships. Each year hundreds of students are awarded scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. The vast majority of scholarships available through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation are designated for students who are from West Michigan and/or attending school in the state of Michigan.

Huey G. and Mary Copeland believe a thriving community is one that is inclusive of everyone, and they view their giving back as an investment in the future of our community. Learn more about the causes they support in our recent annual report: https://ow.ly/OyXM50U7aUe

📣 Spread the word, scholarship applications are open! 📣 Head to https://lnkd.in/dg8qgVDn to fill out your application for academic scholarships. Each year hundreds of students are awarded scholarships to help with the cost of college, grad school and career programs. Apply today or share with someone who wants to continue their education journey!

🌟 What a night! 🌟 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Power of 100 Women event, Defying Limits: A Candid Q&A about the Triumphs and Truths of Being a Woman Leader in #grandrapids! 🎤✨ We were inspired and empowered by our incredible speakers, LaSandra Gaddy, President & CEO of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and Shelley Irwin, host and producer of The Shelley Irwin Show. These two trailblazers and 2024 WomanUp & Celebrate honorees brought wisdom, wit, and the real talk about what it takes to lead as women. 💪💬 To all our amazing attendees: YOU are the power of 100 women — and beyond. Let’s keep defying limits together! 💜 #DefyingLimits #WomenLeaders #MWFEvents #P100Events #Powerof100Women #WomanUpAndCelebrate #InspirationInAction

Cecile Fehsenfeld was a member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees when the Challenge Scholars program was being developed. A first-generation student herself, she and her husband Bill know the generational impact of a student completing a degree. Learn more about how Grand Rapids Community Foundation is adapting to support students in our recent annual report: https://ow.ly/scot50U7aNu

This past year has been pivotal for Grand Rapids Community Foundation and our community. Read a letter from LaSandra Gaddy, president and CEO, and Reneé Williams, Board of Trustees Chair in our 2023-2024 Annual Report. Then, explore stories from various partners doing incredible work throughout Kent County. See the letter and explore the full report at https://ow.ly/Ggz250U712c

Dive into Grand Rapids Community Foundation's 2023-2024 Annual Report and see how community is coming together to create opportunity, prosperity and belonging. You'll see videos featuring partners, articles describing a year of impact and a message from President and CEO LaSandra Gaddy. Experience the full annual report at https://lnkd.in/d9asv4cm

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!