We work to grow the self-worth and independence of lives that are slipping through the community’s cracks, in three ways:

OUR FOCUS AREAS:

Providing opportunity through scholarships, resources and support to those who would not otherwise have it, especially women and young girls of color.

1 / EDUCATION

Providing the most vulnerable — the marginalized, those with mental health challenges, the victims of domestic abuse, and animals — with physical and mental healthcare services.

2 / HEALTHCARE

Providing those living in poverty with food and housing essentials, and other basic family needs.

3 / FOOD & SHELTER

GRANT CRITERIA

We will consider
grants which meet
all of the following
criteria:

We fund projects for those with the least leverage. The system around us serves those empowered to help themselves, but for those with the least leverage, accessing it is a daunting challenge. We seek to reverse whatever circumstance has locked them out.

We fund optimistic ideas.
We believe in the human potential of even the least empowered among us. In their need to hope and their ability to grow. We believe in creating possibilities, and we want to work with people who see it the same way.

We fund grants that will deliver results. We think of our work as investing, with a measurable return in human capital. So, we look at the fitness of a program — its potential to change and improve lives in tangible ways. Goodwill is not enough; we are committed to making our dollars work hard.

PROGRAMS WE’VE SUPPORTED

  • The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is the 5th largest community theatre in the nation. Producing nine mainstage productions each year, their award-winning Civic School of Theatre Arts has grown to become one of the most comprehensive and respected community theatre education programs in the country. Providing excellent training in all aspects of theatre life, the Civic School of Theatre Arts has played a significant role in preparing students to participate in local community theatre and inspiring professional careers in all areas of theatre production.

  • Many student-athletes experience mental health problems, but they are often reluctant to seek help. The Athletes Connected program is a unique collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Social Work, Eisenberg Family Depression Center, and Athletic Department to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma of help-seeking, and promote positive coping skills among student-athletes.

  • Heart of West Michigan United Way pursues a vision of a thriving community for all. United Way fights poverty in Kent County by uniting resources from donors, workplaces, and grant funders with the most effective programs that intervene in crisis and empower people to build toward self-sufficiency.

  • The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Hackett Family Scholarship is offered to seniors and alumni — particularly women of color — from any public high school in the greater Grand Rapids area. Recipients must also be full-time undergraduate students attending an accredited college, university, or skilled trade school of their choice.