History
In 1992, leaders in the Grand Rapids area began seeking community input on establishing a community foundation because professionals in the estate-planning field were seeing large bequests and donations leaving the area due to the lack of a vehicle to manage them for the betterment of the community. Donors were becoming more savvy and were interested in targeting charitable gifts. The Blandin Foundation, as a private foundation, was restricted from certain types of granting which public foundations were not. By January of 1994, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation received nonprofit status (501 (c) 3) and held its first formal board meeting. Operating expenses have been received through grants from the Blandin Foundation.
Specialties
To serve donors who wish to invest in the community and to distribute income from gifts in accordance with the donor's wishes. To manage charitable gifts in a prudent manner for the long-term benefit of the community. ... To assist area organizations in building their endowment resources. To assemble a diverse and knowledgeable board of trustees to govern the Foundation. To provide leadership, where appropriate, to address important community needs or pursue new progressive opportunities. To serve individual donors and communities in the Greater Grand Rapids area.