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Look at what we’ve done.

Imagine what we can do, together.

 

Fifty years ago, a group of a dozen community leaders gathered together because they wanted to do something more for their community. Something bigger. They each gave $100 to start what would become the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Little did they know the impact they would have a half-century later.

We’re proud of our history and the partnerships that brought us to this point, and we look forward to honoring that history in the coming years. 2021 marked 50 years of service, and was filled with celebration of the good work done in Northwest Ottawa County, especially the efforts of our for-impact partners and the continued dedication of people toward this community. We look forward to creating new stories and legacies together—and we invite you to join us. 

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WATCH VIDEOS

Celebrating 50 Years

Community Stories

A LOOK AT OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES

$50K Community Choice Grants

Sept 7 – Oct 25

A graphic stating $50,000 community choice grants

Over the past several weeks, we have been celebrating our 50th anniversary through our $50K Community Choice Grants.
This community engagement initiative gave local municipalities in northwest Ottawa County the opportunity to create community improvement projects. Residents voted on their favorite projects for each municipality and selected some awesome community improvements!

Full details on the winning projects can be found here.

Shop Local

June through the end of 2021

a graphic saying Shop Local with stylized hearts in the words with the tagline of GHACF 50 YearsLocal businesses throughout Northwest Ottawa County sold GHACF-themed items in their stores! From sandwiches and chocolate, to ice cream and coffee, to items for the home, shop local supported our small businesses and helped celebrate our 50th anniversary.

View the complete list of participating businesses

LEARN ABOUT YOUR GRAND HAVEN AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Leaving a Legacy, One Student at a Time

August 31, 2021 — For the past 50 years, our foundation has had the privilege to work alongside local philanthropists to give back to our community. A key element of our work is grounded in giving back to the area’s youth by partnering with local individuals and organizations to provide college scholarships to students in Northwest Ottawa County. READ MORE >

Enriching Our Community Through Arts & Culture

August 3, 2021 — We feel fortunate to serve an area that is rich with arts and culture. We also understand that celebrating art begins with investing in programs that make it accessible—and enjoyable—in our community. Because of this, we dedicate grants and resources to programs that bring regional and national art and cultural experiences into the community while also supporting the growth of local organizations. READ MORE >

A Celebration of History

June 23, 2021 — This is a monumental year for the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, as we celebrate fifty years of partnering with community members like yourself, who make the Grand Haven area a wonderful place to live, work, and play. In celebrating this milestone, join us in taking a step back to remember our origins and the leaders who provided a gateway for supporting every corner of Northwest Ottawa County. READ MORE >

Supporting Our Local Environmental Organizations

May 26, 2021 — A significant part of our mission and commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Ottawa County includes prioritizing, protecting, and preserving the environment through thoughtful stewardship, advocacy, and education. With climate change and environmental degradation presenting major challenges both locally and globally, we believe it is important for us to do everything we can within our community to reduce our ecological footprint and protect our shared environment that will serve future generations. READ MORE >

COVID Relief Grant Recipients Highlight the Impact of Your Contributions

April 27, 2021 — A few of our COVID relief grant recipients—Mosaic Counseling, Love in Action, Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging, Good Samaritan Ministries, and St. John’s Episcopal Church—took a moment to discuss the impact of these contributions and explained just how much this support has helped the important causes they lead throughout the Northwest Ottawa County area. READ MORE >

Community Leaders Extend Appreciation as Foundation Celebrates 50th Anniversary

March 30, 2021 — Recently, the leaders of our local governments shared the progress made possible through the foundation. Community leaders across the board extended their gratitude and appreciation, including Craig Bessinger of the City of Ferrysburg, Pat McGinnis of the City of Grand Haven, Bill Cargo of Grand Haven Charter TownshipGordon Gallagher of Spring Lake Township, and Chris Burns of the Village of Spring Lake. READ MORE>

A Conversation with Our First Four Grant Recipients

March 5, 2021 — Recently, we had a moment to reflect on the foundation’s first four grant recipients and how they have evolved since 1971. The Grand Haven Salvation ArmyGreater Ottawa County United WayTri-Cities Family YMCA, and the Tri-Cities Historical Museum were among our inaugural grant recipients. Each received a $200 grant. READ MORE >

50 Years of Making an Impact in our Community

January 26, 2021 — Fifty years ago, a group of a dozen community leaders gathered together because they wanted to do something more for our community. Something bigger. They each gave $100 to start what would become the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Little did they know the impact they would have a half-century later. READ MORE >

GIVE A GIFT FOR GOOD. FOR EVER.

From all of us at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, thank you for your continued support! We couldn’t do this without you.