Catherine Gage

What do you do at the CACF?

I am the Director of the Coopersville Area Community Foundation.  I bring my leadership and guidance to build our funds to aid Coopersville now and in the future.  I serve Coopersville in grant making, legacy guidance, scholarship development, marketing, fund development, & fund maintenance.

How long have you been with the CACF?

I have been with CACF since May of 2022.

Why do you work at the GHACF and CACF?

I have always been intrigued by grant making and am so thrilled to be a witness and vessel of opportunity for persons to impact the community.  Foundation work is incredible because your gift is not just a one-time gift, but a gift that will continually grow and have deep impact that will affect generations to come.  I love that I get to be in the heart of the community and see the community flower into its greatest potential while using the full breath of my skills and giftings to be a resource to this growth.

Education & Experience

My background is in nonprofit leadership and education.  I have served all ages and stages over my career.  My educational formation was derived from WMU, IU, Harvard and GVSU.

I am honored to be able to serve in my capacity within both organizations!  This position integrates my various knowledge and giftings in one position.  I am excited to use my skills to serve Coopersville in building lasting and renewable funding to address the needs of the Coopersville Area.

Do you have a leisure activity or hobby?

I love being out in nature!  I enjoy reading, learning, making music and enjoying my family.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Most people do not know that I am a deeply imaginative old soul.  As a little child my favorite past time was philosophizing and developing new economic and political systems to solve the world’s problems.