Existing Funds
Supporting Your CommunityGreatest Needs Funds
Giving to our greatest needs fund, or establishing a named greatest needs fund, is a wonderful way to enable us to remain proactive, responsive, and flexible to our community’s most critical needs. As we say, “forever is a really long time,” and we remain committed to being an impactful funder forever.
Field of Interest Funds
Field of interest funds connect personal values to high-impact opportunities and allow you to target your gift to address needs in a specific area.
Donor Advised Funds
Donor and corporate advised funds allow an individual, family, or company to establish a charitable fund with a single gift. Donors may add to the fund with additional gifts at any time and may remain anonymous if desired. Donors enjoy administrative convenience, cost savings, tax advantages, and gain access to the expertise of the community foundation’s staff. Once the fund is established, donors recommend grants and the foundation’s staff does all the work of administering the grants
Organizational Funds
Organizational funds provide for-impact organizations income streams to support programs and operations. The foundation holds and invests the assets, providing responsible and professional fund management. Organizational funds can be a simple and effective way to create long term financial sustainability.
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds make educational dreams come true. When you invest in the next generation with post-secondary education assistance through scholarships, you’re building a foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
Donor Impact Stories
An Act of Love: Making a Memorial Gift to the Community Foundation
Our Community Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan. This caring impact draws community members to make a variety of contributions, including gifts in memory of loved ones.
Why I Give: The Reinecke Family
The Reinecke family has made a tradition of giving back. “Our grandmother, Frances Reinecke, gave back to the community in countless ways, but there was always one consistent theme,” said Jason Reinecke. “Frances had an enormous heart for children and families that were disadvantaged. Her compassion for others has instilled a sense of pride within our family but also the motivation to follow in her footsteps.”
Why We Give: Joyce & Andy Cawthon
Andy and Joyce Cawthon chose to open a named greatest needs fund because “there is great value in pooling resources with other people of a similar mind,” said Andy. “My individual giving might not have an impact on a pressing community need, and if I’m picking the beneficiary, how do I know if I’m picking the best thing? We trust the foundation to make that decision for us.” By making an unrestricted contribution to the foundation, the Cawthons can rest assured that today, tomorrow, and forever those resources will be invested wisely and with a focus on impact.