About Us
Mission
We enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan.
Vision
We advance the well-being of our communities by creating the best places to live, learn, work, give, and engage.
Values
Stewardship | Exceptional & Empowering Service | Integrity | Entrepreneurial Spirit | Inclusion
We believe in the power of community and how it can change lives. Our work is only possible through individuals, families, and organizations like you, who support our community and inspire generosity and collaboration within others.
We continually look for new ways to invest in our community to help it grow and to create a vibrant, thriving community where every person can flourish through equitable access to opportunities, allowing them to achieve their potential.
Together, we can create a lasting impact that benefits everyone in our community, now and for generations to come.
For Good. For All. Forever.
Who We Are
The GHACF is a team of dedicated individuals passionate about improving the lives of everyone in our community – connecting people, resources and solutions that create a lasting impact.
The GHACF is your partner. We can’t succeed alone – our work is possible only through the combined efforts of our nonprofit partners, community members, and passionate individuals. We are a bridge to help you make things happen and impact our community, together. We will walk alongside you to support and assist you in your philanthropic goals, now and forever.
Who We Serve
We serve our entire community, without exception. Our commitment is for every individual, family, and organization who works in, visits, or calls the greater Northern Ottawa County area home.
The GHACF is a welcoming place for all people. We believe all people should:
- Feel welcome, safe, and accepted
- Be treated with respect and dignity
- Have equitable access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families
- Have a voice in the community
Our Promise
The GHACF is dedicated to supporting and enhancing our community. The Foundation leads positive change by connecting people, supporting programs, and promoting a healthy, inclusive, and diverse community.
The GHACF is here to serve now and for generations to come through:
- Managing our endowments to last forever, so we can always work to serve our community’s needs
- Inspiring philanthropy at all levels and in all forms
- Impacting every community member – everyone deserves a seat at the table
Our Impact
Serving the Northern Ottawa County Region
We continue to raise community dollars, invest those gifts wisely, and provide funding for projects that improve and enhance our community.
Annually, we award more than $900,000 to individuals in our community to support their post-secondary education.
Our foundation supports over 700 funds, each dedicated to improving the quality of life for all in our community.
Our annual charitable grantmaking impact exceeds $10 million.
Our Community Foundation Stories
Impact Story: Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes
We granted Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes $40,000 over two years for a new,...
Fund Feature
The Christine Burns Memorial Fund was created by Bill Burns, the husband of Christine Burns,...
Impact Story: West Michigan Symphony Link Up Beginner Music Education Program
We granted $30,000 over three years to West Michigan Symphony so that the Link Up Beginner Music...
Get To Know Us
Learn more about the team and Board of Trustees behind the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.
Resources
We’ve created easy to use downloadable resources to help guide your charitable giving!