In “Donor Advised Funds: Personalizing Philanthropic Partnerships”, Jonse Young discusses how donor advisors shifted their giving in response to COVID-19 and in alignment with the North Star.
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People who love this region have many opportunities to give. Donor partners choose Grand Rapids Community Foundation because our staff serves as bridge builders—providing guidance and resources to help donor partners increase the impact of their philanthropy by addressing pressing issues.
A conversation featuring: Huemartin Robinson II, donor partner; Carol Paine-McGovern, donor partner; and Jonse Young, director of philanthropic services.
What we’re exploring: What do donor partners and the Community Foundation learn from each other about addressing inequities through giving? Why do donor partners trust the Community Foundation to be their philanthropic advisor?
Deep, meaningful relationships are important to create change and progress. While aiming to follow our North Star, build a prosperous region and overcome inequities, we often face complicated, systemic issues and differing opinions or experiences. Rather than avoid these hard conversations, we at the Community Foundation view them as an opportunity to learn from others and deepen trust and relationships. As we work toward our shared goals, we learn from community members, share our understanding and consider many perspectives. Together, we are looking to a brighter future.
Of the Community Foundation’s total assets, about 28% are unrestricted—meaning they can be directed by Community Foundation staff and volunteer partners to immediately address the most pressing needs. Our grantmaking strategy for unrestricted resources allocation strategy prioritizes organizations that lead with equity and/or are led by people of color.
Donor Advised funds, which make up a nearly equal portion of assets, are directed by the donors who established the fund or their representatives. Many donors begin a Donor Advised fund at the Community Foundation because they see value in the local knowledge staff brings to the partnership. To reflect our organizational priority and grantmaking strategy, we work with our fund holders to encourage grantmaking that addresses racial, social and economic injustices. Through events and personal outreach, we invite donors into conversation and action.
All donor partners are welcomed to join the Community Foundation’s focus on addressing inequities and eliminating barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging. We want to make good on our promise of partnership and lift up organizations and efforts that donor partners might not be aware of. By understanding our partners’ passions, focusing on growing and deepening relationships and connecting individuals, organizations and networks, we can make greater impact, together.
In “Donor Advised Funds: Personalizing Philanthropic Partnerships”, Jonse Young discusses how donor advisors shifted their giving in response to COVID-19 and in alignment with the North Star.
The love we each express through philanthropy makes Kent County a better place. See how partners connect people, passion and resources in a special centennial issue of PARTNERS in community.
The Community Foundation helps individuals, families, nonprofits and corporations achieve their philanthropic goals. Each fund held at the Community Foundation has its own purpose and meaning. Grants from our funds strengthen our community and the lives of the people here. Whatever your giving goals might be, the Community Foundation can create a fund to help you make the most of your philanthropy.
