George Bayard III
Executive Director, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
Kelsey Bako
Donor Partner
During our centennial year, we asked Kent County to share what a thriving future could look like. Their responses focused on people—neighbors, friends, family, even generations to come. They emphasized taking care of one another now and into the future. Grand Rapids Community Foundation aims to leverage our resources to promote opportunity, prosperity and belonging for everyone who calls Kent County home. That is why we focus on creating long-term, sustainable resources for a better future. We believe it is the best way to meet the challenges that arise in each new generation.
To achieve our shared vision of a thriving community, we support a well-resourced, diverse nonprofit community. The Community Foundation uses unrestricted resources to invest in nonprofits aligned with our commitment to advance racial, social and economic justice. By supporting organizations who are tackling pressing issues, we are creating sustainable community change.
For example, we partner with the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives because they are building community. GRAAMA celebrates and preserves the rich history of African American heritage. Their programming, events and projects foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.
In 2024 GRAAMA received a grant from the Fund for Community Good to allow them to reach and better serve African American communities, increase staff capacity, financial stability and operational efficiency.
Many donor partners give unrestricted funds. This shows they trust the Community Foundation’s lead in nurturing our community’s future. Partners like Kelsey Bako demonstrate how local philanthropists are making an impact in the areas they care most about.
As a young adult, Kelsey was part of the Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee, which ignited a passion in her and drove her philanthropic journey forward. Then, conversations at the table with her mom, the late Janet Haynes, about where they would direct donations from their Donor Advised fund continued that journey. Today, Kelsey gives to organizations aligned with her personal passions as well as the Fund for Community Good’s unrestricted resources.
Times change, but our commitment to community is steadfast. The idea of giving today to ensure a future we cannot see takes bravery and foresight. Looking back, we see how much we benefit from visionary donors who trusted us to invest well. Looking forward, donor partners are shaping our future by providing flexible resources so the Community Foundation can adapt to future needs. These partners help us stay true to our mission and vision for the future. Together, we can build a legacy of community care that will bless generations to come.
