Throughout the pandemic CMF has highlighted Michigan philanthropy’s collaborative responses to the ongoing crises of public health and economic downturn. There are many powerful stories of partnership across our CMF community – some that emerged through new COVID-19 relief efforts and commitments to advance racial justice and others that have been long-standing partnerships, strengthened and in some cases expanded to deepen the impact of support for Michigan communities. 

For more than 30 years the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) has hosted monthly convenings of West Michigan foundations and nonprofits. What began with a group of two foundations has grown over time to now include more than 30 organizations in the region, including many CMF members.  

This inclusive and collaborative partnership approach created the infrastructure necessary for a timely and comprehensive regional response to the pandemic, focused first on immediate needs in the community, then moving to near-term issues and ultimately working toward long-term recovery and reform. 

In addition to the large group conversations, for the first three months of the pandemic GRCF brought together a smaller core team of foundations with the Heart of West Michigan United Way for daily meetings. Now, more than a year later that smaller group has continued convening at least weekly.  

“Our entire community has faced severe challenges in light of COVID-19. By convening and collaborating with our peers and our local government, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been able to play an active role in ensuring a more equitable recovery,” Diana Sieger, president of GRCF said. 

Together, the partners were able to quickly mobilize around the immediate crises of the pandemic with the Heart of West Michigan United Way, creating the Kent County Coronavirus Relief Fund to support nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. Housing, emergency food distribution and health care were primary concerns.  

GRCF also initiated its own hosted COVID-19 fund to support the recovery of nonprofits and small businesses serving those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, collaborated with a local nonprofit to provide transportation for vaccination appointments and recently assisted the United Way in their efforts to initiate COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) funding to address housing needs in West Michigan. 

Their partnership has additionally included meetings with county leaders to coordinate funding from the CARES Act focusing on small businesses owned and led by people of color, strongly advocating for the equitable distribution of resources. 

These conversations have continued over the past few months, focusing on the need for equitable distribution of vaccines. 

As we continue through the pandemic and with the anticipated resources from state and federal sources, the large group of West Michigan area foundations is gearing up to work with nonprofits, local government and business leaders to ensure the community is ready to support equitable distribution of incoming federal funding. 

GRCF’s leadership in convening and collaboration in the region was shared with policymakers during the virtual Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) last month, demonstrating how philanthropy can serve as a partner to organizations and government in crisis and beyond.

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CMF’s COVID-19 Resource Central is continually updated as we share new insights, analysis and emerging trends and leadership to the field.