Seeds of Change

30 Years of Impact

Seeds of Change Campaign

Thirty years ago, a group of involved community members got together to discuss that the Greater Itasca Area could use an organization where local citizens could give back to the community to improve the quality of life for those who live here. They went on to establish the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF).

After three decades of uniting charitable intentions with community needs, what began as a seed of an idea has flourished into an organization with over $30 million in assets that continue to give back to the Greater Itasca Area.

Executive Director, Mindy Nuhring, states, “As we mark our 30-year anniversary, our commitment to positive change for our community and surrounding areas continues to take shape. As part of that, it is our intention to dispel the notion that philanthropy is exclusive to a particular income tier; we plan to illustrate how a seemingly modest contribution can yield a profound impact in numerous ways.

This year the organization is embarking on their 1st Annual Seeds of Change Campaign where the public is invited to join in an effort to cultivate a culture of giving in the community; “Where small seeds of generosity blossom into fields of meaningful change,” said Nuhring. “Together, we’ll sow the seeds of a brighter, more compassionate future.” Local nonprofits and donors will be highlighted throughout the campaign. Look for more information to come on GRACF’s website www.gracf.org under the Seeds of Change Campaign.

Congrats on 30 years of good work!

You will never know the number of lives your work has touched and changed and I am grateful for all you have done! You made my life better with all your support and encouragement. Way to go!

~Cindy Brummer, retired Home Visitor Program

The Seeds of Change campaign started in the spring of 2024 and we had 25 area nonprofits apply to the campaign. You can read the applications below. Then between June 7th and August 2nd, community members voted for their favorite nonprofit out of the 25 applicants. Over 800 community members voted and the top three nonprofits were: Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids/Greenway, Great Tails Animal Rescue and New Beginnings Pregnancy + Family Support. These three nonprofits will receive $500 towards a marketing video that they can use in the future as well as at our October 11, 2024, event called the Harvest Fun(d) Fest. The three videos will be shown at the Harvest Fun(d) Fest and everyone who attends will be able to vote for their nonprofit. Donations received through the Seeds of Change campaign will support those three nonprofits as well as the sustainability of GRACF and its long-term investment in the community.