First Annual Eric Northard Memorial Travel Scholarship Awarded to GRHS Student
The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipient of the first Eric Northard Memorial Travel Scholarship. Brennan Lane, a dedicated student at Grand Rapids High School (GRHS), has been awarded $500 to support his participation in the international travel program. This scholarship honors the legacy of beloved GRHS social studies teacher Eric Northard, whose passion for international travel transformed the lives of countless students in District 318. Over the years, Eric organized trips to destinations like Morocco, India, Costa Rica, and Europe, broadening students' horizons and fostering cultural understanding. Fellow teacher Brielle Carlson reflects, “Eric paved
Kickoff Time!
Join us for the launch of the 2025 Seeds of Change Campaign at First Friday on April 4th from 4-7 PM! 🎉 This year, we’re focusing on growing four incredible Field of Interest Funds at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation: 🌸 Fund for Women – Supporting opportunities for women & girls 🌿 Fund for the Environment – Investing in our natural spaces & sustainability 🐾 Fund for Animals – Caring for the well-being of animals in our community 🎭 Katherine T. Dodge Fund for the Arts – Enriching our community through the arts These funds provide grants through our
44 Projects Receive Funding in GRACF 2024 Annual Grant Cycle
Each year, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) annual grant cycle becomes a testament to the power of community and collaboration. In 2024, GRACF awarded over $181,000 in 44 grants to nonprofit organizations and initiatives dedicated to serving the Greater Itasca Area. These grants support important projects that make a difference in our local communities. A significant portion of the grants awarded through the GRACF annual grant cycle comes from donor-advised funds managed by the Community Foundation. Those donors play an active and important role in supporting the Greater Itasca Area. Second Harvest Northland was a recipient of a
New Scholarship Opportunity for Students in Northern Itasca County
Through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF), a new scholarship is now available to help area students in the City of S. Lake, Good Hope, Max, Third River, Moose Park, Alvwood, Kinghurst, Ardenhurst, and Grattan Townships to pursue further education. The Popple River Fund scholarship is meant to honor the curiosity instilled on the river, and in nearby forests, by the donor's grandparents Eddie and Elna Downs, uncle Steven Downs, and mother Diane Downs Derr. This scholarship is open to both traditional and nontraditional students who meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify, applicants must have graduated from a public
🌟 Thank You, 2023 & 2024 Donors! 🌟
As we step into a new year, we reflect on the incredible generosity that powered our mission throughout 2023 and continued to inspire us in 2024. Because of YOU—our donors, supporters, and community champions—we are able to create meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and organizations throughout our region. Together, we’ve turned hope into action and dreams into reality. We invite you to take a moment to view the attached list of donors who have made this work possible. Your kindness fuels change, supports critical needs, and strengthens the very foundation of our community. From all of
