As the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) marks its 30th anniversary, it reflects on three decades of meaningful impact in the region. Established in 1994 by local community members, spearheaded by Todd Driscoll of the Blandin Foundation, the Community Foundation was born from a shared vision: to create a place where donors could invest in the community, ensuring a better quality of life for all. In its inaugural year, the foundation launched with seven funds and assets totaling $250,000—a humble but determined beginning.
At the end of 2023, GRACF’s assets had grown to $31 million—a testament to the trust the community places in the foundation’s stewardship. More importantly, over its history, GRACF has distributed approximately $30 million in grants and scholarships back to the community. This $30 million consisted of $28.1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and projects (of which $1.8 was crisis funding and $250,000 for cancer crisis funding) and $1.9 million in scholarships for area students.
One remarkable aspect of GRACF’s legacy is the longevity of its impact. Four scholarship funds, opened in 1994, are still active, providing critical support to area students for 30 years and counting.
In celebrating its 30th anniversary, GRACF recently established the Seeds of Change campaign designed to raise awareness for GRACF’s impact and to highlight local nonprofits and their work. The event, which was held on Friday, October 11th, culminated in the awarding of $15,000 to three nonprofits selected by the community. New Beginnings Pregnancy + Family Support received $2,000 as a semifinalist, the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids/Greenway was awarded $3,000 as the finalist and Great Tails Animal Rescue won the top prize of $10,000.
As GRACF looks to the future, it remains deeply grateful to the donors, sponsors, past board members, and community members who have supported its work over the years. Special thanks to those who have established funds at the foundation, leaving a legacy of generosity that will continue for generations. The Foundation also extends its gratitude to its dedicated board and staff—100% of whom contributed to the Seeds of Change Campaign—as well as the GRACF Board’s Event Taskforce, which helped bring Harvest Fun(d) Fest to life.
With $31 million in assets and 30 years of service, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation stands as a pillar of community strength, poised to meet the challenges of the future and continue its mission of improving the quality of life for all. If you have any questions or would like information about the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, please call the Foundation at 219-999-9100 or stop in at 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
