Seeds of Change

30 Years of Impact in 2024

Seeds of Change Campaign

In 1994, 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, “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.

In 2025, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation will embark upon the 2nd 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.”

This year, GRACF is highlighting four Field of Interest Funds: Fund for Animals – Supporting animal welfare initiatives; Katherine T. Dodge Fund for the Arts – Enhancing arts and culture opportunities; Fund for the Environment – Protecting and preserving local natural resources; and the Fund for Women – Empowering women and girls in the community.

These endowed funds provide long-term, sustainable support to local nonprofits through GRACF’s annual grant cycle. Donations to these funds help grow their impact, ensuring that more money is available year after year to fund vital programs in our community.

By contributing to these funds, donors are not just making a gift—they are creating a lasting legacy. Every dollar invested in these endowments generates ongoing support for local nonprofits working to enrich our community. Join GRACF in planting the Seeds of Change and making a meaningful difference for generations to come!

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 2024 and we had 25 area nonprofits apply to the campaign. The public voted on the 25 area nonprofits and the top three were selected and the winners were announced at our Harvest Fun(d) Fest in October 2024. The winners, in order, were Great Tails Animal Rescue ($10,000), Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids and Greenway ($3500), and New Beginnings Pregnancy + Family Support ($2500). In addition, $15,000 was raised through the Seeds of Change campaign for GRACF’s operating endowment fund, the Foundation Fund. Thank you to the donors and sponsors of the 2024 Seeds of Change campaign and the Harvest Fun(d) Fest!!!