Grand Rapids Community Foundation
First class of GRPS Challenge Scholars aims for free college
by (Charguitar)
Submitted 06-16-2017 under NEWS
Francisco McKnight just finished his freshman year at Union High School, but he’s already thinking ahead to college. That’s due in large part to the fact that, as a Challenge Scholar, he’s guaranteed up to four years tuition-free...
'The Rapidian to me is about learning and having a voice'
by (Kiran Sood Patel)
Submitted 04-11-2017 under PLACE-MATTERS
Community, to me, means sharing not only the space we live, but also common goals toward growth, sustainability, and prosperity. A community is for everyone by everyone. We participate together to build it. The Rapidian matters because it is a forum...
Building legacy now: GR Current works to strengthen startups, investors with impact investing
by (grcurrent)
Submitted 07-14-2015 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
Written by Felip Ballesteros, Startup Communicator at GR Current Working within the startup community in Grand Rapids, at GR Current we’re deciphering the DNA of local entrepreneurs and investors. Identifying risk tolerance, industry strengths...
The Spoke Folks increase access to bicycle transportation through funding from Grand Rapids Community Foundation
by (GRCommFound)
Submitted 07-14-2015 under NONPROFITS
Most job applications ask the same question: Do you have access to reliable transportation? The Spoke Folks, a nonprofit bicycle co-op, want every member of our community equipped to check “YES” with confidence. The Spoke...
Local Double Up Food Bucks program first in country to go digital, reduce lost benefits
by (erictank)
Submitted 08-12-2014 under INNOVATION-SPOTLIGHT
The Fulton Street Farmers Market (FSFM), as well as about a dozen smaller markets in the area, is partnered with the Fair Food Network offering a program called Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) that benefits low income persons by matching Bridge...
Challenge Scholars: creating opportunity
by (chelsiewyse)
Submitted 05-05-2014 under VOICES
They say it takes a village to raise a child and in the eyes of Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Grand Rapids Public Schools, these words ring true. Benjamin Oliver, Challenge Scholars Advisor, and Meredith Fennema, PR & Marketing...
Meet civic investor Diana Sieger: Investing in inclusion
by (chelsiewyse)
Submitted 04-25-2014 under LOCAL LIFE
Coursing through the veins of every individual is some sort of passion, something that makes getting up everyday just a little more inspiring. Civic investor Diana Seiger found that passion as a young girl while volunteering at an inner city...
Meet civic investor Roberta King: Investing in passion
by (chelsiewyse)
Submitted 04-16-2014 under VOICES
Since its conception in 2009, The Rapidian has come to be "one of the boys" when it comes to local media. Civic investor Roberta King was a part of its launching process and remembers the early days fondly. "There were a lot of people...
Dr. Carl Hart to speak on science of addiction Tuesday at Wealthy Theatre
by (wealthytheatre)
Submitted 03-28-2014 under NONPROFITS
"One of Wealthy Theatre's most critical roles in this community is to advance dialog," says Wealthy Theatre director Erin Wilson, "and thanks to an almost unbelievable collaboration of partners, that's what we're doing on...
Does everyone deserve to have a place?
by (tamivandenberg)
Submitted 09-10-2013 under PLACE-MATTERS
In the late '70s, a woman by the name of Marian Clements purchased an 1870's era home at the corner of Pleasant and Cass, in what is now the SECA neighborhood, for $350. She called it Well House. Clements had experienced severe depression,...