The Community Foundation recently distributed over $218,000 to local nonprofit organizations, supporting them as they extend their missions and service in the areas of health, education, youth, and basic human needs. These grants were made through our responsive grant program which allows us to invest in opportunities across a broad range of issues and organizations. The Community’s Endowment, which exists to provide charitable resources today, tomorrow, and forever, made these grants possible.

ESCAPE

Amount Awarded: $60,000 over 2 years
Purpose: To double summer program capacity in two years and introduce a year-round initiative to equip youth with essential skills for early and long-term career success. Youth of color and youth from low-income households often face barriers, including a lack of transportation or required documentation, to obtain a paying job and succeed in it. Escape will use this grant to assist youth ages 14-17 to learn job skills, build relationships in the community, develop confidence, and gain workforce readiness so they can thrive in a productive and meaningful career post-high school.

“We know our summer jobs program has made a huge impact in the community and we are excited to have the ability to grow into year-round program offerings. These grant funds also allow us to provide discounted tuition for driver’s education and increased staff expertise as we develop a world class youth employment program to rival any in the country,” said Kevin Denton, Executive Director.

ODC Network

Amount Awarded: $60,000 over 2 years
Purpose: To expand Reimagine Education, an extension of ODC Education Network’s successful nature-based learning support for local schools, to West Ottawa Public Schools (WOPS). Reimagine Education addresses significant challenges in student achievement, particularly in science, reading, and math. The program will provide expanded support during the school day to students, teachers, and administrators. This expansion is anticipated to improve outcomes for over 2,400 students and impact over 50 educators in the WOPS district over the next two school years.

Bob Wandel, Director of ODC Education Network, said, “Kids need movement, exploration, wonder, and opportunities to connect with their local community. ODC and community partners are looking to impact educational outcomes of area students by regularly getting kids out of the classroom and involved in hands-on learning. Funds from the CFHZ are a crucial catalyst for bringing nature and community-based education to more students in the area.”

Good Samaritan Ministries

Amount Awarded: $35,000
Purpose: To improve office facilities to enhance client and community partner experiences, including adding private meeting spaces and more staff offices to meet a growing demand for services. Since 1969, Good Samaritan Ministries has been providing support through housing initiatives and stability programs. These upgrades to their office space are essential to meet the growing needs of the community and ensure the effective delivery of resources to those who need them most.

Zeeland Public Schools

Amount Awarded: $30,000
Purpose: To enhance the Introduction to Public Safety Course, increasing educational and career prospects for students who are interested in careers as first responders, emergency personnel, and other public safety professions. This program will create a pathway for students, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in the field, and prepare them to meet the current and future needs our community has for skilled public safety professionals.

Holland Free Health Clinic

Amount Awarded: $18,812.88
Purpose: To acquire a new dental operatory system to improve patient care and program efficiency. Holland Free Health Clinic has been a crucial resource for underserved populations since 2002 and is a key provider of free dental care for the uninsured/underinsured accepting Medicaid. Oral health disparities often disproportionately impact low-income, uninsured and minority populations. Investing in a new dental operatory system is essential to address the community’s health priorities effectively.

Camp Blodgett

Amount Awarded: $15,000
Purpose: To expand summer academic and recreational programs to include students from Holland Public Schools beginning in 2024 and gradually increase enrollment across Ottawa County public schools through summers 2025 and 2026. Camp Blodgett’s STEM Academy and Summer Camp serves children from low-income households, with the STEM Academy specifically seeking to increase middle school student competency in science and math and increase students’ social-emotional learning for those who have demonstrated a need for academic support. By providing consistent, low-cost, and accessible programs, Camp Blodgett aims to help reduce the education achievement gap and provide a safe and inclusive environment for their campers.