We recently distributed $255,000 from our responsive grant program to fund initiatives for healthy families, housing, food access, and youth programs.
Bethany Christian Services
Safe Families for Children in Holland
Amount Awarded: $60,000 over two years.
Purpose: The Safe Families for Children (SFFC) program diverts children from the foster care system by providing temporary hosting and support from volunteers in the community. Research shows that 63% of foster care entries are caused by issues associated with poverty, not abuse, meaning many family separations are preventable with the right support. Bethany Christian Services will assist families with growing a circle of support to lean on, while staff work with clients to address root causes of poverty and family instability.
The Lactation Collective
Community Lactation Clinic
Amount Awarded: $60,000 over two years.
Purpose: The Lactation Collective will launch a Zeeland-based clinic providing prenatal education, in-home postpartum visits, clinic-based and telehealth care, and ongoing lactation support for families in the Holland and Zeeland region. The clinic will offer wrap-around support to families during a crucial stage of infant health and development.
Good Samaritan Ministries
Ottawa County Eviction Prevention Program
Amount Awarded: $55,250 over two years.
Purpose: Good Samaritan Ministries’ Eviction Prevention Program reduces housing instability in the community and empowers families to build lasting financial resilience. In Ottawa County, evictions affect 2,900–3,000 of renter households annually, with 50% concentrated in Holland/Zeeland zip codes. In response to growing need, Good Samaritan will add structured financial wellness coaching, budgeting tools, and income-stability planning to the services they offer to clients facing eviction.
Harvest Stand Ministries
Fighting Hunger Building Hope
Amount Awarded: $40,000
Purpose: Harvest Stand Ministries has launched a capital campaign to support renovations of its newly acquired building. The new space will significantly expand their capacity to serve area families who need access to food, clothing, and supportive relationships. Since 2021, the number of clients HSM serves has doubled. In 2025, they provided support to almost 13,000 people in the Zeeland area. Jordan Palladino, Executive Director, said, “We are deeply grateful to CFHZ for believing in our mission and helping bring this vision to life. Their investment is helping create a lasting impact by strengthening our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the greater Zeeland area.”
Camp Blodgett
FIERCE Leadership
Amount Awarded: $23,750
Purpose: Camp Blodgett is expanding its FIERCE leadership program to Holland/Zeeland area high school students, providing experiences that build confidence, social responsibility, and help young people thrive in their schools and communities year-round. In Ottawa County, 33% of families face economic hardship. Mental health challenges amongst youth are also increasing. The FIERCE program creates access to leadership development and socio-emotional learning opportunities for youth who need it most.
Remembrance Ranch
Family Advocate Wrap Around Program
Amount Awarded: $16,000 over two years.
Purpose: Remembrance Ranch will place two Family Advocates in the Holland Public Schools system. These part-time, paid mentors meet monthly with students for encouragement, accountability, family support, and resource management. The program addresses the myriad issues facing youth by providing consistent, trusted adult relationships and community resource connections to teens during the school year. Pete Byma, Executive Director, said, “We are ready and looking forward to making an impact in the Holland /Zeeland area through our Family Advocate program. This grant empowers our mentors to make a lasting difference in the lives of teens and their families.”
Learn more about how charitable dollars from the Community’s Endowment support our grant programs.
