Even before Covid-19 upended daily school and family routines and brought untold new levels of stress to students’ lives, many were already struggling with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The…
2020 was a year that demanded innovation and quick action. In April, many nonprofits were facing significant and sudden cash flow challenges due to loss of revenue and increased demand…
Collaboration is at the heart of many innovative efforts. In 2013, superintendents from all over West Michigan first came together at a regional meeting and agreed that while they may…
Out on the Lakeshore’s decision to launch youth programming began with a lot of listening. Out on the Lakeshore (OOTL) board members and volunteers spent many hours listening to students…
In 2017, LAUP was awarded a $20,000 grant to engage Latino community leaders, leaders of partner organizations, and most importantly, area Latino residents to determine the most urgent needs to…
We believe the health of our nonprofit partners and our local nonprofit sector is critical to our community’s ability to make lasting, positive change. Each year, we dedicate a portion…
In 2019, the eight Housing Next partners worked diligently to make large-scale decisions and distribute vital funds as they implement solutions to the local affordable housing challenge. Their goal this…
What makes a library? That was the central question of a recent community listening project led by the Board and staff of Herrick District Library. The answers were varied, but…
The recent Ottawa County Youth Assessment survey revealed an unsettling trend: increased depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts amongst youth. In every classroom of 13–18 year olds, five students had…
Alongside our direct support of projects and programs through our competitive grant program, we also invest a portion of our Community’s Endowment in funding efforts that strengthen our local nonprofit…