A Community of Givers

For the greater Grand Rapids community, philanthropy has meant enjoying the benefits of millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours, an impressive tradition of giving which has dramatically transformed the community over the last three decades.

In fact, the greater Grand Rapids area was recognized in 2004 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as being the second most generous region in the U.S. (10 percent of personal income per capita to philanthropic causes), after Salt Lake City, Utah (14 percent). We wanted to learn why Grand Rapids is such a generous community and how we can help to inspire younger generations of residents to sustain this unique legacy.

The Nature of Philanthropy

This culture of philanthropy has roots back to the early days of Grand Rapids and has literally changed the face of the community. The results have included a building boom in healthcare, hospitality, higher education, amusement and entertainment venues as well as wide-based support of the arts, services for the underprivileged, and a range of other community projects.

For those who give, it means fulfilling a sense of duty and responsibility to contribute and reinvest part of their fortunes, time and talent into a community that, in many cases, has helped to make their success possible.

For those who receive, it can be a lifeline of support and proof that together, we can achieve extraordinary results for the benefit of all. At its best, philanthropy is not merely a hand-out, but a motivating hand-up from those who have been successful or blessed to those who have been disadvantaged or otherwise in need. The hope is that recipients of charitable giving are then empowered to learn, grow, and go on to achieve their own success.