Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities that allow philanthropically minded citizens to support local issues they care about.  A community foundation is created by and for citizens in a given community, and in the case of East Grand Rapids, a community foundation exists for the betterment of a city.

Donors give to existing projects, leave money in their will or estate plans, or donate toward endowments that can be used later.  Endowment assets are carefully invested by the foundation and,  interest is used to benefit the community through grants, and the principal is never spent.  Gifts help the endowment grow over time and permanently earn resources for the city.

Project-specific funds allow donors to give to specific projects or funds.  Because funds are pooled, community foundations make it possible for a wide range of donors to participate in meeting the future needs of their communities.  From urban centers to far flung rural communities, community foundations are a popular aspect of philanthropy.

There are nearly 700 community foundations in the United States, and more than 90 in Michigan alone.  (Source:  Grand Rapids Community Foundation, grfoundation.org)