The Greater Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with the Chamber, provides business-led research and development that will, through its projects and initiatives, support a vibrant West Michigan business community.
Housing Next partnered with the Foundation in 2022 to provide further capacity to address housing needs across the region.
Housing Next works to remove obstacles to increase housing supply across Kent & Ottawa Counties through a focus on research, data-based solutions, tools for growth, technical assistance, and community will-building to increase supply.
More than 10,000 new housing starts have been catalyzed since its inception and major updates to local zoning codes have been approved.
The Foundation is advancing the Center for Economic Inclusion to deliver holistic services and supports to assist minority entrepreneurs in growing their business in West Michigan.
The need is real. Data shows that of the 11,000 plus businesses in the Greater Grand Rapids area making $250,000 in revenue or more, only 70 (.6%) are minority-owned. This accounts for only 2% of business revenue generated in the area.
Grand Rapids finds itself at or near the top of many lists, including one of the best cities to start a business. Yet it remains near the bottom for Africans American and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
These entrepreneurs struggle to receive the capacity building expertise, connections, and capital needed to scale.
The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the growth of our community by raising funds to provide scholarships for deserving participants in key leadership development programs.
These programs are designed to cultivate skilled, engaged leaders who will drive both business success and community progress. By eliminating financial barriers, the Foundation ensures that talented individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to grow in their careers and become active contributors to our community.
Investors help amplify this impact, creating a more inclusive and dynamic local leadership pipeline.
The Foundation provides a support structure for programs and initiatives like Silent Observer and Downtown Pathways Project.
Silent Observer empowers our citizens to stand up and speak out against crime. The anonymous tip lines offers community members a safe and anonymous way to report information about serious crime.
Silent Observer has been dedicated to public safety since 1972, committed to its mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Grand Rapids area in partnership with citizens, the media, and law enforcement.
True community growth requires more than temporary fixes. This initiative focuses on the root drivers of success: housing, health, and financial opportunity. To ensure every resident has a clear path toward a stable and vibrant future.
The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness is leading the public-private partnership that includes community leaders, service providers, philanthropy, businesses and individuals.
For questions regarding the Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation, please contact Andy Johnston at andy@grandrapids.org.
Chief Legal & Risk Officer
Gordon Food Service
Governance President & CEO
Progressive AE
Partner
Trillium Ventures
President
GRCC
Vice President of Legal Services
RDV
Founder & Owner
Multi-Automatic Tool & Supply Co.
Owner
Highland Group of Grand Rapids
Regional Manager
DTE Energy
Director
GVSU
President & CEO
Jireh Metal Products, Inc.
CEO
V2 Ventures
President & CEO
RoMan Manufacturing
President & CEO
Grand Rapids Chamber
President
Advantage Benefits Group
President & CEO
Lead 616 Consulting
Support the work of the Greater Grand Rapids Chamber Foundation by donating.