Spirit of Community Funds

Sundial at Celery Flats, Portage | Photo by Robert Neumann

You can make an impact and help us make life better for all in Kalamazoo County by giving to our Spirit of Community Funds. We use these funds to address Kalamazoo County's most signifcant needs. Your gifts to the Spirit of Community Funds become part of a permanent endowment, which means they will help our community forever.

Spirit of Community Fund

This general fund provides our board of trustees with the flexibility it needs to address Kalamazoo County's most significant social, cultural, educational and environmental needs; respond quickly to emergencies; and facilitate innovative responses to community challenges.

Economic and Community Development Fund

The Economic and Community Development Fund provides resources for neighborhood revitalization projects, as well as support for small businesses, job training and other programs to help the greater Kalamazoo area develop and sustain a rich and dynamic local economy. Grants from this fund have supported organizations like Southwest Michigan First, the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County and the West Michigan Glass Art Center.

Education and Learning Fund

Community investments from the Education and Learning Fund support organizations and programs that help parents prepare their young children for school and give all children an equal opportunity for success. Grants from this fund have provided support to organizations like the Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Gull Lake Community Schools.

Environment Fund

The Environment Fund supports initiatives that preserve and protect the greater Kalamazoo area's natural environment. Grants from this fund have supported organizations such as the Richland Area Community Center, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Health Fund

Community investments from the Health Fund support programs that provide people — especially those without insurance and those who cannot afford health care—with access to the care and services they need. Grants from the Health Fund support organizations like the West Michigan Cancer Center and Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services.

Housing Fund

The Housing Fund supports programs that provide safe and affordable housing to individuals and families in our community. Some organizations that have benefited from grants from this fund are Kalamazoo Collective Housing,
Open Door & Next Door Shelters and Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Individuals and Families Fund

Community investments made from the Individuals and Families Fund support programs that help community members meet their basic human needs: food, clothing, shelter and care. Grants from the Individuals and Families Fund have supported organizations like ISAAC, Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center and the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan.

Youth Development Fund

The Youth Development Fund supports programs that develop the leadership and citizenship skills of young people. Grants from this fund support organizations like the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, the Eastside Neighborhood Association and Red Tent.

Partners in Education Scholarship Fund

The Partners in Education Scholarship Fund provides academic scholarships to Kalamazoo County high school students pursuing their educational goals at Michigan colleges and universities.