Kalamazoo Community Foundation received the Exemplary Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter during its recent 29th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon in Grand Rapids.

According to AFP, we were honored for our "unique and thoughtful assessment of each grant proposal and serving our community through leadership and stewardship of resources that last forever."

Nominated by Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, the letter of support thanked KZCF for being "service oriented and so closely connected to the community."

Marc and Jeanne Schupan, who have an Advised Fund at the Community Foundation, also were recognized with the Distinguished Philanthropist Award. They were honored for "their enthusiasm and desire to make life better for all, combined with their special ability to inspire and motivate others…the Schupans are able to drive successful initiatives focused on compassion, companionship and advocacy."

"We are very honored by this recognition, and are so appreciative of our donors who make this stewardship and community leadership possible," says Joanna Donnelly Dales, vice president of Donor Relations, who attended the ceremony along with President/CEO Carrie Pickett-Erway and members of the Donor Relations team.

"This honor is even more special," says Dales, "with the Community Foundation being recognized alongside Jeanne and Marc Schupan, whose philanthropy has had such an impact on Kalamazoo County."

Our 90th Birthday was also acknowledged. The award noted: "Since that first $1,000 gift from W.E. Upjohn in 1925, KZCF continues to envision a better community where every person reaches their full potential, focusing their efforts on ensuring people in the community are loved, cared for, encouraged and empowered."