2009 Grants — Encouraging Civic Progress

Support for the launch of a 2-1-1 information and referral system to serve residents of Emmet and Charlevoix Counties.

Support for the startup of a nonprofit that trains and employs low-income residents of northern Michigan in the art of rug making as a bridge to self-sufficiency.

Support for a feasibility study and economic impact analysis of a proposed public market in downtown Grand Rapids.

Support for the redesign of pedestrian access to Crescent Street Park.

Support to update Grand Rapids Community College's master plan to include the recent acquisition of the former Davenport downtown campus and create a visually unified campus.

A challenge grant to strengthen the organization's ability to attract and sustain annual operating support on behalf of the low-income clients they serve.

Support to encourage the development of small, high-expectation high schools in southeast Michigan in order to inform a possible west Michigan approach.

Learning opportunity for policy makers examining the relationship between Michigan property tax policies and declining home values.

Support for The Right Place Inc.'s efforts to help transition the region's economic base to include more emergent, sustainable industries.

Support for an employer-driven collaborative effort to help attract and retain highly-skilled professionals to the area.

Support for the "Greater Together Partnership" program and survey of governmental cooperation.