2007 Promising Projects — Strengthening Philanthropy

The Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) received a grant in support of the Office of Foundation Liaison — the nation's first-ever, cabinet level position for philanthropy within a state government. The creation of this appointment marked the state's first formal partnership with the foundation community and amplifies the voice of philanthropy in the provision of information that is useful to the development of good public policy.

The Office of Foundation Liaison works with the Governor, state legislators, federal officials, foundations, and the business community to build relationships among those at the state level responsible for critical decisions regarding issues of particular importance to the broader funding community, including land use management and early childhood development.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation received support on behalf of a local group of historians, writers and filmmakers who have come together to capture the history of the 20th century visionaries and philanthropists who gave of their time and talent to help make Grand Rapids the vibrant, growing, city it is today. This group plans to create a high-definition video collection of interviews with approximately 30 local philanthropists to preserve their stories, in their own words, of how and why they became givers, and how a community of generous citizens came to work together to create a culture of prosperity that sets Grand Rapids apart from other cities its size.

The video collection, once complete, will be donated to the Grand Rapids Public Library to be shared with future generations. It will also be shared through public television both locally and nationally.