Stories From Our
Member Community

Making the Early Grant, and Often the First

John Richardson never considered himself an environmentalist. Yet he spent earlier decades traveling for the United Nations, investigating some of the world’s most complex humanitarian relief operations. He has seen Read Story

Powerful Personal Connections

Amy Liebman Rapp is no stranger to loss. “As a teen, I saw firsthand how loss affects families—how the loss of one person can cause a whole family to fall Read Story

Nimble Champions for Children

On a balmy Monday afternoon in May, Denise Mayotte sat in her office anticipating good news. “It’s a big day here in Minnesota, because our legislature is due to wrap Read Story

Want Change? Bring Changemakers to the Table

You could say that Ann Lovell has centered her philanthropic career around collaborating and convening people. It’s the act of coming together with others—and supporting others to do the same—that Read Story

Relationships That Run Deep

Sasha Rabsey woke up unusually early on a Tuesday morning when her dog barked out of the blue. Still bleary-eyed, she logged onto email to check in with her grant Read Story

The Risk of Not Taking Risks

The word risk can have negative connotations. It implies the potential for danger and loss. But Lisa Tessarowicz doesn’t look at it that way. “Risk is doing things you’re uncomfortable Read Story

A New Kind of Call and Response

The bucolic backdrop of Newaygo County, Michigan, looks like a living, breathing postcard. More than 350 miles of waterways glisten with natural splendor, and trees topped with vibrant, jewel-colored leaves Read Story

Giving Time to Meet Grantee Needs

When Sammy Politziner and Scott Thomas met at the University of Michigan, they quickly realized they had two things in common: a passion for social change and Michigan football. Little Read Story