In late 1988, a group of visionaries led by then Mayor of Greenville, Lloyd Walker, discussed the idea of an organization that would help people of the Greenville area make charitable investments that would benefit the entire community. The Greenville Area Community Foundation (GACF) became just that type of organization in 1989. It is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization 501 (c) (3) that has grown to over $17,000,000 in endowed assets in just 23 years of existence. Since 1989, GACF’s service area has grown to encompass the entire Montcalm County area through association with our geographic affiliate funds, as well as, through fund awareness and grants that benefit the entire county. To download a PDF list of funds within the GACF, click here.
Community foundations such as the GACF have three distinct features:
1. GACF gifts are permanently endowed …
- The fund principal is invested and protected
- It’s earnings are distributed via grants
- Permanent community capital is built
- And donor legacies are created!
2. GACF has a broad, flexible purpose …
- We monitor all community needs, i.e. education, health, human services, arts and culture, recreation, environment and community development
- We support high-impact opportunities
- We help bring organizations into existence
- We re-direct funds as appropriate or needed as the ever-changing needs in our area surface!
3. GACF accommodates personalized giving …
- Donors fulfill multiple charitable intents
- Donors can contribute in a variety of ways, i.e. cash, stocks or insurance, property, bequests, etc.
- Donor can be involved in establishing a fund, i.e. unrestricted or field of interest, designated or advised, scholarships or memorials.
- Donors gain maximum tax advantage
Through the generosity of many community-minded citizens 98 funds have been developed within the GACF encompassing a variety of purposes. They include various scholarship opportunities, as well as, funding for fields of interest such as the arts, youth and senior citizens, literacy and education, as well as, local churches and organizations, museums and libraries. And one of the most important funds is the Unrestricted Fund that will truly allow the GACF to try and meet the ever-changing needs of the area for years to come.
For more information about the GACF or to review the annual audit and/or 990, please contact the office at 101 N. Lafayette, Greenville, MI 48838 or by calling 616.754.2640.
