Andrew and Mattie Gerber (pictured above) left a bequest to benefit the community more than 80 years ago. They likely couldn’t have imagined that in 2024 their gift would help local school districts upgrade their web-based school information systems. They might have been even more impressed to know that, in the same year, their gift also supported the Dogwood Center, bringing the Grand Rapids Symphony to Newaygo County, adult student scholarships, after-school programs, and more.
The Gerbers’ fund—one of our oldest—is an unrestricted fund. Of all the different fund types we offer, unrestricted funds allow the most flexibility in grantmaking. They allow donors like the Gerbers to help fill gaps for organizations and causes that may not even exist during their own lifetimes. No matter how the needs in our community change over the years, unrestricted funds can help us meet those needs.
One of the things that makes our Community Foundation unique is our relatively high percentage of unrestricted funds compared to many other community foundations. More than half (55%) of our total assets are in unrestricted funds. This allows us to offer a robust community grant program. It also demonstrates the trust that generations of donors have in us. Donors understand that we operate with the highest standards of accountability and integrity. They also trust that we have our finger on the pulse of the community’s needs, priorities, and key partners.
For more information on unrestricted funds, contact our philanthropic services team.
