An Overview
At the Steelcase Foundation, we empower people to reach their full potential. Quality, accessible public education is paramount to achieving this vision, as well as generating education, work and cultural opportunities. The Steelcase Foundation uses a social justice lens to evaluate projects that improve equity and opportunities for everyone in Steelcase Inc.’s founding community of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Kent County) and in Athens, Alabama (Limestone County), where Steelcase operates a large manufacturing facility.
Independent from Steelcase Inc., the Foundation was established in 1951 by Steelcase founders and original trustees, Walter Idema and David Hunting Sr., to support “charitable, scientific, literary, and educational causes”. Today, the Foundation supports projects that drive systemic change in our communities, with a goal of directing 60 percent of our annual budget toward education.
How do I apply for a Grant?
The Steelcase Foundation provides grants to independent 501(c)(3) organizations based in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Kent County) and Athens, Alabama (Limestone County) who support education, arts and culture, and human service causes. The process starts with a letter of inquiry.
Will you match my gift?
Educational, arts/cultural, and environmental/conservations institutions play a vital role in our lives and help us create healthy communities. To encourage your voluntary financial support of these institutions, the Steelcase Foundation will match your eligible donations on a dollar for dollar basis. We will also match donations to select crisis, disaster and relief organizations.
Who have you supported in the past?
From early childhood education support to the creation of a natural science museum center, the Steelcase Foundation considers itself lucky to partner with organizations making an impact in their communities. Browse our latest annual report to see our recent projects.
Updates & Reports
Expanding GVSU’s Storytime GR
At the July 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a three-year $105,000 grant to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to expand its Storytime GR programming. For…
Supporting Future Now! at the African Resource Center
At their July 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a two-year $50,000 grant the African Resource Center (ARC) to support its Future Now! program, which supports…
Solutions to End Exploitation
At their April 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a three-year $150,000 grant ($50,000 annually) to support Solutions to End Exploitation (SEE) as it partners with…
Building Capacity for Excluded Entrepreneurs with Rende Progress Capital
At their April 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a three-year $310,750 grant to Rende Progress Capital (RPC) ($73,000 in year 1, $149,000 in year 2,…
“A City Within A City” Comes to Life
At their April 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a one-year $250,000 to Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator (GR-MiFi) to produce a 90-minute documentary…
Streams of Hope
At their January 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a three-year $75,000 grant ($25,000 annually) to support Streams of Hope to increase capacity of its CirclesGR…
The 49507 Project
At their January 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a two-year $50,000 grant to The Diatribe to support The 49507 Project, an artist and youth-led community…
Expanding Capacity at Covenant House MI – GR
At their January 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a three-year $75,000 grant ($25,000 annually) to increase capacity of the female floor of Covenant House Michigan…
Special Match for Social Justice Causes
Back in 2017, the Steelcase Foundation Annual Report entitled, Remove Obstacles, Foster Justice took a deep dive into the Foundation’s efforts to address longstanding systemic inequities in our communities. While…
Campaign to Increase Affordable Housing in Grand Rapids
In January, Dwelling Place received $150,000 toward its Campaign to Increase Affordable Housing in Grand Rapids. Dwelling Place will construct 119 units of affordable housing in the West Grand and…
Boys and Girls Club Learning Assistance Program
At their January 2021 board meeting, the Steelcase Foundation board of trustees approved a $50,000 grant to Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth (BGCGR) to support its…
Daniel Williams Next Steelcase Foundation President
The Steelcase Foundation is excited to announce Daniel Williams, EdD will serve as its next president effective February 22, 2021. “We are delighted to welcome Daniel as the next president…
Building the Early Childhood Talent Pool Through the Bridge Program
In October, the Steelcase Foundation awarded $165,000 over three years to Vibrant Futures (formerly Camp Fire West Michigan 4C), Kent County’s leading organization for education, business development, and training of…
RULER Comes to Wyoming Public Schools
In October, Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) received a $54,000 grant to support implementation and planning for RULER, an evidence-based practice developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to transform…
After School Support through the Learning Cafe
In October, Oakdale Neighbors received a grant of $75,000 over three years to support its Learning Café, which provides an inclusive environment for K-12 refugee youth to learn, be mentored,…
Steelcase Foundation Supports Early Childcare Wing at 415 Franklin
In October, the Steelcase Foundation awarded Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) $220,000 to refurbish the early childhood suite at 415 Franklin, to provide 72 childcare slots for low income-children ages…
Collective Impact for Children and Families with KConnect
KConnect, Kent County’s collective impact organization, was awarded $375,000 over three years to continue its system transformation work to ensure that all children have an equitable path to prosperity. Since…
Intensive Mentoring for At-Risk Youth
Realism is Loyalty (RIL) received $23,712 in April to provide intensive mentoring for some of the highest-needs youth who have spent time in the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. Participants…
KConnect Rethinks Housing Insecurity in Kent County
KConnect received a $10,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation in January 2020 to continue its work facilitating change in the Housing Sector. Since May 2018 KConnect has facilitated collaboration among…
Health Net of West Michigan Affirms Program Effectiveness
In July, The Steelcase Foundation awarded $35,000 to Health Net of West Michigan, an organization committed to improving access and equity in health care and social services in Kent County….