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
West Michigan Leadership Academy visits Steelcase Learning and Innovation Center
In June, the Steelcase Foundation hosted the West Michigan Leadership Academy’s second cohort of school principals for three days of intensive professional learning and collaboration around equity, leading transformation, and…
Comprehensive Health Care Navigation at HQ
Since 2015, HQ has provided a safe space and critical resources to homeless and runaway youth in Grand Rapids, with a vision of ending the cycle of homelessness through early…
SON 2.0 – Sowing Opportunity Now
Since 2015, the Steelcase Foundation has supported the Grand Rapids Urban League’s (GRUL) Sowing Opportunity Now (SON) program, a workforce-based program targeting young men of color ages 16-28. The program…
Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project
In July, the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project received a $100,000 grant to support its Ignite the Movement Vision Campaign, which will help Nehemiah to secure its permanent home at the…