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
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….