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
Homelessness in Grand Rapids Requires Short and Long-Term Approach
The Steelcase Foundation recently awarded several grants to prevent and respond to homelessness in the Grand Rapids area. In the short-term, response strategies are needed to address immediate community needs…
Q2 2019 Grant Awards
At its April 8, 2019 meeting, the Steelcase Foundation trustees awarded grants to the following four organizations: Council of Michigan Foundations The Council of Michigan Foundations received $15,000 for each…
Kentwood Parent Academy
Last fall, Kentwood Public School (KPS) launched a two-year Parent Academy pilot to provide language and educational programming to the parents of the 1,800+ English language learner (ELL) students in…
Empowering Parents through Family Literacy
The Literacy Center of West Michigan was founded in 1986, and modeled on the “each one, teach one” tutoring philosophy, which designs activities around the learner’s individual needs. As the…