2019 Annual Report
In 2019, the Steelcase Foundation granted more than $4,704,650 to programs that have the power to address societal inequities and change people’s lives.
Yet, while funding is a vital part of creating the conditions for change, it’s not the whole answer.
Engaging people toward social change brings results that are far more indelible—longer lasting and farther reaching.
Surely, our granting is producing significant social change in the years ahead.
This year’s annual report celebrates the engagement of people and their power to inspire lasting social change toward the work of building a more just and vibrant community now, and long into the future.
KATE WOLTERS
Chair, Steelcase Foundation
JULIE RIDENOUR
President, Steelcase Foundation
Empowering people to reach their full potential is the mission of the Steelcase Foundation.
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Kate Pew Wolters, Chair
Brian Cloyd
Mary Anne Hunting
James P. Keane
Craig Niemann
Cary Pew
Robert C. Pew
Elizabeth Welch
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE:
Craig Niemann, Chair
Brian Hughes
Mary Anne Hunting
Stacy McKinney
Quan Mac
Raj Mehan
Kate Pew Wolters
STAFF:
Julie Ridenour, President
Leslie Schoen, Foundation Administrator and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Brittany Dernberger, Grant Analyst
Kentwood Parent Academy
A conversation with Michael Zoerhoff on bringing people to together to serve the needs of non-English speaking school families.
The Kentwood Parent Academy engages education, business, and cultural leaders to welcome immigrant families and help parents become advocates for their children’s academic success in a district where families speak 60+ distinct languages. Read Full Interview
A $65,000 grant ($65,000 future) to engage business and cultural leaders in meeting the needs of immigrant, refugee, and non-English speaking families in Kentwood Public Schools to build trust, foster independence, and support their children’s success in school.
We have this day and the rest of our lives, however long that may be, to make a difference, change our behavior, take action, and do the things we've always dreamed of.
SCOTT ALLAN
Center for Community Transformation
A conversation with Justin Beene on engaging people in transformative change
The Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project engages thousands of people a year in creating a community where the most vulnerable are able to play safely in local parks, have healthy and affordable homes, experience economic mobility, and enjoy relationships that cross traditional boundaries. Read Full Interview
A $100,000 grant supports development of a permanent, sustainable, multiuse center for community development and economic activity in the Madison Square neighborhood.
I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference, doing something that makes a difference.
JOHN C. MAXWELL
Can you Imagine? A future filled with hope
A conversation with Marge Palmerlee on building relationships to foster a more equitable community.
Degage Ministries coalesces businesses, community stakeholders, and the public in offering help and hope to people who are homeless, disadvantaged, or in crisis, with the aim of fostering independence and eliminating homelessness in our community. Read Full Interview
A $200,000 grant supports the Can You Imagine? A Future Filled With Hope capital campaign to expand and renovate facilities to serve more people in a more dignified manner.
The people have the power. All we have to do is awaken the power in the people.
JOHN LENNON
TOTAL FUNDS GRANTED IN 2019:
$4,261,700
($2,449,352 future)
EDUCATION
$2,225,188
($1,381,738.00 future)
SOCIAL JUSTICE
$1,105,837
($672,614.00 future)
LEGACY
$930,675
($672,614.00 future)
STEELCASE EMPLOYEE
& RETIREE MATCHING GIFTS
$442,950
Thank you Steelcase employees and retirees for multiplying our efforts, one gift at a time. Learn more about our matching gifts program
Whenever one person stand up and says, “Wait a minute, this is wrong,” it helps other people to do the same.
GLORIA STEINEM
2019 Statements of Financial Activities
“Help me to see the potential you see in others. And speaking of potential, allow me to see my own unique potential for making a positive difference in my world.”
LEE WISE
2019 Annual Report credits: Creative Direction by Hyde Creative; Copywriting by Kathleen O’Brien; Illustrations by Alysha Lach White; Web Design by Stefanie Gilmour