2018 Results
a year of LOVE, growth & transition
Three words, Love, Growth and Transition, wonderfully summarize the Frey Foundation’s experience in 2018. Our trustees and staff have continued to grow in their roles as effective grantmakers. We’re listening and learning from the communities we serve, and testing new strategies to make change in the areas that matter to us most. We’re doing this while living in the space of transition. Our third generation trustees have embraced the opportunity to carry forward the Frey legacy, and this year we also welcomed a new president. Throughout the growth and transition, one thing has remained consistent in all we do: love. Love of family, love of service, love of community.
The Legacy of Love Continues
A Message from Board Chair Mary Frey Bennett
“My biggest hope is that as a foundation, we continue to lead with love, allowing it to unify us and approach change with compassion. By doing this for the communities we are entrusted to serve, we will be living our purpose. ”
Growing Together to Strengthen Communities
A Message from President Holly Johnson
“Along with the transitions of this year, there has been immense growth. Together, we’ve grown in our awareness and perspective on how we care for our communities.”
HOUSING INNOVATION
The Frey Foundation issued an open call for innovative ideas to accelerate access to sustainable, quality housing opportunities in Kent County in late September 2018. A range of ideas were submitted by several local non-profit organizations and were evaluated by an external, diverse and multi-sector Selection Committee of seven coordinated by Executive Director, John Weiss and the staff at Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC).
In November 2018, the Frey Foundation was pleased to announce Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) as the recipient of its inaugural Housing Innovation Award. ICCF will use the $150,000 award to create a Community Homes Land Trust and support structures designed to create and preserve affordable home ownership and rental opportunities for ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families in Kent County.
In the planned Community Homes Land Trust model, homes are sold at below-market prices to income-qualified households who cannot afford to buy on the open market. Upon resale, any home in the Land Trust remains affordable by utilizing a portion of the appreciation to reduce the purchase price for the next owner, preserving affordability from generation to generation.
Click here to learn more about the 2018 Housing Innovation Grant.
STORIES OF IMPACT
A Gift of LOVE in Grand Rapids
The Frey Foundation and the Frey family have a tradition of supporting public art projects in Grand Rapids as a way placemaking and promoting the health and vibrancy of their community. In 2018, two generations of the Frey family came together to honor the legacy of founders Edward and Frances Frey and unveil a new iconic landmark. After years of thoughtful planning, Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture found a home in Louis Campau Promenade in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. LOVE is a symbol of the Frey family’s love for one another as well as their love and commitment to Grand Rapids.
Click here to view more videos from the 2018 LOVE unveiling events.
Growing Strong Leaders in Northern Michigan
Strong leaders make strong organizations. To support the growth of nonprofit leaders in northern Michigan, the Frey Foundation partnered with area community foundations and Rotary Charities of Traverse City’s NorthSky Nonprofit Network. Together they designed the Leadership Learning Lab and expanded Northsky programming to serve 22 northern Michigan counties, including Charlevoix and Emmet Counties. Program participants report they feel more effective in their roles as leaders and, as a result, are now poised to make a greater impact in their organizations and their communities.
Click here to learn more about the Leadership Learning Lab.
GRANTMAKING
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN WEST & NORTHERN MICHIGAN
by program area
Building
Community
$1,239,960
23 grants
Children &
Families
$1,603,300
13 grants
Community
Arts
$83,300
7 grants
Environment
$927,500
8 grants
Family &
Philanthropy
$677,500
10 grants
AVERAGE
GRANT SIZE
$74,288
GRANT SIZE
by number of grants awarded
HELPFUL LINKS