2019 Results
celebrating 45 years of placemaking
Celebrating 45 Years of Community & Collaboration
A Message from Board Chair Mary Frey Bennett
“Place is core to the Frey Foundation’s identity. West and Northern Michigan communities connect our family to its history and legacy. For us, place is the tie that binds, and we are intentional about keeping community at the heart of our philanthropy. In fact, we believe that the best neighborhoods intentionally make room for everyone and create a sense of belonging.”
Investments Guided by Placemaking & Partnerships
A Message from President Holly Johnson
“At its essence, placemaking is about creating communities where all people can thrive. Because of the Frey family’s commitment to a place-based approach—and the longevity of the foundation—we benefit from deep community knowledge and strong relationships with stellar partners. ”
STORIES OF IMPACT
The Arts Bring Place to Life
Youth Identify Legacy through Theatre, Writing, and Performance
Ebony Road Players’ Story2Stage Fall Intensive engaged a creative and dynamic group of middle schoolers in community arts. The young actors came together on Saturday mornings to learn about theatre, storytelling and performance under the direction of artist, entertainer and writer Darius Colquitt (a.k.a. Mr. D.). The theme of the session, Legacy Among Us, brought passionate voices to the group, including George Bayard from Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives and Kyd Kane, spoken word poet and performer. Students collected family stories and began crafting their own legacies. This powerful and moving experience culminated in a performance for family and friends on the Wealthy Theatre stage.
Creating Space for Housing Innovation
Finding New and Collaborative Ways to Make Home Affordable
While Michigan’s economy is strong, many people who are employed struggle to find homes they can afford in our communities. In West and Northern Michigan, our partners are collaborating across sectors to explore innovative solutions to housing accessibility and affordability. In Grand Rapids, the Inner City Christian Federation has developed a Community Homes Land Trust. And in the northwest region, Housing North is working with public-sector leaders, employers, developers and agencies to remove barriers to housing access. Because collectively, we believe everyone should have the option to live near the places they work and play.
GRANTMAKING
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN WEST & NORTHERN MICHIGAN
by program area
Building
Community
$1,296,250
20 grants
Children &
Families
$1,137,600
14 grants
Community
Arts
$424,300
9 grants
Environment
$52,000
8 grants
Family &
Philanthropy
$373,500
8 grants
GRANT SIZE
by number of grants awarded
AVERAGE
GRANT SIZE
$55,655
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