This past year has been a lesson in humility and vulnerability. COVID-19 laid bare our nation’s disparities and inequities. As philanthropists, we have long been advocating for social justice, but when 2020 turned our world upside down, we realized that much more intentional work is needed.
With all the chaos that 2020 brought, we were also blessed with unexpected opportunity. We reaffirmed our connections with trusted partners and listened to those embedded in the communities we serve. We had the opportunity to remember and honor our family tradition of caring for those hit the hardest. We are extremely grateful for our talented team of professionals who make up Team Frey and who work tirelessly to implement our collective vision and goals.
This past Spring, we quickly decided to work in two lanes—actively addressing the community health crisis while also staying committed to our long-term goals and partnerships. As place-based funders, we were able to move nimbly because we work from a vantage point of trust.
For the past several years, the third generation of our family has stepped into their roles at the foundation and continued to honor the legacy of our parents and grandparents. While we may not all reside in West or Northern Michigan, we are committed to serving these communities. Our dedication to early childhood, housing for all, community-based arts and the protection of the environment is as strong as ever.
As we step into 2021, we are acutely aware of the injustices that continue to hold communities back from reaching their full potential. Frey Foundation trustees are intentionally working to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion is modeled, embraced and remains central to how we invest in our communities.
Thank you for your partnerships, friendships and commitments to make our communities a better place for ALL!
With thanks and appreciation,
