When our organization was created in 1925, a simple goal guided the purpose of our work – bettering lives across Kalamazoo County, regardless of race, color or religion. Now, 100 years later, we find ourselves navigating a uniquely challenging time. In alignment with our vision of Kalamazoo County being the most equitable place to live and our unwavering dedication to our original guiding purpose, we are rising to the occasion in all aspects of our work. Whether you choose to establish a fund or you choose to make your first gift, everyone in our community can tap into the superpower of giving, knowing that no gift is too small to transform this community we love.

Yesterday, the Michigan House Appropriations Committee voted to cut $645 million in work project funding. These dollars, which had already been allocated by the Legislature and signed into law, were cut as part of an obscure, never-before-used provision in state law that does not require approval from the Senate or the governor to take effect.

Transforming our community means understanding the urgency of now – the need to meet the moment we are in by rising to the occasion and tapping into a newfound creativity and resilience. It is during times like these that we stand firm in our promise to be the most trusted philanthropic partner for every resident in Kalamazoo County. To this end, we are excited to outline in the pages of this report exactly how we are reimagining our grantmaking approach, all to strategically steward our donors’ gifts to help meet our community partners where they are. Together, we are developing real-time, tangible solutions that can address their funding needs now.

Have you heard the news? Our Community Meeting has returned! As we celebrate 100 years of making an impact in Kalamazoo County, we do so remembering our unwavering commitment to address the greatest challenges facing our community. We invite you to join us and several of our partners as we engage in a discussion about how we can usher in an era of economic mobility for every resident of Kalamazoo County. We know why we’re going! Do you? Get your free tickets today!

Our community faces visible and urgent challenges like homelessness and the growing need for affordable housing. These aren’t just problems – they're calls to action. At Kalamazoo Community Foundation, we believe in bold investments that do more than sustain – they transform. That’s why we’re growing our impact investing strategy to help fund real solutions right here in Kalamazoo County. We invite you to read our first impact report, the Social Impact Investing Report. We hope that his report informs and inspires you to join us in in our mission of advancing racial, social and economic justice for every resident of Kalamazoo County!

Kalamazoo Rx Kids, the City of Kalamazoo’s first-ever cash prescription program for expectant mothers and infants, will open for enrollment on Feb. 12, 2025. The program, which is an expansion of Flint Rx Kids and a statewide program, will provide a no-strings-attached cash prescription of $1,500 during mid-pregnancy and $500 each month for the first year of a baby’s life.

At Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF), we believe our community cannot thrive until it is a place where all people are safe, valued and have equitable access to opportunities and resources. That is why, for almost 100 years, we have been committed to our mission to mobilize people, resources and expertise to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Kalamazoo Rx Kids, the City of Kalamazoo’s first-ever cash prescription program for expectant mothers and infants, will launch in 2025. The program, which is an expansion of Flint Rx Kids and a statewide program, will provide a no-strings-attached cash prescription of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month for the first year of a baby’s life. Using the well-documented success of the expanded Child Tax Credit as a blueprint along with global and national evidence, Rx Kids is improving health, hope and opportunity for families during pregnancy and infancy.

UPDATE is a newsletter published by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation three times a year. Inside you'll find stories on the new vision for KZCF, community insights and how you can join our mission.

The stories in our latest Annual Report showcase the value of connection and collaboration as we work together to advance our mission of mobilizing people, resources and expertise to advance racial, social and economic justice in our community. The stories in our latest Annual Report showcase the value of connection and collaboration as we work together to advance our mission of mobilizing people, resources and expertise to advance racial, social and economic justice in our community.

The landscape of lung cancer is changing, but there’s still work to be done. Dr. Michael Liptay is one health care professional spearheading the push for preventive action. Although smoking is still the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, spreading awareness about preventative care is one of the most effective ways to combat it. Dr. Michael Liptay, professor of surgery and chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Rush University Medical College, has de

A common medication used to treat acid reflux was taken off the market two years ago, but its health hazards—including cancer risk—are ongoing. For millions of Americans dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zantac (ranitidine) was a familiar medication prescribed by doctors to alleviate their symptoms. But in 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the prescription drug contained low levels of a nitrosamine impurity called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Nitrates c

Although African Americans are less likely to smoke, they are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from lung cancer. LUNGevity, the largest national lung cancer-focused nonprofit, aims to change that. Each year, the United States dedicates one month to celebrating the history of African Americans. Black History Month, although a celebration, was also a time for reflection. The challenge arose when we juxtaposed advancement in the Black community with the disadvantages many in the community

There is no stronger nor more important word in my vocabulary today than “community.” From our humble beginnings only a few short years ago, the concept of fostering a radically nurturing environment for what we have named the New Cancer Community has been paramount. If there is one crucial requisite for creating, nurturing or simply being a part of our community, it is participation and communication. In this issue, you will find beautiful examples of people just like you and me who are redefi

Poet and author Victoria Bennett has experienced countless loss from mesothelioma in her family. With her new poetry collection, she hopes to share her message of hope and healing with others. The loss of her aunt and uncle converged upon Victoria Bennett, an award-winning poet, author, and founder of the Wild Woman Press in the U.K., pushing her toward the eventual devastating reality of losing her mother, Maureen. Bennett had become painfully familiar with the finality of death. Seven years b