Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925
KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.
What is a community foundation?
It’s simply a type of charitable organization that pools donations from individuals, families and businesses to support charitable initiatives within a specific geographic area — ours has and always will be Kalamazoo County.
Get
We get funds from individual donors, corporations and other foundations in the form of cash donations, bequests or other types of assets.
Grow
We then grow these funds by strategically managing them to generate new income —self-sustaining and growing in perpetuity to support Kalamazoo County.
Give
Finally, to funnel this new income into the community, we give grants to nonprofits addressing the local needs and priorities of our residents.
Gather
Beyond grantmaking, KZCF plays a vital role in community development and leadership by working to gather groups of community members together to address systemic issues.
Support
To ensure that we can continue to operate at full capacity, we rely on critical support and collaboration within our internal teams, which allows us to provide necessary support to our developing donor base.
Centering Anti-racism
Our commitment to anti-racism drives us to analyze all aspects of our work, tackle root causes of disparities and implement interventions to combat racism. We welcome questions that challenge us to grow and hold ourselves accountable to better serve historically oppressed communities, resulting in a deeper respect for our shared humanity and equitable access to opportunities.
Cultivate Transformative Relationships
We actualize the transformative power of authentic relationships, which drive our work, influence people, shift institutions, advance movements and grow communities. Without them, we cannot thrive. Relationships keep us engaged, sustained and hopeful, propelling change forward.
Nurture Healing & Love
We understand that liberating our communities from oppression, particularly racism, requires both individual and systemic transformation rooted in healing and love. We see healing and love as essential for driving change, and we commit to learning from the past, building authentic relationships and engaging in both personal and collective healing. Our ultimate goal is a shared vision of liberation for all, fueled by the transformative power of love.
Serve the Greater Good
We uphold the greater good when making decisions centered on an abundant worldview, love and our shared humanity. We center those who have been historically oppressed in order to maximize the benefit for the collective. We advance decisions that are rooted in integrity, honesty and transparency.
Embrace Joy
We believe joy is a form of resistance, liberation and connecting to our wholeness amid the demands of transformational work. It is essential for sustainability, grounding, and purpose on our hardest days. Joy requires space and practice. Joy takes us beyond survival and is at the center of a re-imagined, prosperous, and loving community.
Learn & Grow
We thrive through continuous learning and evolution, embracing the imperfect and iterative nature of the process. We pledge to apply newfound knowledge in navigating the complex, uncomfortable and non-linear path toward racial, social and economic justice. Taking responsibility for our individual learning, we foster spaces for collective reflection and analysis.
Centering Anti-Racism
Centering anti-racism is the ongoing practice of using the power, influence and privilege that individuals or organizations hold to take actionable steps to undo behaviors, thoughts and actions that contribute to racial inequity and injustice.
Capacity Building
Organizational, institutional and human resource developments that increase an organization’s effectiveness or capabilities to survive, adapt and thrive.
Capital Campaigns
Fundraising strategies that are created to meet a specific financial goal within a time period. Objectives of capital campaigns often include construction projects, building improvements and equipment purchases.
Community Foundation
A type of charitable organization that pools donations from individuals, families and businesses to support charitable initiatives within a specific geographic area.
Community Impact Officer
KZCF staff assigned to support applicants before, during and after funding processes.
Economic Justice
Recognizing the direct link between financial health and quality of life and using this understanding to champion financial prosperity that liberates economically oppressed groups.
Equity
Acknowledging that many groups of people have not received equal access to upward mobility, prosperity and an improved quality of life due to long-standing racial, social and economic injustice.
Funded Partner
An agency that has been informed of an upcoming grant award or is currently funded.
General Operations Funds
Operational funding that covers our partners’ day-to-day and ongoing needs. Operational costs may include wages and overhead expenses as well as programs, materials and supplies that help the organization fulfill its core mission.
Impact Data
Information collected across a year of programming or service that, when summarized, shows the impact (change or benefit) an agency has had on its participant(s).
Inclusion
The degree to which organizations value the contributions of diverse individuals to foster more effective, responsive and sustainable approaches to social challenges.
Intersectionality
The complex and cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism and classism) combine, overlap or intersect, especially in the experiences of Black, Indigenous and people of color from historically disadvantaged racial groups. Intersectional programs and policies are intentionally designed for people with multiple oppressed identities to adapt to better assist each community member, regardless of how their identities intersect.
Public Entity
An organization that is part of the government or a publicly funded system. These entities operate at various levels – such as local, state or federal – and are typically created to serve the public good. Examples of public entities include universities, public libraries, government agencies and law enforcement.
Racial Justice
Honoring the foundational and undeniable humanity of all people while securing access to equitable opportunities that liberate oppressed racial groups.
Social Justice
Understanding that at the heart of our society’s foundation is basic human interaction, and it is our responsibility to consistently design and redesign our institutions to reflect our all-encompassing respect for one another in every area of life.
4 Keys to Community Greatness
KZCF’s Equity-Focused Priorities Explained
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Wealthis attainable and people have resources to meet their needs and invest in their futures. -
Housingis safe, affordable and available for every individual and family. -
Educationis accessible and learners are supported on their journey. -
Neighborhoodsare vibrant and community spaces nurture health, safety, and strong social connections.
Breaking Barriers to Build Generational Wealth
We believe that financial security and opportunity should be within reach for everyone. By addressing wealth equity in Kalamazoo County, we can create a future where everyone has access to the tools, resources and pathways needed to meet their needs and invest in their future.
We will focus on strategies and initiatives including but not limited to:
- Expanding access to capital and financial empowerment education.
- Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those from historically excluded communities.
- Equipping our workforce with training and credentials to access well-paying jobs with upward mobility.
- Closing the racial wealth gap by investing in equitable economic development.
Increasing Access to Safe & Reliable Housing
We believe that safe housing is a right for all and that increasing affordable housing in Kalamazoo County is not only necessary but within reach.
We will focus on strategies and initiatives including but not limited to:
- Protecting unhoused and unstably housed community members.
- Preventing evictions and housing loss.
- Preserving accessible housing stock through housing repairs and rehabilitation.
- Investing in new and innovative affordable housing developments countywide.
Opening Doors Through Education & Opportunity
We believe that every community member deserves access to a high-quality education that leads to a future filled with possibility. Investing in education equity ensures that all learners — regardless of zip code, background or age — receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
We will focus on strategies and initiatives including but not limited to:
- Increasing access to early childhood education.
- Supporting literacy development for all ages.
- Enhancing K-12 outcomes with tutoring, mentorship and enrichment programs.
- Expanding pathways to college, career training and workforce readiness.
- Removing barriers to education by addressing basic needs like transportation and technology.
Thriving Neighborhoods Strengthen Us All
We believe that vibrant, well-resourced neighborhoods create a stronger, healthier, more connected community. When we invest in public spaces and make critical resources accessible to people where they live, we foster a sense of belonging, security and opportunity for all.
We will focus on strategies and initiatives including but not limited to:
- Making mental, physical, and behavioral health and healthy foods more accessible to people where they live.
- Strengthening community bonds through improved community spaces, cultural events and civic engagement.
Impact By the Numbers
See how our donor-driven philanthropy is measuring up and making a difference.
Impact Investments
Approved to support new projects and developments across Kalamazoo County.
Impact Investment Dollars
Allocated in total to support a thriving Kalamazoo County.
Nonprofits
Supported through one-time and multiyear funding.
Donor Advised Funds
Started and stewarded with community members, families and organizations.
Community Events
Sponsored, creating opportunities to connect, celebrate, learn, work and grow together.
Grant Dollars
Awarded to support nonprofit progress in Kalamazoo.
All data reflects numbers for the 2024 calendar year.
Our Latest Annual Report:
Celebrating a New Era for KZCF & Kalamazoo County
Individual & Community Transformation Rooted In Healing & Love
It is our deepest belief that when people and families experience the transformative power of equity, wealth, housing, education and neighborhood vitality, they get all the benefits of a re-imagined, prosperous and loving community.
Nonprofits, businesses and startups are no longer working in isolation; they are part of a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem where equity is the foundation of prosperity.
Everyday people once burdened by pervasive inequity now experience a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Communities are transformed into spaces where trust is rebuilt, relationships are authentic, and everyone has a place and a purpose.
Everyone has the chance to contribute their unique talents, creating a community that is not only just but joyful, resilient and full of life.
Renewed hope and freedom lead to a flourishing of creativity, innovation and collaboration.
Community Impact News & Updates
Maximizing Investing Efforts to Close the Economic Gap & Bring Community Visions to Life
KZCF understands that eliminating economic disparities for our community members is one way to establish a thriving Kalamazoo County.
Envisioning Something New: How Charles Hanks Aims to Reimagine Occupational Therapy for Kalamazoo Residents
Charles Hanks is a personal trainer at the Kalamazoo Athletic Club and a graduate student at Western Michigan University (WMU). He received a Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) Emergency Scholarship in 2023.
Black History Month Spotlight Series: The Honorable Carolyn H. Williams
During this Black History Month, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) is honored to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of our Black and African American donors. Through their generous donations, which have spanned the course of decades, KZCF has been able to continue the work of helping to make Kalamazoo the most equitable place to live.
Make a Gift That Keeps on Giving!
Contributions to KZCF ensure your gifts will continue to benefit our community forever. Help us make an impact that lasts for generations to come by giving a gift today.