Contribute to an Existing Fund
Amplify change by supporting a cause in motion.
Everyone should feel empowered to make an impact.
There are lots of notions about what philanthropy is, who’s welcome to participate and what participation looks like. The truth is, philanthropy is something we all can do! If you donate to a local school, volunteer at your church or contribute to a crowdsource campaign online, you’re a philanthropist.
When you think about philanthropy, some of the challenges listed here might sound familiar, and that’s exactly why we’re here — to help you overcome these barriers and ensure that regardless of age, race gender or income, your generosity has the power to create meaningful change that stands the test of time.
Limited Giving = Limited Impact
Our hearts are often bigger than our wallets, and our contributions can feel too small to matter.
Donation Decision Overload
There are so many worthy causes, and it’s hard to know where to focus our giving or how to start.
Passive, One-Dimensional Support
For many of us, giving feels more rewarding when it’s hands-on — not just writing a check.
Uncertainty About Impact
Donors may worry that their contributions won’t make a real difference or that they won’t see the tangible results of their giving.
Tax & Legal Complexities
Tax implications and legal considerations of significant charitable contributions can be daunting to navigate.
Balancing Multiple Interests or Causes
Donors who care about multiple issues might struggle to allocate their funds effectively across different causes.
Over 1,000 Established Funds to Choose From
KZCF connects generous donors to the causes they care about that impact our community most, maximize every giving dollar and enhance the philanthropic experience. With over 1,000 funds and partnerships to choose from, every community member has the opportunity to simply and confidently live (and give) into their values.
Join Our Community Collective
Recurring gift donors are the backbone of sustainable, community-powered change. By joining our Community Collective, you become part of an inspiring group of donors committed to consistent impact. Recurring gifts help KZCF plan ahead, ensuring funds are available to respond to urgent needs and invest in long-term solutions.
Plus, as a KZCF Community Collective member, you’ll receive:
Insider Access
Special updates, impact stories and behind-the-scenes insight into how your generosity is at work
Recognition & Invitations
Your name in our publications and invites to exclusive donor appreciation events
Hassle-Free Giving
Automated donations you can update or pause anytime in your donor portal
Become a Community Collective Member Today
Choose Your Giving Level
Select the recurring gift amount and frequency — monthly, quarterly, or annually — that aligns with your budget and giving goals.
Set It & Forget It
Your gift will be automatically deducted at the frequency you’ve selected, providing a steady stream of reliable support that you can adjust whenever you need.
See the Impact!
Regular updates and success stories will help you stay up-to-date on how your contributions are transforming lives and your community.
Membership Questions? Talk to Jenna!
To learn more about our Community Collective or for help starting or adjusting your gift, connect with Jenna Maxwell via the contact form or call 269.585.7271.
Here’s How KZCF Scholarships Work
Below is a general timeline to help you understand the application process and what goes on behind the scenes while you wait. Please note that some dates may change, and applicants will be notified as needed along the way.
Application
Starting December 15, students can apply for scholarships via the all-in-one online application. Submissions are due by March 1 every year.*
Initial Review
In March, once the general application window is closed, your application gets reviewed for completeness and to confirm eligibility. We’ll reach out to students regarding any missing documents or information.
Selection
From March-June, scholarship review committees read eligible applications and convene to select recipients.
Formal Notification
From April-June, KZCF Scholarships staff will reach out to selected scholarship recipients as committees make decisions, and update application statuses.
Payment
By mid-July-August, scholarship payments are sent directly to institutions on the awarded students’ behalf.
Kalamazoo Rx Kids
Boldly Reimagining Support for Moms & Babies
This innovative program supports mothers and babies with a no-strings-attached cash prescription from pregnancy through a baby’s first year of life.
Sustaining Leaders Initiative
Thank You to Kalamazoo’s Nonprofit Leaders
This fund provides respite, professional development, executive coaching and wellness grants to nonprofit leaders of color in Kalamazoo County.
Follow your giving heart — supporting an existing fund makes it easy. D
Donor-Driven Donation Options for Every Level of Giving
KZCF accepts and assists donors with many kinds of contributions — such as one-time and recurring donations, securities, real estate, life insurance and trusts — for all kinds of giving now and in the future. Not sure how to get started — donor liaisons are always ready to help!
1000+ Vetted Partners & Established Funds
We steward hundreds of funds and support trusted, leading nonprofits so donors can confidently support causes in line with your values making an impact where you live.
Tax Incentives & Stress-Free Asset Transfer Assistance
Our team is ready to guide donors through available charitable deductions and support or completely manage the transfer of complex assets, acting as a partner to financial advisors and an extension of a donor’s advisory team.
Love Where You Live Funds = Easy, Flexible Giving
A gift to one of our Love Where You Live Funds is the fastest and easiest way to donate to Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
Got giving trouble? Joanna can help.
To learn more about funds, philanthropy, or our giving process, connect with Joanna Donnelly Dales via the contact form or call 269.381.4416.
Donor Stories, Resources & Updates
Open a New Donor Advised Fund With KZCF and Enjoy Our Special $269 Bonus
When you partner with KZCF, you become part of a vibrant network of donors who care deeply about strengthening this place we all call home and inspiring others to do the same.
The Gifts That Keep on Giving
Dr. Regena Nelson, former director of the Urban Teacher Residency Program at Western Michigan University (WMU), has been a consistent KZCF donor for nearly 30 years.
Banking On Purpose: A Workplace Philanthropy Story
First National Bank of Michigan (FNBM) is a truly local financial institution with a program that encourages its employees to engage in philanthropy through a corporate DAF, the First National Bank of Michigan Charitable Fund held at KZCF.