GRACF Harvest Fun(d) Fest

This year marks a significant milestone for the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. In honor of this remarkable achievement, a special celebration is planned, blending community spirit with a focus on fundraising to continue supporting local nonprofit organizations. The event is also the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year—and its first since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—making it even more meaningful for the community.

The Harvest Fun(d) Fest, scheduled for Oct. 11 at the scenic Barn in the Woods, promises to be a night to remember. The evening’s agenda includes a social hour, followed by a dinner, and live music performed by The Beat.

However, the event is not just about celebrating the Foundation’s history; it’s also an essential fundraiser that will benefit GRACF’s Foundation Fund. This fund plays a critical role in supporting a wide array of nonprofit organizations within the Grand Rapids area. By helping to sustain essential programs and services, it ensures that local residents have access to resources that directly benefit their quality of life—whether through education, healthcare, the arts, or community development.

This year, the set fundraising goal is $30,000. The funds raised will be divided between two important causes: half will benefit the Operations Endowment Fund, which ensures the long-term sustainability of GRACF’s operational needs, while the other half will be allocated to the top three nonprofits as voted by the community. Earlier this year, GRACF opened the application process for local nonprofits to compete for the Seeds of Change Scholarship. Out of 25 applicants and an impressive 800 community votes, the top three finalists were selected: the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids / Greenway, Great Tails Animal Rescue, and New Beginnings Pregnancy and Family Support.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Attendees at the Harvest Fun(d) Fest will have the unique opportunity to vote in person for the first, second, and third-place recipients of the scholarship funds. This interactive element fosters a deeper connection between attendees and the nonprofit organizations, ensuring that our community gets the opportunity to feel like an integral part of the decision-making process.

In addition to the scholarship funds, GRACF has awarded $500 to each of the top three nonprofits to create a professionally produced marketing video. These videos will be showcased during the event, giving each nonprofit a chance to present their mission, work, and future goals to Harvest Fun(d) Fest attendees. The videos will also serve as valuable tools for future fundraising and promotional efforts, amplifying their reach well beyond the event itself.

Since its inception in 1994, GRACF has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of charitable giving in the Greater Itasca Area. The Foundation has supported a wide range of initiatives, from educational programs and healthcare services to community development projects and arts and culture initiatives. Over the years, GRACF has played a pivotal role in the growth and well-being of Grand Rapids, and the upcoming event will further highlight the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the community continues to thrive.

As shared on the GRACF website, “After three decades of uniting charitable intentions with community needs, what began as a seed of an idea has flourished into an organization with over $30 million in assets, continuing to give back to the Greater Itasca Area.”

Executive Director Mindy Nuhring shares her thoughts on this significant milestone: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we remain deeply committed to creating positive change in our community and surrounding areas. One of our main goals is to dispel the notion that philanthropy is exclusive to certain income levels. We want to show that even the most modest contributions can make a profound impact in countless ways.”

This year, GRACF is embarking on its 1st Annual Seeds of Change Campaign, inviting the public to join in a community-wide effort to cultivate a culture of giving. The campaign’s message is simple but powerful: “Where small seeds of generosity blossom into fields of meaningful change.” As Nuhring puts it, “Together, we’ll sow the seeds of a brighter, more compassionate future.”

The anniversary celebration offers attendees more than just a festive evening—it’s a chance to give back and ensure that GRACF’s mission of supporting local nonprofits remains strong for the next 30 years and beyond. With the community’s involvement, GRACF can continue to provide much-needed resources and support to the organizations that make a difference in people’s lives every day.

For those interested in attending the Harvest Fun(d) Fest, tickets are still available! Priced at $100 per person, tickets include a delicious dinner, a drink ticket for the evening, and the exciting opportunity to cast your vote for the nonprofit scholarship recipients. The event offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to not only enjoy a fun and engaging evening but also to play an active role in shaping the future of Grand Rapids.

As you mark your calendars for this important event, remember that your participation and contributions will help shape the future of our community. The collective generosity of the community is what enables GRACF to continue its essential work, making a lasting difference for generations to come.

So, join GRACF on Oct. 11 for an evening filled with reflection, connection, and community-building, and take part in creating a legacy that will continue to enrich Grand Rapids for years to come.