Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) – The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has awarded $386,500 in Community Impact grants, including $50,000 to First Christian Reformed Church (CRC) to support its recycling ministry’s move to Fulton Street.
Love in Action is relocating out of its building at 1106 Fulton St. and will retain ownership of the property while partnering with First CRC. The organizations plan to share the space with one or two additional local ministries, creating a centralized hub that will improve collaboration, efficiency, and accessibility for community services.
“We are thrilled about this partnership and proud to support the recycling ministry’s efforts to strengthen the impact they have on our community,” said Amy Moore, GHACF vice president of grants and programs. “Our grantmaking will not only enhance operational efficiencies but also expand the reach of their services, ultimately allowing more individuals and families to benefit.”
The move will provide First CRC with nearly double the space, allowing it to house operations and equipment and centralize several recycling-focused ministries, including the Recycle, Garage Sale, Appliance, and Bicycle Ministries. The expanded space will also allow the ministry to increase the amount of scrap metal collected and sold, generating additional revenue to support local programs while protecting the environment.
“For more than a decade, First CRC of Grand Haven has operated a recycling program that has kept well over one million pounds of metal out of landfills,” said Pastor Art Van Wolde. “With Love in Action allowing us to use part of their Fulton Street building, we can expand this recycling program to communities throughout the Tri-Cities area.”
Grant funding will support the relocation, renovation of the space, and the establishment of a 10-year partnership agreement for use of the building, with the potential for future extensions. Moore said the project is expected to have a lasting impact on the community for generations.
Additional Community Impact Grants Awarded
Camp Blodgett – Program Expansion into Grand Haven and the Tri-Cities Area ($30,000)
Funding will support affordable childcare and inclusive youth programs focused on building self-esteem, initiative, empathy, and responsibility. Programs include a Youth Builders afterschool program, a leadership cohort for seventh and eighth graders, and summer residential opportunities such as summer camp, STEM Academy, and Young Leaders.
Children’s Advocacy Center – Hybrid Group Therapy Room ($32,000)
Grant funds will transform an existing room into a technology-equipped group therapy space offering both in-person and virtual sessions for children, teens, and families healing from child sexual abuse. The project aims to expand access to care for geographically isolated families throughout Ottawa County.
Loutit District Library – Waanders’ Maker Space and Art Studio ($71,000)
Funding will support the creation of a maker space and art studio, transforming existing rooms into collaborative areas that foster creativity, innovation, and free educational opportunities for all ages.
Mary Free Bed – Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital ($50,000)
The grant will support construction of a three-story, 67,000-square-foot pediatric rehabilitation hospital. The facility will double inpatient bed capacity from 12 to 24 and increase outpatient capacity by 20 percent. This grant is part of a combined $150,000 in GHACF funding awarded to date for the project.
Out Side In, Inc. – Expansion of Heroes for Horses Program ($36,000)
Funding will help expand a therapeutic program serving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder by combining mental health services with the rehabilitation of retired thoroughbred racehorses. The program will expand from four to 12 hours per week, increasing capacity to serve up to 40 veterans.
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services – Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health ($75,000)
The grant will support development of a 136,000-square-foot pediatric behavioral health facility offering urgent care, inpatient units totaling 66 beds, outpatient services, and telehealth. This funding is part of a combined $175,000 in GHACF support for the project to date.
Spring Lake District Library – Sunroom Project: New Programming Space ($42,500)
Funding will support construction of a new 1,200-square-foot indoor programming space and a 600-square-foot outdoor patio, enabling year-round educational and senior-focused programming, along with parking and landscaping improvements.
About the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation For more than a half-century, the GHACF has been regularly recognized as a national top 100 Community Foundation and one of the largest in Michigan. A public, charitable organization serving Northwest Ottawa County community since 1971, the Foundation encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, corporations, and organizations; and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies.
In addition to awarding grants, the GHACF also offers technical support to for-impact organizations, convenes community leaders on issues of importance, and advocates for the for-impact
sector. For more, visit ghacf.
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