Public & Non-Profit in Grand Rapids, MI

Founded in 1938, the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Grand Rapids Chapter has spent over 75 years advancing opportunities for women in accounting and finance. The organization's mission centers on enabling women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full potential while contributing meaningfully to their profession's future development. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this chapter brings together successful, driven women from various accounting and finance backgrounds who are committed to supporting one another's growth. Members consistently report that AFWA provides invaluable resources at every career stage, from early professionals building foundational skills to experienced leaders refining their expertise. The chapter creates a safe, professional environment where women can connect authentically, share experiences, and learn from peers facing similar challenges in their industry. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking events, AFWA members develop leadership capabilities while building an extended family of smart, ambitious women who serve as friends, advisors, and sources of inspiration. The organization's core values of empowerment, integrity, leadership, and passion reflect its dedication to creating meaningful change in the accounting and finance professions. For women in the Grand Rapids area seeking community, professional growth, and genuine connections with like-minded professionals, AFWA offers a powerful network of support and opportunity that has evolved alongside the industry for nearly a century.

Rooted in the transformative experience of the 1988 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Grand Rapids Pride Center emerged from the vision of West Michigan activists who returned home determined to create lasting positive change. What began as casual meetings in homes and welcoming businesses evolved into a dedicated community center that has served Grand Rapids, MI for over three decades. The organization hosted Grand Rapids' first Pride Celebration in 1988, establishing itself as a cornerstone of LGBTQ visibility and celebration in the region. From its early days navigating community resistance to becoming a recognized partner in historic civil rights achievements—including Grand Rapids' groundbreaking ordinance protecting residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—Grand Rapids Pride Center has consistently championed equality and belonging. The organization's evolution reflects its commitment to growth and accountability. In 2016, the Lesbian Gay Community Network officially became Grand Rapids Pride Center, better representing its expanded mission and modernized operations. More recently, the center created a Community Accountability Plan addressing systemic racism and anti-Blackness, demonstrating their dedication to continuous learning and justice. Today, Grand Rapids Pride Center envisions a vibrant community where 2-SLGBTQ people are celebrated and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Guided by principles of authenticity, accountability, community care, liberation, and justice, the organization remains dedicated to breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships within the Grand Rapids community and beyond.

Founded in January 2008 by Delvenia Beason and Barbara Welch, the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. emerged from a shared vision to create meaningful opportunities for African American children in Grand Rapids, MI. What began as the West Michigan African American Mothers Society (WMAAMS) with 41 dedicated members has grown into an officially chartered chapter, officially installed on November 14th, 2010, with 16 charter members committed to the organization's mission. The chapter's founders believed deeply that a local organization should provide enriching experiences through active participation in civic, social, educational, cultural, and personal development activities—a philosophy that continues to guide the organization today. The journey from provisional group status to full chapter recognition reflects the resilience and dedication of the Grand Rapids, MI community members who persevered under the theme of "Yes We Can!" during the organization's formative years. Today, the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter serves as a welcoming community for mothers seeking to nurture their children's potential while building meaningful connections with other families who share similar values and aspirations. The organization's roots in West Michigan run deep, with charter members who continue to exemplify the commitment to strengthening children through leadership, service, and civic engagement. By joining this chapter, families become part of a legacy of empowerment and community building that extends beyond Grand Rapids to connect with the national Jack and Jill of America network, creating opportunities for growth, learning, and lasting friendships.

The Vietnamese American Community of Grand Rapids Michigan (VACGRM) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage while strengthening the Vietnamese-American experience in West Michigan. Founded to serve the Grand Rapids community and its surrounding areas, VACGRM operates as a 100% volunteer organization where every dollar received directly supports community programs and initiatives. The organization prioritizes civil rights protection, democratic values, and cultural preservation through collaborative relationships with local religious organizations, colleges, universities, and government agencies. VACGRM's mission extends to supporting vulnerable community members, including elderly residents through partnerships with local agencies and the Vietnamese Senior Organization, ensuring no one is left behind. The organization actively recruits and develops future community leaders by identifying qualified candidates from local educational institutions and providing mentorship opportunities. With a commitment to financial transparency and inclusive decision-making, VACGRM welcomes community input at all public meetings and maintains open communication through their community website and social media platforms. By fostering stronger relationships within the Vietnamese-American community of Grand Rapids, VACGRM creates spaces where everyone's voice matters and contributions are valued. The organization's comprehensive approach—from cultural celebrations to business support to elder care—reflects a deep commitment to building a unified, proud Vietnamese-American community that enriches the broader Grand Rapids region.