Grants fuel local efforts in youth leadership, housing, and inclusion

When Lindsay Cherry sees a student find their voice through Rumble to Rise, she sees more than growth—she sees transformation. 

One student, once too anxious to speak up in class, recently led a schoolwide assembly on mental health awareness. “That’s the power of investing in leadership shaped by love and community,” says Cherry, co-founder of I AM Academy. 

Thanks to a new grant from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, more students will have access to that kind of opportunity.

The foundation has awarded $212,000 to five local nonprofits addressing some of the region’s most pressing challenges—from youth leadership development and immigrant rights to housing support and access to the arts. These responsive grants are part of CFHZ’s commitment to investing in people, programs, and partnerships that fuel long-term community well-being.

“These investments reflect our vision of a thriving community where every person has access to opportunities to reach their full potential,” says Yadah V. Ramirez, CFHZ director of community impact.

I AM Academy will receive $60,000 over two years to expand Rumble to Rise, a program building leadership and communication skills in Black and Brown students.

Empowering young leaders: I AM Academy will receive $60,000 over two years to expand Rumble to Rise, which equips Black and Brown students with the communication skills, self-awareness, and mental health support to become confident leaders.

“This support strengthens our capacity to walk alongside young leaders as they navigate their own path—transforming both their lives and the world around them,” Cherry says.

Making the arts more accessible: With a $48,000 grant, the Holland Area Arts Council will grow its Essential Arts program, which serves toddlers, teens with autism, adults with developmental disabilities, and older adults through inclusive and therapeutic creative experiences.

These classes offer more than artistic expression—they provide community, comfort, and connection for participants who often lack inclusive social outlets.

A $48,000 grant will help the Holland Area Arts Council expand Essential Arts, offering inclusive, therapeutic programs for people of all ages and abilities.

Meeting urgent needs for families: Gateway Mission will use its $47,000 grant to expand childcare and rehabilitation programs at its shelter for women and children. With rising rates of family homelessness, the goal is to provide safe housing and support services that break the cycle of poverty.

In 2024 alone, Gateway provided 62,000 shelter nights—a 30% jump from the previous year. “This grant helps us serve even more mothers and children at a time when the need has never been greater,” a spokesperson says.

Supporting migrant workers' rights: Migrant Legal Aid is expanding its education and legal outreach in Ottawa County, where an estimated 13,000 migrant farmworkers live and work. With a $47,000 grant, MLA will increase its Know Your Power workshops, helping workers navigate legal rights and access services despite language, location, and documentation barriers.

“Migrant farmworkers are essential, but they’re often overlooked,” says Clara Manuzza, community impact coordinator at MLA. “We’re meeting people in places they trust to give them tools that make a real difference.”

Encouraging healthy habits for youth: Velo Kids is using its $10,000 grant to expand its Bike Club Program into community organizations, giving more kids—many of whom have never owned a bike—the chance to ride and build confidence.
“We’re not just teaching kids to ride—we’re helping them embrace movement and build habits that will serve them for life,” says Jenny White, executive director.

Each of the five grants tackles deep-rooted challenges through community-led innovation and inclusive access.  The goal of CFHZ’s focus on equity and opportunity is to build a stronger, more connected Holland/Zeeland community.
More information about CFHZ’s grantmaking is available at cfhz.org/nonprofits.

Photos provided by CFHZ