FIRST STEPS KENT

Grand Rapids, MI, US
501(c)(3)
EIN
27-0640886
Regional Funder
Logo for "FIRST STEPS KENT"
Grand Rapids, MI, US
501(c)(3)
EIN
27-0640886
Regional Funder

Overview

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Est.

2009

Fiscal Year Start

Oct 1

Organization Type

funder logo
Grantmaker
AI Summary
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FIRST STEPS KENT is a 501(c)(3) grantmaking organization that focuses primarily on funding initiatives in Michigan, with additional support in North Carolina and Louisiana. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, operating on a relationship-based, invitation-only model for grantmaking. Nonprofits interested in engaging with FIRST STEPS KENT can explore warm-introduction pathways through Impala's Funder Prospecting.

Mission Statement

TO CREATE A COORDINATED, INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES THAT SUPPORTS ALL FAMILIES IN KENT COUNTY SO EVERY YOUNG CHILD IN KENT COUNTY WILL ENTER KINDERGARTEN READY TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE. THE ORGANIZATION'S MOST SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY WAS OBTAINING GRANTS AND DONATIONS TO IMPLEMENT, INCREASE, STRENGTHEN, AND COORDINATE THE NETWORK OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Total Funding Given

$10M

2024
Grantees funded
20
Multi-year grantees
95%
Funding by Year
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Total No. of Grants

22

Median 1st year grant
$69.8K
Median 2nd year grant
$98.5K
Top 3 Grants
Matched grants only
Grantee
Grant Size
J
Jennifer Headley-Nordman
Board Member
R
Rev Howard C Earle Jr
Board Member
A
Amanda Barbour
Board Member

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit an unsolicited grant proposal to FIRST STEPS KENT?
No. FIRST STEPS KENT does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Where does FIRST STEPS KENT give?
FIRST STEPS KENT primarily gives to organizations located in Michigan, North Carolina, and Louisiana. These states represent the largest share of the foundation’s grantmaking by dollars awarded. Additional geographic details are available to registered users.
What size are FIRST STEPS KENT’s grants?
The largest share of grants from FIRST STEPS KENT fall in the $250 thousand to $500 thousand range. The median first-year grant is about $70 thousand. More detailed grant size data is available to registered users.
How many grants does FIRST STEPS KENT make each year?
In 2024, FIRST STEPS KENT awarded about 20 grants, totaling nearly $10 million. More detailed grant metrics are available to registered users.
Who did FIRST STEPS KENT fund recently?
In 2024, FIRST STEPS KENT awarded grants to about 20 grantees. Recent grantees include FAMILY FUTURES, COREWELL HEALTH, and THE ARBOR CIRCLE CORPORATION. More detailed information on all recent recipients is available to registered users.
How do we apply to FIRST STEPS KENT?
FIRST STEPS KENT does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only.
Overview
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