GHACF will expand with a move to historic building

After more than 50 years of dramatic growth, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation is setting the stage for more expansion with a move.

GHACF plans to move from its current longtime location, at 1 South Harbor Drive, to a larger office space at 6 Sherman Ave.  The building will provide work and meeting space for the entire GHACF staff and can accommodate future growth. In addition, the building will include an incubator space for assisting new and growing nonprofit partners.  

The foundation is a public, charitable organization created to advance the well-being of  Northwest Ottawa County and beyond. Ottawa County remains one of Michigan's most philanthropic and rapidly growing counties, and the GHACF has grown alongside the charitable community it serves.  

“We are fortunate to be located in such a generous community that has a long history of supporting the GHACF,” says Hadley Streng, foundation president. “Looking to the future, I  envision the foundation and our partners continuing to grow and evolve to collaboratively address needs in our region. The larger and more innovative space is essential to expand our  team and programs to serve our community for many years.”  

Half-century of growth

Community members founded the GHACF in May 1971. At the end of its first year, total assets equaled $1,241. During its first 10 years, the foundation operated without paid staff or an office. In 1982, the foundation rented space in downtown Grand Haven until its move to 1 South Harbor Drive in 1985. Since then, the organization has grown from one staff member and $2.1 million in assets to 14 staff members with $160 million in assets and over 700 funds. 
The building at 6 Sherman Ave was built in 1927 as the city of Grand Haven Water Filtration and Distribution Facility. (GHACF) 
“Through careful investing, continued contributions, and dedicated trustees and staff, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has been able to award millions of dollars in grants and scholarships over the years, impacting more lives than we could ever have imagined,” says Dottie Johnson, founding GHACF board member, and ongoing benefactor. “This new space will allow the foundation to continue to bring people and partners together to forever care for our community.” 

The building at 6 Sherman Ave was built in 1927 as the city of Grand Haven Water Filtration and Distribution Facility. The 8,653-square-foot building was restored and repurposed as office space in 2000. It is owned by the Jackoboice family, who has a long-standing relationship with the foundation.  

“I am delighted to work with an organization that has deep connections to my family and is dedicated to improving the well-being of our community,” says George Jackoboice Jr., president of Monarch Holdings Inc. “It is our hope that this iconic building will increase visibility and help support additional growth for the GHACF.”

The GHACF board of trustees unanimously approved the move. It is being funded through donations from individuals and funds set aside to support operations and expansion. More fundraising activities are planned.

“We have worked diligently to implement a strategic plan that will send the Grand Haven Area  Community Foundation on a new trajectory, including adding new roles, streamlining operations, and innovatively thinking about how we can partner with for-impact organizations,”  says Mark Pereira, GHACF board chair. “This opportunity will accommodate that growth and  development and allow the foundation to continue being a catalyst for change.”  

The foundation hopes to close on the building in mid-to-late summer. The GHACF anticipates moving into the new space in fall 2023 after some minor renovations.