5 Lakeshore nonprofits to share $100K for arts, wellness projects

From exploring the roots of art along the Lakeshore to celebrating wellness, five Lakeshore nonprofits are set to launch creative projects that bring fresh energy to the region’s arts and culture scene. 

A $100,000 catalyst grant from the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation will give each organization $20,000 to fund initiatives crafted to connect with the community in new ways.  From wellness celebrations to deep dives into local art history, these projects showcase each group’s mission and vision.

The five organizations will receive their grant funds in November, and each project is expected to be in full swing by the end of 2025. The nonprofits were among a dozen arts and cultural organizations along the Lakeshore that participated in a comprehensive capacity-building program led by the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. Over the past 2 ½ years, this initiative has helped the institutions to reassess their strategies, strengthen operations and deepen their impact.

With its grant, the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center will launch “Art History at the Art Coast.” This campaign aims to draw visitors through engaging programs, pop-up exhibits and social events. The project will spotlight the Lakeshore’s artistic heritage to boost the center’s visibility and inspire a deeper dive into the region’s rich art history.

“This grant will allow us to introduce people to the historical art of the Lakeshore region,” says Eric Gollannek, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. “Through a blend of programming and special events, we’re excited to engage the community and bring new visitors to the center.”

CourtesyBefore the pandemic, 1 in 4 people aged 65 and older experienced social isolation. These feelings of loneliness were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Evergreen Commons seeks to create connections for older adults.

Promoting healthy aging

As Evergreen Commons celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Holland senior center is expanding its focus on health and wellness. It will hold a Blue Zone Summit, inspired by research on communities where people live longer and healthier lives. Nationally recognized speakers will share insights on healthy aging, while also reflecting on the organization’s impact on the aging population in the Lakeshore area. 

“This grant is a significant step toward fostering sustainable programming at Evergreen Commons,” says Jill Ver Steeg, president and CEO. “We are thrilled to host a Blue Zone Summit in 2025, laying the foundation for a healthier future and fostering stronger intergenerational connections within our community.”

Courtesy Holland ChoraleThe Holland Chorale rehearses "Considering Matthew Shepard" concert.

The Holland Chorale is poised to broaden its reach through an intensive marketing and rebranding effort. It will use the grant for digital marketing, fresh branding, and targeted campaigns. The goal is to strengthen ties with current patrons and reach new listeners. With a stronger marketing push, the Chorale aims to become a Lakeshore arts mainstay, offering inclusive programs that resonate across generations.

The Tri-Cities Historical Museum in Grand Haven plans to use its grant to create a permanent exhibit focusing on the Lakeshore’s maritime and indigenous communities. The front-window exhibit will tell the story of the Lakeshore’s boat-building, shipping, fishing, and Native American heritage. 

The exhibit will feature interactive, hands-on elements to draw in young visitors and families. With this new space, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum aims to strengthen community ties, building pride and appreciation for local heritage.

The Zeeland History Society will use its grant to create a new introductory video that will greet each guest and serve as a marketing tool to draw new audiences. The Society hopes it will spark a deeper appreciation for Zeeland’s history and attract visitors eager to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

Two years in the making

These projects are the culmination of a two-year strategic planning initiative known as "Capacity Building: Michigan Lakeshore," led by the DeVos Institute of Arts Management (DVIAM). 

Under the leadership of DVIAM Chairman Michael M. Kaiser and President Brett Egan, the initiative provided training in areas like long-term planning, institutional and programmatic marketing, revenue diversification, and sustainability. Through these sessions, nonprofit leaders learned new ways to expand their impact, grow audience engagement, and explore sustainable practices to benefit their communities.

Since its inception in 2001, DVIAM has provided arts management programming to over 2,000 organizations worldwide. The institute, originally established at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, has worked with organizations in cities across the United States — including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles — as well as in countries like Croatia, Vietnam, and Ireland. DVIAM’s expertise has helped shape organizations in their mission to enrich communities through the arts.

“We’re excited to see how these innovative projects will deepen community engagement and strengthen the arts on the Lakeshore,” Betsy and Dick DeVos said in a statement.