Holland-Zeeland Community Foundation grants more than $210K to support local nonprofits

HOLLAND — The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area granted $212,000 to local nonprofits through its responsive grant program, supporting affordable housing, education, food access, and arts projects.

“Our responsive grants support our vision of a thriving community where each individual has access to opportunities to achieve their full potential,” said Yadah V. Ramirez, director of community impact.

Lakeshore Housing Alliance: Expansion Project

Amount Awarded: $60,000 over two years

This grant helps Lakeshore Housing Alliance grow its team and improve access to services for unhoused/unsheltered individuals. In 2025, a point-in-time count found 297 people in Ottawa County living without shelter. This is a nearly 50% increase since 2022. Increasing the capacity of the LHA team reduces the amount of time community members are spending unhoused and helps them move from outreach services to permanent housing.

“This grant will be transformative for the Lakeshore Housing Alliance (LHA) and Ottawa County, especially in this time of unprecedented demand. It will strengthen our capacity to coordinate housing and support services, allowing us to reach more people experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion. Ultimately, this investment ensures that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has a safe place to call home,” said Christina Fort, director of LHA.

Communities In Schools: Integrated Student Supports Model in Holland Schools

Amount Awarded: $52,000 over two years

This grant supports Communities In Schools of Michigan as they serve five schools in the Holland Public Schools system by placing support coordinators who assist students and families with resources they need to succeed. In 2022-23, about 66% of Holland Public School students came from low-income families, meaning many struggle to afford basic necessities, which affects their ability to learn. The program will place full-time student support coordinators in five schools, connecting families with food, clothing, health programs, and other essential services.

“Partnering with Holland Public to bring Communities In Schools programming to the district has started off as a great success," said Goral Bhatt, director of grant strategy and impact. "We are thrilled that CFHZ recognizes the importance of this partnership and understands that supporting students in all areas of their needs is imperative to their success."

Zeeland Adult Education: Expanding Support Services for English as a Second Language/Immigrant Students

Amount Awarded: $40,000 over two years

This grant allows Zeeland Adult Education to expand its services and help skilled immigrants to get their foreign degrees recognized, find professional jobs, and fill important roles in the local workforce while achieving economic stability. The organization currently supports over 650 people from 42 countries. Many students earned college degrees in their home countries but face expensive translation fees, complicated paperwork, and language barriers that prevent them from using those credentials here.

"This funding will have an enormously positive effect on the lives of our English As A Second Language (ESL) students who will now be able to present an American college credential to an employer when applying for a job in their chosen professional field. This will result in an abundance of professional opportunities and significantly improve the quality of life for our students and their families. Communities and children thrive when adults have opportunities to offer their knowledge, skills, and talents,” said Michael O’Connor of Zeeland Adult Education.

CultureWorks: Vital Arts for Healthy Community

Amount Awarded: $30,000 over two years

This grant supports the expansion of free, accessible arts programs for teenagers that provide a space for underrepresented youth to develop leadership skills, improve academically, and feel a sense of belonging. According to the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment for Ottawa County, 23% of adults in the county have experienced 4 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are linked to health issues and increased odds of engaging in risky behavior. CultureWorks’ programming offers students the opportunity to engage in healthy, positive and productive behaviors when outside the classroom to directly address these challenges.

“We’ve experienced a 154% increase in student enrollments since June. Many of the families we work with are facing increased financial uncertainty and rising costs, so we switched to a free model of registration which enables greater access for all students," said Emily Christensen, executive director. "When teens are equipped, supported, and empowered by peers and mentors — when they have opportunities to not only learn but to lead — we see them thrive and grow, and when our teens thrive and grow, our whole community benefits!”

Hand2Hand: Bridging the Gap: Summer Food Program

Amount Awarded: $30,000

This grant helps Hand2Hand expand its summer food program, ensuring children in Holland, West Ottawa, and Zeeland have access to nutritious meals throughout summer break when school meals aren't available. One in seven children in West Michigan experiences hunger, and accessing nutritious food becomes much harder when school is out. This expansion ensures that children who depend on school meals during the year continue to receive nutritious food over the summer, so they can return to school healthy and ready to learn in the fall.

Learn more about the CFHZ at cfhz.org.