Logo for InfluenceWatch InfluenceWatch

Donate
Non-profit

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Website:

www.kalfound.org/
Location:

Kalamazoo, MI
Tax ID:

38-3333202
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2020):

Revenue: $122,279,191
Expenses: $31,049,211
Assets: $585,479,604
Formation:

1995
Type:

Community Foundation

Contact InfluenceWatch with suggested edits or tips for additional profiles.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is a community foundation that focuses its efforts on “racial equity and racial justice.” 1 The grant maker states that it asks prospective donors if their work has a strong commitment to “racial equity” and rejects requests that “lack[] a demonstrated racial equity strategy.” 2

The foundation has given grants to Count MI Vote Education Fund, a nonprofit with ties to Voters Not Politicians, a lobbying group focused on political redistricting in Michigan. 3 It also gave grants to Equality Michigan, an LGBT-interest advocacy group. 4

The Michigan-based news site MLive called the Kalamazoo Community Foundation “one of the most successful community foundations in the country.” 5

Political Advocacy

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation stated it awarded grants in 2019, 2020, and 2021 to Count MI Vote Education Fund, 6 led by Nancy Wang. 7 Wang is also executive director of Voters Not Politicians, 8 a lobbying and political advocacy group that was formed to change how political district boundaries are drawn for the state legislature in Michigan.

In 2019, Kalamazoo Community Foundation gave a grant to Equality Michigan for voter engagement. 9 Equality Michigan is an LGBT-interest political advocacy group. 10

Kalamazoo Community Foundation gave a grant to the Michigan Organizing Project for criminal justice reform. 11 Michigan Organizing Project and the Alliance for Immigrant Rights merged to become Michigan United in 2012. Michigan United has supported far-left policies on immigration and urged local law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. 12

Finances

Kalamazoo Community Foundation had total revenues of $51.9 million in 2019, of which $42.1 million came from investment income. 13 The foundation has an endowment fund that was $502 million as of 2019, growing from $382.5 million in 2015. 14

Leadership

Carolyn Williams is the chairperson of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation board of trustees. 15 Williams is a retired probate judge. 16

Si Johnson is a trustee with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. 17 He worked for Stryker Corporation for 29 years before retiring in 2008. 18

Kama Mitchell is a trustee with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the founder and executive director of Rootead Enrichment Center. 19 Its mission is to provide therapy for Black, Indigenous, people of color to offset the higher rate of black infant mortality in the U.S. 20

Carrie Pickett Erway served as the CEO and president of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation from 2012 until she stepped down in May 2022. 21

Mee Moua is the interim co-president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. 22 Moua served in the Minnesota state senate from 2002 to 2010 as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party. 23 Moua was criticized in 2008 when it was reported that she claimed the highest per diem money of any state senator, collecting $21,954. 24 The Minnesota legislature allowed senators to claim as much as $96 each day of the legislative session. 25 Moua was president and director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice in 2011. 26

Carla Fernandez-Sota was hired in 2021 as the foundation’s first Learning and Culture Officer. 27 Her job duties are described as skill-building and application around “equity, anti-racism and racial justice” at the foundation. 28

David Feaster is the Community Investment Officer of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. 29 Feaster married his partner in 2015; they became the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Kalamazoo. 30

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s 2022 grantmaking guide states that “inequities” have resulted from “racism, sexism, queerphobia and other oppressive structures” and that resolving inequities means more than providing financial aid. 31 The foundation revised its own internal processes to be more equitable and pledged to be more accountable and accessible to “communities of color.” 32

The foundation stated it wants to “reimagine” its work with a “deep focus” on “racial equity and racial justice.” 33

The foundation said the questions it asks when it receives requests for money include, “Does this requestion demonstrate a strong commitment to racial equity?” The foundation said it also asks if the program or organization requesting funding is accessible to people with “multiple oppressed identities” and gives examples of “intersections of race, ethnicity, economic status, immigration status, LGBTQ+ identity and disability.” 34

The foundation stated it would reject requests for funding if the request “lacks a demonstrated racial equity strategy.” 35

The foundation manages the Amanda Green Scholarship for the Kalamazoo Public Library. That scholarship is eligible to only Black, Indigenous, and people of color. 36 It sponsors the Duane Roberts Scholarship which is eligible to only Black, Indigenous, and people of color who “demonstrate a commitment to social justice.” 37

References

  1. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  2. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. “Guide To Grantmaking.” December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  3. “About.” Voters Not Politicians. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://votersnotpoliticians.com/about/team/nancy-wang/
  4. Equality Michigan. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://equalitymi.org/
  5. [1] Kayla Miller. MLive. “Longtime CEO Of Kalamazoo Community Foundation Steps Down.” June 23, 2022. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2022/06/longtime-ceo-of-kalamazoo-community-foundation-steps-down.html
  6. “Grants Awarded.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/grants/grants-awarded
  7. Count MI Vote Education Fund. Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Part VII. Section A. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/831771426/03_2021_prefixes_82-85%2F831771426_201912_990_2021033117844898
  8. “About.” Voters Not Politicians. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://votersnotpoliticians.com/about/team/nancy-wang/
  9. “Grants Awarded.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/grants/grants-awarded
  10. Equality Michigan. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://equalitymi.org/
  11. “Grants Awarded.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/grants/grants-awarded
  12. “Immigration Reform.” Michigan United. Accessed May 4, 2021. https://www.miunited.org//immigration-reform.
  13. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/383333202/02_2021_prefixes_36-38%2F383333202_201912_990_2021022617763123
  14. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/383333202/02_2021_prefixes_36-38%2F383333202_201912_990_2021022617763123
  15. “Meet Our Board and Team.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/about/meet-our-board-and-team
  16. Legal Talk Network. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://legaltalknetwork.com/guests/judge-carolyn-williams/
  17. “Meet Our Board and Team.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/about/meet-our-board-and-team
  18. “Two Stryker Execs To Make Planned Exits.” Kalamazoo Gazette. Nov. 11, 2008. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2008/11/two_stryker_execs_to_make_plan.html
  19. Rootead Enrichment Center. Birth Justice. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.rootead.org/birth-justice
  20. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990). 2019. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/display_990/383333202/02_2021_prefixes_36-38%2F383333202_201912_990_2021022617763123
  21. Kayla Miller. “Longtime CEO Of Kalamazoo Community Foundation Steps Down.” MLive. June 23, 2022. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2022/06/longtime-ceo-of-kalamazoo-community-foundation-steps-down.html
  22. “Meet Our Board and Team.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/about/meet-our-board-and-team
  23. “Moua, Mee.” Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?id=10744
  24. “Sen. Day Boasts Lowest Per Diem.” Post Bulletin. Jan. 16, 2008. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.postbulletin.com/opinion/sen-day-boasts-lowest-per-diem
  25. “Sen. Day Boasts Lowest Per Diem.” Post Bulletin. Jan. 16, 2008. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.postbulletin.com/opinion/sen-day-boasts-lowest-per-diem
  26. “Mee Moua.” LinkedIn. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mee-moua-3a3b466b/
  27. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. 2021 Annual Report. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://issuu.com/kalfound/docs/2021_kzcfannualreport
  28. 2021 Annual Report. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://issuu.com/kalfound/docs/2021_kzcfannualreport
  29. “Meet Our Board and Team.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/about/meet-our-board-and-team
  30. “Celebrating Pride: David Feaster.” Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Southwest Michigan. Accessed July 16, 2022. https://www.bbbsmi.org/2022/06/18/celebrating-pride-david-feaster/
  31. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  32. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  33. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  34. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  35. Guide To Grantmaking. Kalamazoo Community Foundation. December 2021. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://d11tuvfqp8ate2.cloudfront.net/documents/2022-Grantmaking-Guide.pdf
  36. “Kalamazoo Public Library Announces New Scholarship Fund To Promote The Training And Hiring Of Librarian Of Color.” Kalamazoo Public Library. July 13, 2022. Accessed. July 13, 2022. https://www.kpl.gov/about/news/kalamazoo-public-library-announces-new-scholarship-fund-to-promote-the-training-and-hiring-of-librarians-of-color/
  37. “Duane Roberts Scholarship.” Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Accessed July 13, 2022. https://www.kalfound.org/scholarships/duane-roberts-scholarship
  See an error? Let us know!

Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: February 1, 1997

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2020 Dec Form 990 $122,279,191 $31,049,211 $585,479,604 $4,470,163 N $13,658,474 $0 $12,064,060 $760,326
    2019 Dec Form 990 $51,970,603 $23,284,582 $548,863,432 $4,655,528 N $9,748,923 $0 $10,841,981 $723,808 PDF
    2018 Dec Form 990 $40,977,243 $22,914,398 $472,138,282 $4,574,214 Y $10,344,358 $0 $10,215,480 $698,302 PDF
    2017 Dec Form 990 $38,895,239 $21,779,340 $517,433,980 $4,464,362 N $9,269,161 $0 $9,315,481 $613,373
    2016 Dec Form 990 $49,795,276 $21,316,510 $461,876,414 $4,644,015 N $23,689,267 $0 $8,747,231 $644,618 PDF
    2015 Dec Form 990 $28,781,814 $22,846,506 $415,827,750 $5,019,007 N $6,722,177 $0 $8,891,346 $632,384 PDF
    2014 Dec Form 990 $45,317,926 $23,594,295 $438,274,750 $5,372,004 N $9,435,755 $0 $7,933,643 $721,196 PDF
    2013 Dec Form 990 $67,832,561 $20,626,919 $427,019,623 $5,773,964 N $45,250,262 $772,729 $8,712,140 $689,749 PDF
    2012 Dec Form 990 $29,835,579 $19,978,138 $337,302,811 $5,854,452 N $11,547,723 $1,587 $7,546,163 $707,220 PDF
    2011 Dec Form 990 $34,346,632 $20,972,297 $306,669,590 $5,788,767 N $23,977,944 $40,325 $5,255,777 $566,516 PDF
    2010 Dec Form 990 $15,760,250 $19,717,440 $305,262,437 $3,949,891 N $10,130,431 $27,200 $5,840,021 $613,364 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    Kalamazoo Community Foundation


    Kalamazoo, MI