Chris Holman welcomes back Cindy Hales, Ed.D., Vice President of Community Investment with the Capital Region Community Foundation.Watch Cindy and Chris discuss the Beacon of Hope Grant by the Grangers, its impact on nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, and the Community Foundation's role, in the YouTube video shared below:

Welcome back Cindy, can you remind the Michigan business community about the Capital Region Community Foundation?

Tell us about the new Al and Jan Granger “Beacon of Hope Grant,”?

Is this a one-time or will it be given annually?

Who were the recipients?

How else is the Community Foundation interacting with the mid-Michigan business community? 

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LANSING, MICH. — The Capital Region Community Foundation is delighted to announce the new Al and Jan Granger “Beacon of Hope Grant,” a $100,000 award to one nonprofit selected each year. The grant will be awarded annually, in perpetuity, thanks to an endowment fund established by the Grangers at the Community Foundation in celebration of their 70^th wedding anniversary.

The Grangers created the Beacon of Hope Grant for select nonprofits that “uplift those facing adversity by offering practical solutions that restore hope and human dignity.” They established the endowment to ensure the annual grant would continue beyond their lifetimes as their legacy to the community and to their descendants.

Al and Jan Granger have generously but quietly supported the Greater Lansing community all their lives, and the Beacon of Hope Grant is a testament to their commitment to giving back. Said Jan, “We know there are other people who have been blessed like we have, and this is a mechanism for how you can share with others.” Al agreed, “We’d just as soon not be recognized, but if it inspires others to help those less fortunate, then so be it.”

In this inaugural year, the Grangers selected not one, but two outstanding recipients: The House of Promise and Habitat for Humanity Capital Region. Each will receive $100,000 to further their missions.

The House of Promise is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking by offering them a safe space, comprehensive support, and the resources needed to rebuild their lives. "We are incredibly honored to receive the Beacon of Hope Grant from the Grangers," said Shari Montgomery, executive director of The House of Promise. "This support will make a significant impact in the lives of the survivors we serve, empowering them to move forward with hope and dignity."

Habitat for Humanity Capital Region focuses on providing affordable housing solutions to families in need, fostering strength, stability, and self-reliance. Brent Taylor, president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, said, "The Granger family has once again shown their commitment to our local communities through their generous support of the Habitat mission. Simply put, this grant means more of our neighbors will have a safe, secure place to call home."

For more information about the Beacon of Hope Grant or the Community Foundation, please visit ourcommunity.org or contact Cindy Hales at chales@ourcommunity.org.

The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth. The Community Foundation (also known as the Capital Region Community Foundation) is a tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to lead philanthropic solutions that build vibrant communities in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties.