The Good We Grow

The Thornapple Foundation’s inception is a testament to the power of vision and community spirit. Inspired by Florence Tyden Groos, the foundation was established by Richard Groos, Tom Stebbins, Richard Cook, Stephen Johnson and Paul Seigel to serve as a financial reservoir for charitable endeavors. With a modest $100 donation, they created a legacy aimed at supporting religious, charitable, literary, and educational causes, as well as preventing cruelty to children and animals. This initiative encourages individuals to look beyond traditional avenues of giving, fostering a broader impact on their community. It’s a reminder of how a single idea, driven by compassion and foresight, can create a meaningful difference in the world.

1981 – Philanthropy Helps Many

The Thornapple Foundation exemplifies the spirit of selfless service and community dedication. Established by Florence and Dick Groos, the foundation’s board of trustees, serving without compensation, reflects a commitment to the greater good. The original trustees, leaders in their respective fields, included Richard M. Cook, Stephen I. Johnson, Richard T. Groos, Paul E. Siegel, and Thomas F. Stebbins. Their diverse expertise laid a strong foundation for the organization’s mission. In 1981, the addition of Richard M. Shuster, Douglas DeCamp, and Fredric Jacobs brought further strength and vision. This collective effort highlights how leadership and collaboration can drive meaningful change, inspiring others to contribute to their communities.

1995 – Forming the Barry Community Foundation

The transformation of the Thornapple Foundation into the Barry Community Foundation in 1995 is a powerful tribute to Florence Tyden Groos’s enduring legacy. Her civic-minded philosophy inspired a community to continue her vision, even after her passing at the age of 99. This transition allowed the foundation to gain tax advantages and integrate the United Way director’s role with funding responsibilities, creating a full-time position. Richard Groos, the foundation’s president, emphasized the importance of public support, requiring at least 33 1/3 percent of funding to come from the community. This shift highlights the foundation’s commitment to sustainable growth and its dual role in providing both immediate support through United Way and substantial capital for significant projects. It’s a testament to how a community can honor its pioneers by building on their dreams and expanding their impact.  Bonnie Gettys was hired at this time as our first employee.

“Virtually every county in the state now has a community foundation, and they all seem pleased with their performance, we can learn from them,” said Groos. He went on to say that “once the legal work is done, we will transfer all the assets of the Thornapple Foundation to a community foundation. The biggest advantage in the move is that there are a lot of big foundations with a lot of money where it becomes an efficient way for them to fund something here, through our community foundation,” said Groos. “We have a lot of work to do but I think it will be worthwhile. Another big advantage is contributors will be able to see where their money will be used, since operations of the foundation are solely for the benefit of Barry County area activities,” said Groos.

1996 – Welcome YAC

Youth Advisory Council (YAC) headed by local youth to give their time and learn how philanthropy has a positive impact on their community. Both the Community Foundation and the Youth Advisory Council came about through a special grant program from the Kellogg Foundation to better prepare communities across the state to be able to support and promote ideas that impact their communities.   In the spirit of the original W.K. Kellogg challenge grant, BCF is excited to foster and encourage a youth-centered approach to philanthropy, uplifting youth leadership and engagement in their local foundations and community.

2007 – Our First Geographic Affiliate

The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, established in 1992, stands as a beacon of community support and educational advancement. By providing grants for the Middleville area and scholarships for Thornapple Kellogg High School graduates, the foundation plays a crucial role in nurturing local talent and addressing community needs. Managed by the Barry Community Foundation staff, it serves as a guiding force, while advisory boards from each community shape its direction. These boards strategize, fundraise, and recommend grants, ensuring that classrooms and community projects receive the support they need. The foundation’s scholarships, often given in memory of beloved students, teachers, and community supporters, are a heartfelt tribute to those who have made a lasting impact. This initiative exemplifies how a community can come together to foster growth, honor its members, and inspire future generations.

2010 – 7 Elements of a Healthy Community

The board’s commitment to giving back is matched by its dedication to understanding and addressing community needs. Training by the Nebraska Community Foundation and adopting the Seven Elements of a Healthy Community, we have embraced a proactive approach to community development. This framework, revisited every 3-5 years since 2010, ensures that the organization remains responsive and relevant. By continuously analyzing data, they refine their focus and strategies, demonstrating a dynamic and informed commitment to fostering a thriving community. This initiative is a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability and learning in creating lasting positive changes.

2011 – An Old Church becomes a Community Gem

The transformation of the Barry Community Enrichment Center is a shining example of vision and collaboration in action. In 2011, Bonnie Gettys, director of the foundation, announced the purchase of the historic First Presbyterian Church in downtown Hastings, a building that had served the community for over 150 years. This space became a vibrant hub for local organizations, including the Barry County United Way, Community Action, Thornapple Arts Council, Thornapple Players, CASA, Humane Society, and the Family Support Center. Thanks to a generous donation from Marleah Dennison and her son Terry, the sanctuary was transformed into The Dennison Performing Arts Center. Terry’s words capture the spirit of this initiative: “When we saw a vacant building, we would imagine how it could be a new home for the Thornapple Players…finally there is a performing arts center – and it is on Broadway.” This endeavor highlights the power of community spirit and the ability to breathe new life into cherished spaces, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

2014 – Collaboration for a New Hotel

The Barry Community Foundation’s involvement in bringing a major hotel project, Holiday Express, to the community is a testament to its innovative spirit and commitment to local growth. This funding collaboration paved the way for the successful Invest Barry fund, which provides low-interest loans to support local businesses. From coffee shops to restaurants, Invest Barry exemplifies the foundation’s dedication to investing in “Main Street vs Wall Street.” This initiative not only strengthens the local economy but also fosters a sense of community pride and resilience. It’s an inspiring example of how strategic investments can transform communities and create lasting opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Welcome Delton!

With a generous bequest from George and Doris Leonard, Delton Educational Foundation was formed to provide the community with a jumpstart of grants and scholarships for their Delton Kellogg students.  Using the TAEF Model of support of community and students, the DKEF advisory committee has proven to be a beacon of light for the Delton Kellogg School System.

2015 – Kickstart to Career Begins

The “KickStart to Career” program is a remarkable initiative that invests in the future of Barry County students by providing them with a financial foundation for education and career development. Launched in 2015, this program ensures that every kindergartener receives a savings account seeded with $50.00, a gift that continues with each new class. These funds are available to students until the age of 25, supporting their college and career expenses after high school. This initiative is a powerful example of how early investment in education can empower young people, opening doors to opportunities and helping them achieve their dreams. It’s an inspiring commitment to nurturing the potential of every child, fostering a brighter future for the entire community.

2022 – Community and Housing

The Barry Community Foundation’s strategic focus on increasing affordable and attainable housing is a remarkable example of community-driven progress. Through the Community Heart and Soul program, the foundation empowers its staff to facilitate local engagement, ensuring residents are actively involved in identifying and solving community challenges. Collaborating with the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, we also developed a comprehensive housing plan, including the Barry County Housing Toolkit by Aentero Group. This initiative has led to transformative projects, such as the redevelopment of the Baby Bliss property in Middleville and the conversion of an abandoned school in Nashville into a 20-unit workforce housing project. The pilot construction program in Nashville introduced the first new home in over 50 years, while a historic downtown building was revitalized with apartments. In Hastings, the Tyden Lofts will add 65 apartments, and the Royal Coach development promises 125 more. These efforts, including the innovative “shuffle houses,” showcase the foundation’s commitment to revitalizing communities and providing sustainable housing solutions. It’s an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration and vision in creating vibrant, inclusive communities.

2024 – Small Town Dreaming

The Small-Town Dream Initiative by the Barry Community Foundation, supported by the Groos family, is a visionary challenge that empowers communities to cultivate local giving funds. This initiative invites six Barry County communities—Delton, Dowling, Freeport, The Gun Lake area, Hastings, Middleville, and Woodland—to participate in a transformative challenge grant. In phase 1, each accepted community receives a $100,000 commitment, with $25,000 available for immediate grant-making. Community leaders are tasked with raising $2 for every $1, resulting in an endowment fund of $225,000, generating approximately $9,000 annually for community reinvestment. Upon completing phase 1, communities can reapply for a second phase, doubling their fund to $450,000. This initiative is a powerful catalyst for sustainable growth, fostering a culture of giving and collaboration that strengthens community bonds and creates lasting impact. It’s an inspiring model of how strategic philanthropy can ignite local potential and drive meaningful change.

2025 – Unstoppable, Relentless, Positive Change

The ongoing transformation in Barry County is a testament to the power of determination and a commitment to community betterment. This forward momentum is creating a future filled with positive impact and opportunity. The upcoming Mill Street Apartments will offer 144 residents a beautiful home in downtown Hastings, nestled along the scenic Thornapple River. Complementing this development is the Mill Street Market, which will provide locally grown groceries and a daycare center, enhancing community life. Nashville is the first Community Heart & Soul recipient, reflecting the area’s dedication to fostering strong community ties. With initiatives like the Small-Town Dream Initiative, the possibilities for Barry County are limitless, paving the way for a vibrant and welcoming community for all. This inspiring journey showcases how collective vision, and effort can transform dreams into reality, enriching the lives of residents and building a brighter future.