About First Steps Kent
First Steps Kent convenes partners, brings resources, and advances policies and programs so every young child in Kent County enters kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.
Focus Areas
early childhood educationchild healthdevelopmental screening and early interventionparenting educationcommunity navigation and outreachchild care provider support
Funding Style
general operating support (unrestricted)program assistance (restricted/project funding)core vs. project funding distinction
About First Steps Kent
First Steps Kent’s grantmaking is built around a single local mission: helping every young child in Kent County enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. The foundation funds a wide mix of early-childhood supports, from community-based family services to child care provider support, and its recent grants show that approach at scale. In 2025, it gave $1,281,697 in general support to Family Futures in Grand Rapids, followed by $1,221,922 in general support to Kent County. Those awards sit alongside other large grants to Kent Intermediate School District, Health Net of West Michigan, and Arbor Circle, showing a system-level portfolio rather than isolated project funding. The foundation also uses program assistance when it wants to support a defined initiative, including funding for early care and child health work. Its active programs point to three recurring operating areas: Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, Early Relational Health, and Mainspring Early Care Alliance. Across the portfolio, the emphasis stays on early childhood health, learning, caregiving, and the local service network around families.
What First Steps Kent Funds
Early childhood education runs through the portfolio. First Steps Kent gave $1,220,605 to Kent Intermediate School District in 2025 for general support, and $457,116 to Grand Rapids Community College in 2025 for general support, linking its work to education partners that serve young children and families. Child health is another clear thread: it awarded $1,031,865 to Health Net of West Michigan in 2025 for general support and $451,807 to Cherry Street Health Services in 2025 for general support. The foundation also supports family and caregiver services. In 2025, Arbor Circle received $918,557 for general support, while Ready for School in Holland received $360,725 for general support, both reflecting the emphasis on early support for children and families. Its active Early Relational Health Initiative adds a targeted focus on caregiver-child relationships, maternal health, and culturally responsive support in Kent County.
How First Steps Kent Gives
First Steps Kent’s typical grant size is substantial for a local funder: the 25th percentile is $129,205, the median is $267,677, and the 75th percentile is $488,008. The recent record also shows repeat support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Family Futures, Kent County, Kent Intermediate School District, Health Net of West Michigan, Arbor Circle, Grand Rapids Community College, Cherry Street Health Services, Ready for School, and Vibrant Futures. The foundation is a regular funder rather than a DAF vehicle, and it funds both general support and program assistance. Its active programs also indicate that it accepts unsolicited requests for Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, Early Relational Health, and Mainspring Early Care Alliance.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$10M
Total Assets
$4.8M
Total Revenue
$13M
Total Expenses
$11.9M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $129K and $488K, with a median of $268K.
25th Percentile
$129K
Median
$268K
75th Percentile
$488K
Geographic Reach
Local4 states funded
About 87% of grants go to recipients in MI.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
JENNIFER HEADLEY-NORDMAN
Accepts unsolicited proposals
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