Kalamazoo & You - Episode 13: Foundation for Excellence
In ‘Understanding the Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence’, host Mike Smith welcomes Steve Brown, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Excellence, to explore how this unique nonprofit endowment supports the City of Kalamazoo.
They discuss the foundation’s role in lowering taxes, funding city budgets, and financing aspirational projects.
The episode delves into the challenges Kalamazoo faced and how the foundation addresses them, with a focus on community investment areas like affordable housing, youth development, and economic development.
Gain insight into how the foundation’s grants and tax reductions contribute to the city’s growth and stability, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents.
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Introduction to the Program
00:31 Discussion on Kalamazoo Foundation for Excellence
00:47 What is the Foundation for Excellence?
02:08 Challenges Addressed by the Foundation
02:38 Investment and Impact Areas
05:17 Interactive Investment Map
06:39 Impact on the City Budget
09:00 FFE’s Unique Role and Visibility
10:29 Model for Other Cities
12:02 Importance of the Foundation for Kalamazoo
