This is in effect a permanent community trust, to be administered by a board of trustees for the moral, physical and mental welfare of the people. The board of trustees of the Grand Rapids Foundation cosists of eight trustees, not more than two of whom shall be affiliated with the same religious body, and all to serve without compensation. Two of the trustees are appointed by the president of the Association of Commerce, one by the presiding judge of the Kent county circuit court, one by the Clearing House association, two by the judge of the United States district court for western Michigan, one by the Michigan Trust company and one by the Grand Rapids Trust company.
Appointments are for eight years.
Citizens of all classes, no matter whether rich or only in comfortable circumstances, are asked to donate funds while living, or bequeath them in their wills, to the Grand Rapids Foundation. Large and small gifts are lumped into one sum, and the income used in the wisest manner. Thus every dollar works for the good of the community. Many other men and women have specified in their wills that portions of their estates shall go to the foundation. There is no doubt that within a short time this community trust fund will grow to large proportions and in future days will be of exceptional benefit to the people of this city.