Community Foundation of Greater Flint

10/29/2026

The St. John Street Memorial Park was officially dedicated by the City of Flint today, honoring the history, culture and people of a neighborhood that helped shape Flint. Congratulations to all involved!

St. John Street was once a thriving Black community, home to local businesses, families and generations of shared memories. The construction of I-475 in the late 1960s displaced thousands of residents and destroyed homes and businesses. This park helps preserve that history and make sure the stories of St. John Street continue to be shared.

The project features a historically themed playground, walking paths, educational plaques, and a pavilion for community events and gatherings.

Through our Neighborhoods Small Grants Program, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint awarded $25,000 to help bring this project to life. We’re also proud to serve as home to the St. John Street Memorial Fund, supporting the long-term care of this space and educational programming for future generations.

Support the fund at cfgf.org/stjohnstreet.

10/26/2026

Over the weekend, Fenton Community Orchestra and Wishing Well Theatre Inc brought the 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast to life with live orchestral music and storytelling, and we were proud to support it through the Fenton Community Fund.

The show featured original music and a largely original script. Congratulations to the whole cast and crew!

10/22/2026

Its National Estate Planning Awareness Week! Heidi McAra, JD, an estate planning attorney with McAra Law Group and former trustee of CFGF, shares what belongs in an estate plan beyond a will, how often to revisit one, and why legacy is about more than money.

Read more:

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint partners and leads by influencing and connecting generosity to Genesee County needs. For Good. For Ever. For…

10/21/2026

We’re back with another episode of the Philanthropy Speaks podcast, featuring guest Rinette Korea, founder of Artdillo Studios, and host Chakara Wheeler! In this episode, Rinette and Chakara dive into Artdillo Studios, affordable arts education, and why every community needs a third space.

Listen now: cfgf.org/psartdillo

10/20/2026

“We want people to choose community over everything.”

In a new Q&A, Lucine Jarrah of the Arab American Heritage Council shares how the Flint Alliance for Immigrant Rights - FAIR is building trusted support for immigrant families in Flint and Genesee County, from Know Your Rights education to voter guides in English, Spanish and Arabic.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Read the article: https://www.cfgf.org/story/q-a-flint-alliance-for-immigrant-rights-on-community-civic-participation-and-election-season

10/15/2026

We're excited to announce that effective this week, Brianna Rimmer has been promoted in a new role: Grants Manager! In this new role, Brianna will support the effective administration and management of our grant system. Brianna will be the first point of contact for those applying for a grant--and can help you create a profile, update your contact information, navigate the application process, and connect you with a program officer. Congratulations, Brianna!

10/14/2026

Nature trails. Disc Golf. Basketball courts. Tennis courts. And a clubhouse with windows that seem designed to make you stop and take it all in.

The transformation of Mott Park has been years in the making, driven by the work of passionate volunteers with the Mott Park Neighborhood Association and the Mott Park Recreation Area (MPRA). Since 2006, CFGF has supported both associations’ work through the Neighborhoods Small Grants Program.

Now, Mott Park is one of five park units in Flint’s upcoming state park.

Read the whole story from our 2025 Annual Report: https://www.cfgf.org/story/mott-park-a-vibrant-corner-of-flint

Photos: Jessica Hatter Photography

10/13/2026

The Martus Luna Food Pantry started as a way for two families to honor Roger Luna and Ryan Martus, Flint police officers who passed away in 2002. Today, it’s the only food pantry on Flint’s south side, and about 15 family members still volunteer there every week.

In recent weeks, visits have picked up. With SNAP changes and higher gas prices reaching Michigan households, Thursdays that usually bring 80 to 90 families recently saw 112, and that week’s Tuesday brought 135. The family keeps showing up, and so do the volunteers who joined them along the way.

Read this article to learn more about the Martus Luna Food Pantry and how you can get involved: https://www.cfgf.org/story/martus-luna-how-a-family-legacy-built-flints-south-side-food-pantry

10/13/2026

We are excited to share that our Director of Equity & Community Engagement, Lynn Williams, has received the 2026 Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy!

Thank you to the Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy Peer Community and the Council of Michigan Foundations for honoring her. Lynn's leadership and work partnering with local organizations and nonprofits to advance narrative change, racial healing, and relationship-building strengthens, serves and builds community in Flint and Genesee County.

Congratulations, Lynn!