In 1925, with a gift of $1,000 in his hand and a vision of a better community in his heart, Dr. W. E. Upjohn helped to establish the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. From that first seed, the Community Foundation's assets have grown to approximately $295 million, enabling it to help people achieve their philanthropic goals, and to play a key role in addressing community needs, now and in the future.
Founded on the simple idea that it is its responsibility to look after one another, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation is nurtured and sustained by the people of the greater Kalamazoo area. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations have established 800 charitable funds at the Community Foundation.