UMRC and Porter Hills Foundations Officially Join as One
November 12, 2021
Just as nonprofit senior living organizations United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) and Porter Hills have affiliated as one organization, so, too, have their fundraising arms. The UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation boards officially approved the merger into one UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation, effective July 1, 2021. The merger was announced publicly at the foundation’s ThanksForGiving event held at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on Thursday, November 11.
“Our UMRC and Porter Hills team members and boards have each worked more closely with each other since the affiliation took place in 2019,” said foundation president Wendy Brightman. “The COVID-19 pandemic has also taught us that – together – we can do so much more to care for the older adults we serve. The same is true of our foundations. With our similar faith-based backgrounds and traditions, and with Benevolent Care at the heart of all we do, it only makes sense for us to come together as well.”
Brightman emphasized the importance of upholding donor intent as a unified foundation.
“Consideration of our donors’ intent for all gifts remains paramount,” Brightman said. “Our single combined focus allows us to better serve the needs of older adults and the mission of UMRC & Porter Hills, as we continue to honor and uphold donor intent for all gifts – past, present, and future.”
Combined, the UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation is one of the largest foundations supporting aging services in Michigan.
“As one foundation, we can also help give voice to the growing number of older adults across our state and leverage our expertise from a single, statewide platform,” Brightman said.
Brightman continues in her role as president of the UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation, and the Foundation will continue to maintain a presence in both Chelsea and Grand Rapids. Foundation team members will be shared across UMRC & Porter Hills’ service area, which includes 24 locations and service lines spanning 22 counties across Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The Foundation’s key fundraising initiatives include Benevolent Care for qualified residents who have exhausted their resources to remain in their UMRC & Porter Hills’ homes; Team Member Support Services, including competitive scholarships and emergency aid; Life Enrichment programming; and capital improvements. Gifts may be designated for specific funds, for initiatives across the state, or to be used where most needed.
“While these initiatives may evolve over time to best serve the mission of UMRC & Porter Hills, the UMRC & Porter Hills Foundation will always keep the best interests of older adults, their families, and our dedicated team members first and foremost,” said Brightman. “We will continue to be effective stewards of the funds with which we have been entrusted and to uphold donor intent.”