Grand Rapids, Michigan -- Steelcase founders and original trustees Walter Idema and David Hunting Sr. established the Steelcase Foundation as an independent trust to support "religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational" causes. They wanted to "give back" to the communities that had been instrumental in the company's operations and growth. So, they established an organization whose mission could be supported long-term through an endowment fund - a means of ensuring continuity. The foundation was established in 1951 to make grants to non-profit organizations, projects and programs in the communities where employees live and work. It focuses on the areas of human service, health, education, community development, the arts and the environment -- giving particular concern to people who are disadvantaged, disabled, young and elderly as they attempt to improve the quality of their lives.

The result is a record of leadership in supporting human services, health, arts and cultural organizations and community development.  The Steelcase Foundation has given close to $100 million to various community organizations in its 50-year history. At the end of fiscal year 2002, the Foundation had made over $7 million in grants and held assets of over $100 million. However, the Steelcase Foundation has evolved into more than a grantmaking institution. It has become a catalyst for partnerships and problem-solving across sectors -- non-profit, for-profit and government.

While the Foundation operates independently of Steelcase Inc., it complements corporate efforts by supporting communities where Steelcase has manufacturing facilities and matching employee gifts to educational and community organizations. Recent matching gift contributions exceed $478,000.