The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation announced Wednesday it would end its philanthropy efforts after 54 years. According to the couple’s son, Doug DeVos, ending the foundation was always the plan.
“What they wanted to do instead by sunsetting their foundation was to encourage us and to encourage others to create their own idea of giving, their own path of sharing.”
Over the years, the foundation supported over 1,000 nonprofit organizations, including many in Rich and Helen’s home community of Grand Rapids. The couple’s financial support ultimately totaled $1.1 billion over their lifetimes, supporting the arts, economic development, education, faith, and health care.
DeVos says that while it’s impossible to summarize the foundation’s proudest efforts, he thinks three held a special place in his parents’ hearts; that of DeVos Place, Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus, and their hospital work.
“And when they saw the gap in women’s and children’s health issues, that’s when they felt really called to step in and I think that’s been a wonderful addition to our community.”
DeVos says he hopes his parent’s foundation has served as an inspiration for others to give in ways both big and small.
“It’s not just Mom and Dad. It’s all those who have given in our past and all those who are giving today and all those who will continue to be giving and sharing and experience that joy for our community going forward and the fact that, by working together, we can create a better community for everybody.”
