Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 23, 2026
Numerous community-driven initiatives have arisen in Grand Rapids, Michigan, showcasing the city’s solidarity. The March Against Genocide, aimed at supporting Palestinian children, raises funds and awareness. Following a tragic church shooting, efforts to aid victims are underway, while Mari Copeny advocates for clean water through her impactful campaign. Additionally, platforms like MaizeRaise and LaunchGood foster crowdfunding for various causes, highlighting the community’s engagement and resilience.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Community Initiatives and Fundraisers Address Local Needs
In recent days, several community-driven initiatives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have emerged to support various causes, highlighting the city’s spirit of solidarity and resilience.
March Against Genocide: Support for Palestinian Children
Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids is organizing a 70-mile March Against Genocide from Grand Rapids to Lansing, scheduled for June 26 to 30. The march aims to raise awareness about the effects of genocide and to fundraise for Playgrounds for Palestine and HEAL Palestine. Participants of varying ages and abilities are expected to join this act of solidarity, emphasizing the right of Palestinian children to a safe and joyful childhood. As of now, the campaign has raised $14,653 of its $10,000 goal.
Support for Grand Blanc Township Church Shooting Victims
Following the tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, 2025, the community has rallied to support the victims and their families. Verified fundraisers have been established to assist those affected, with the GoFundMe community coming together to provide relief.
Little Miss Flint’s Clean Water Fund
Mari Copeny, known as “Little Miss Flint,” continues her advocacy for clean water access in Flint, Michigan. Her GoFundMe campaign, titled “Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund,” has raised over $1 million to provide water filters to communities nationwide facing water quality issues. The initiative aims to offer sustainable solutions to the water crisis, emphasizing the importance of clean water for all.
MaizeRaise: University of Michigan’s Crowdfunding Platform
The University of Michigan has launched MaizeRaise, its official crowdfunding platform, to support various causes within the university community. This platform allows individuals to contribute to projects and initiatives that align with their passions, fostering a culture of giving and community engagement.
LaunchGood: Crowdfunding for the Muslim Community
Detroit-based LaunchGood, founded in 2013, is a crowdfunding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide. Since its inception, it has raised over $688 million from 2.1 million donors across 155 countries, supporting various causes and projects within the community.
Gmac Cash’s “Big Gretch” Campaign
Detroit rapper Gmac Cash released the song “Big Gretch,” which raps about Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests against stay-at-home orders. In response, Gmac Cash started a GoFundMe campaign to gift Whitmer a pair of Cartier sunglasses, known as “Buffs,” referenced in the song. Although Whitmer declined the gift, citing a policy against accepting items over $50, the funds raised were donated to charity.
Fairness Project’s Paid Sick Leave Initiative
The Fairness Project, a nonprofit organization, has been involved in advocating for paid sick leave policies. In Michigan, they supported a ballot proposal that gathered over 380,000 signatures, demanding varying levels of paid sick leave depending on company size. The Michigan legislature amended the proposal before passing it, requiring paid sick leave coverage from companies with over 50 employees and capping it at 40 hours per year.
Brilliant Detroit: Nonprofit Supporting Early Childhood Education
Brilliant Detroit, a nonprofit organization based in Detroit, focuses on preparing young children and their families for school and ensuring they are healthy and stable. Founded by Carolyn and Jim Bellinson and Cindy Eggleton, the organization repurposes houses and coordinates programs to support early childhood education in city neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the March Against Genocide organized by Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids?
The March Against Genocide is a 70-mile event from Grand Rapids to Lansing, scheduled for June 26 to 30, aiming to raise awareness about the effects of genocide and to fundraise for Playgrounds for Palestine and HEAL Palestine. Participants of varying ages and abilities are expected to join this act of solidarity, emphasizing the right of Palestinian children to a safe and joyful childhood. As of now, the campaign has raised $14,653 of its $10,000 goal.
How can I support the victims of the Grand Blanc Township church shooting?
You can support the victims and their families by donating to verified fundraisers established on GoFundMe. The GoFundMe community has come together to provide relief following the tragic shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, 2025.
What is the Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund?
The Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund is a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Mari Copeny, known as “Little Miss Flint,” to provide water filters to communities nationwide facing water quality issues. The initiative aims to offer sustainable solutions to the water crisis, emphasizing the importance of clean water for all. As of now, the campaign has raised over $1 million.
What is MaizeRaise?
MaizeRaise is the University of Michigan’s official crowdfunding platform, allowing individuals to contribute to projects and initiatives within the university community. It fosters a culture of giving and community engagement by enabling donors to support causes they are passionate about.
What is LaunchGood?
LaunchGood is a crowdfunding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide. Since its inception in 2013, it has raised over $688 million from 2.1 million donors across 155 countries, supporting various causes and projects within the community.
What is the “Big Gretch” campaign by Gmac Cash?
“Big Gretch” is a song by Detroit rapper Gmac Cash that raps about Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests against stay-at-home orders. In response, Gmac Cash started a GoFundMe campaign to gift Whitmer a pair of Cartier sunglasses, known as “Buffs,” referenced in the song. Although Whitmer declined the gift, citing a policy against accepting items over $50, the funds raised were donated to charity.
What is the Fairness Project’s Paid Sick Leave Initiative?
The Fairness Project, a nonprofit organization, supported a ballot proposal in Michigan that gathered over 380,000 signatures, demanding varying levels of paid sick leave depending on company size. The Michigan legislature amended the proposal before passing it, requiring paid sick leave coverage from companies with over 50 employees and capping it at 40 hours per year.
What is Brilliant Detroit?
Brilliant Detroit is a nonprofit organization based in Detroit, Michigan, focusing on preparing young children and their families for school and ensuring they are healthy and stable. Founded by Carolyn and Jim Bellinson and Cindy Eggleton, the organization repurposes houses and coordinates programs to support early childhood education in city neighborhoods.
Key Features of Michigan-Based GoFundMe Campaigns
| Campaign Name | Goal Amount | Funds Raised | Supporting Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| March Against Genocide | $10,000 | $14,653 | Support for Palestinian Children |
| Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund | N/A | Over $1 million | Clean Water Access |
| Support for Grand Blanc Township Church Shooting Victims | N/A | N/A | Relief Efforts |
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