Community philanthropists John and Nancy Kennedy were awarded the Chaille Community Philanthropy Award from Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

The Chaille Community Philanthropy Award is given each year to donors who support the work of the Community Foundation, but also are involved as volunteers or donors to other community efforts. The Kennedys have associations with Grand Valley State University, University Prep school, St. Mary’s Hospital, the United Way, the Catholic Schools in Grand Rapids, as well as the Community Foundation. All four of John and Nancy’s children served on the Community Foundation’s Youth Grant Committee and two of them served as student Trustee on the Board.

“John and Nancy are great examples of people who give from their hearts. They are not only generous with their financial gifts, but they are active and very engaged volunteers. When they are behind something, a project or a cause, their time, talent and treasure go into it,” said Diana Sieger, Community Foundation president. “They are purposeful about their philanthropy and only take on causes to which they can fully dedicate themselves.”

John Kennedy is the president of Autocam and Nancy is a full-time community volunteer.

The Chaille Community Philanthropy Award is named for William Jackson Chaille, a long-time Community Foundation supporter and booster.