


History
Celebrate our history
The Nokomis Foundation was founded as a feminist organization by Mary Caroline (Twink) Frey in July, 1989, with grantmaking and foundation operations beginning in 1991. �Nokomis� is an Odawa word and represents the passing on of knowledge from Grandmother to Granddaughter.
Our first grant was awarded to the Grand Rapids YWCA for planning and implementation of a first of its kind nurse practioner service for survivors of rape.. Since then, Nokomis Foundation has awarded over $8 million in grants supporting women and girls � with most funding awarded in the Kent County geographic area.
Over the years Nokomis has developed and managed several innovative programs supporting women and girls, including Women Matter!, the Women�s Technology Consortium, the Prostitution Round Table, Nurturing a New Start and Taking Flight grants for girls.
In 2005, Nokomis Foundation embarked on a renewal and planning process to better understand and acknowledge our achievements and legacy, engage in evaluation and organizational development activities, learn from both the Grand Rapids/West Michigan community and larger philanthropic field, and to develop new strategies and direction for the future. This renewal process expanded our effectiveness by linking, learning and acting with others.
In 2008, Nokomis received a grant from the W.K.Kellogg Foundation to further our research into the economic self-sufficiency of women and their families. Speaking with women and agencies throughout Michigan has provided us with a deeper understanding of the struggles and barriers women face in their efforts to become economically self-sufficient (see Treading Water and Michigan�s Missing Class of Women).
Visit our Archive for historical materials and resources.