We’re proudly supporting the progress being shaped by the people of the cities, villages and townships of Kalamazoo County. Our role is to listen, learn, and contribute resources in ways that strengthen long-term community well-being.
Learn about the FoundationKalamazoo CountyMap view of Kalamazoo County communities.
Building generational wealth and well-being requires attention to the foundations that shape people's lives. Our strategic grantmaking framework guides our partnerships to help expand access to the opportunities and resources that build and grow strong communities.
Learn about our ApproachWe are working alongside community leaders and organizations, as a long-term partner and connector. Progress moves faster and is more sustainable when we are all connected and working together.
See our Grant Guidelines
Everyone in Kalamazoo County should feel connected to the work happening in their communities. We want residents to see themselves in what’s possible in our shared future.
Stay connected with us
The Stryker Johnston Foundation (SJF) is a private family foundation, founded in 1995 by Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Foundation’s work is rooted in the simple belief that lasting progress is built through trusted relationships. We are committed to listening, learning, and being transparent about what we are doing and why.
Together, we are improving the foundations of everyday life for our fellow community members, including housing, education, health, and economic opportunity.
Our partnerships are based in our trust that community members know best how to address challenges, and build generational wealth and well-being across Kalamazoo County.
We want everyone to feel connected to the work happening in all our communities and to see themselves in Kalamazoo County’s bright future.
We are deeply committed to growing as an anti-racist foundation. We are reflecting on our past and how we have contributed to and upheld systems and structures we now work to change.
We believe we can best achieve our mission by raising up and supporting work that is led by and serves Black people, people of color, and other communities that have been left out or left behind in the past.
Read our Non-discrimination policy
Our staff team consists of dedicated professionals who are committed to our mission as Kalamazoo County residents, neighbors and friends.
We are committed to full transparency of our grantmaking and financial stewardship.
View FinancialsMeet the staff and board members working in partnership with the community.
A philanthropy leader with more than two decades of experience in community development, public health, and health equity. He previously led major place-based and health foundations and has directed more than $600 million in grants and mission-related investments.
Lakesha brings 25 years of experience as a strategic leader, driving systems change through collaboration and partnerships. She has previously served as the President of Moriah Group; EVP of Programs and Operations at New Hanover Community Endowment; and Executive Director of Government and Community Relations at University of North Carolina at Asheville, among other significant roles.
An operations leader from Kalamazoo with more than a decade in the nonprofit sector, including experience in grant writing, organizational design, and youth development. Her approach emphasizes collaboration centered on the people most impacted.
Raised in Kalamazoo and trained in social work at Western Michigan University, she brings more than a decade of nonprofit service to her work. She advocates for accessible, inclusive communities where diversity is valued and respected.
A systems-focused grants leader with backgrounds in writing, higher education, and community scholarship administration. She is passionate about removing hidden barriers in philanthropic processes and making systems more accessible.
A purpose-driven executive assistant with a background in program management, public health education, and executive-level support. She brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to community-driven work and long-term impact.
A first-generation college graduate whose background spans public service, scholarship administration, and higher education outreach. Her work is rooted in dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to resources.
A strategic leader with more than 15 years of philanthropy and nonprofit experience focused on equitable systems, healthy communities, and long-term impact. Her work centers community voice, cross-sector partnership, and resource accessibility.
An education leader whose experience spans classroom teaching, educator coaching, systems design, and grantmaking. Her work focuses on educational equity, innovation, and supporting students, educators, and families alongside community partners.
An AICP-certified planner with a background in financial analysis, local government, and community development. His experience positions him to work with grantees on practical housing solutions that expand opportunity.
Very professional but friendly team member. Collaborates with Leatrice Fullerton.
Meet the board members who steward the Foundation’s mission.
Download Stryker Johnston Foundation 990-PF documents below.
The Stryker Johnston Foundation is committed to a policy of equal opportunity, and we prohibit discrimination against employees, employee applicants, directors, grantees, or others because of race, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, height and weight, pregnancy, disability, economic background or circumstances, military or veteran status, marital status, partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, and any other characteristic protected by local, state, and federal law.
Our grantmaking supports the work that helps people, families, and neighborhoods build healthy, equitable communities, across generations. It is strategic, relationship-centered, grounded in trust, and shaped by ongoing learning with our community partners.
We focus on work that addresses root causes, strengthens community-led solutions, and builds long-term capacity in Kalamazoo County.
We work alongside the people and organizations who know their communities best, supporting existing efforts that expand opportunity and strengthen long-term wellbeing.
Our grantmaking focuses on four interconnected pillars that help build stable, healthy communities and create the conditions for generational wealth.
Our strategic pillars are based on what we’ve learned from community, nonprofit and elected leaders. We all share the vision for a Kalamazoo County that includes:
Empowered minds and skills for Kalamazoo County’s bright future.
Well-being and access to quality care for all.
Multiple pathways to economic opportunity, financial stability and lasting success.
Safe, stable housing and strong communities.
The Stryker Johnston Foundation seeks to partner with organizations and groups that strongly and directly align with our vision, mission, and funding priorities.
We partner with organizations and groups that work to change the systems and root causes that lead to intergenerational poverty.
We focus on supporting organizations that are led by and serve Black people, people of color, and other communities that have been left out or left behind in the past.
We only fund work that serves the community of Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
We partner with organizations and groups that:
Organizations may be eligible for SJF funding if:
Please note: Each grantee partner applicant will be asked to provide a copy of their organization’s nondiscrimination policy with their application. An organization will not be eligible to receive grant funds if their nondiscrimination policy is not inclusive of the information listed above. If an organization’s board policy is not compliant, it may be updated during the grant application process in order to be considered for a funding decision. If you have questions regarding this, please contact our team at grants@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org
We provide funding for:
Grant decisions are made in June and December of each year. Special, smaller grant awards may be made throughout the year for special circumstances.
This toolkit provides guidance, approved Foundation language, and communications resources you may use when referencing Stryker Johnston Foundation support.
View the Grantee Partner Communications ToolkitFind answers about the Foundation’s mission, priorities, grantmaking, and ways to connect.
View FAQsExplore the organizations we support throughout Kalamazoo County.
View Funded ProjectsThe Stryker Johnston Foundation is a private, place-based, philanthropic organization focused on strengthening communities across Kalamazoo County by supporting effective, community-based efforts that build generational wealth and wellbeing, particularly in Black communities, communities of color and other marginalized communities.
The foundation partners with community-based nonprofits, local government agencies, and other grantmakers to support efforts that are making significant impact on communities across the County.
The foundation supports work connected to its strategic priorities and community goals in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This includes initiatives related to its four pillars: 1. education, 2. economic opportunity, 3. housing, and 4. health access.
Details about the current grantmaking process are available in our Grant Guidelines.
Additional FAQ copy pending final approval.
Funding decisions are informed by the foundation’s strategic priorities, community relationships, alignment with mission and values, potential for impact, and ongoing conversations with organizations and community leaders.
The Foundation’s Network Partners are staff members who work collaboratively with community partners to identify strategic initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission. They serve as thought partners and connectors, and help to identify opportunities for technical assistance and other supports.
Stakeholders can stay connected with the foundation by visiting the website regularly, as the updates and opportunities change often; subscribing to our newsletters, engaging with us on social media, connecting with team members at community events and direct outreach through our email. Connect with us.
Yes. The foundation is interested in learning from and connecting with organizations, leaders, and residents whose work and ideas align with its mission and priorities. Those who are interested may send an inquiry to grants@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org.
Media inquiries can be submitted through the email: communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org. Journalists/media personnel can expect very timely responses.
We are supporting organizations working throughout Kalamazoo County to strengthen communities and expand opportunity.
Amount Funded: $230,690
Funded for: Kalamazoo County African American Dementia Outreach Program
Amount Funded: $2,800,000
Funded for: Bent Not Broken General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $300,000
Funded for: Program Support/General Operating
Amount Funded: $50,000
Funded for: Neighborhood Organizer Payroll - Eastside and Vine
Amount Funded: $210,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $2,200,000
Funded for: CCJT Operational Funding
Amount Funded: $2,500,000
Funded for: Diaper and Period Product Distribution
Amount Funded: $1,900,000
Funded for: CIS Operations: School-Based Integrated Student Supports
Amount Funded: $135,018
Funded for: Community Healing Centers Programs & Operating Support
Amount Funded: $1,100,000
Funded for: Community Healing Centers - Operating Support
Amount Funded: $1,275,000
Funded for: Operations Support and Capacity Building
Amount Funded: $200,000
Funded for: DCA Roof Repair(s)
Amount Funded: $1,125,000
Funded for: General Operating Support & Capital Campaign
Amount Funded: $375,000
Funded for: General operating support
Amount Funded: $212,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $400,000
Funded for: 2026 ESC General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $75,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $450,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $150,000
Funded for: Wellness Funding
Amount Funded: $150,000
Funded for: Operational & Program Expansion Support
Amount Funded: $96,310
Funded for: Building Improvement & Repair
Amount Funded: $164,250
Funded for: School Year 2026-27 Program expansions
Amount Funded: $150,000
Funded for: Wellness Funding
Amount Funded: $1,600,000
Funded for: Rx Kids Kalamazoo
Amount Funded: $2,072,419
Funded for: Be Well Program, Capacity Building and Expansion
Amount Funded: $10,600,483
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $720,000
Funded for: Helping Other People Exceed HOPE-Continuing Pathways to HOPE thru Navigation
Amount Funded: $650,000
Funded for: Thriving Community: Equity, Education and Culture.
Amount Funded: $225,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $3,550,450
Funded for: The purpose of funding is to secure general operating support for the Institute of Public Scholarship and their associated programs.
Amount Funded: $448,282.64
Funded for: Cultivating the Beloved Community during troubling times of injustices, white supremacy and white nationalism; through the deepening of collective healing, connections, advocacy, community engagement, resistance, training and collaboration.
Amount Funded: $850,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $2,800,000
Funded for: Fully Operationalize Client Service Project: The Village
Amount Funded: $5,000,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $1,295,854
Funded for: Kalamazoo Early Learning Network
Amount Funded: $270,000
Funded for: Operating funds
Amount Funded: $450,000
Funded for: Kalamazoo Literacy Council Operations Grant
Amount Funded: $180,000
Funded for: Grocery Pantry Program - Local Food Purchases
Amount Funded: $150,000
Funded for: Emergency Food Purchases - Response to SNAP Benefit Delays
Amount Funded: $180,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $300,000
Funded for: Program and Operations Support
Amount Funded: $250,000
Funded for: General Operating Support & Wellness Funding
Amount Funded: $50,000
Funded for: Educational Support for Refugee Youth through Coordinated Navigation Services
Amount Funded: $245,115
Funded for: Early Childhood Early Literacy
Amount Funded: $500,000
Funded for: General Operating Support/Programming
Amount Funded: $492,000
Funded for: Sustaining Kalamazoo Valley’s Multi-layered Approach to Food Security, Nutrition and Economic Thriving
Amount Funded: $2,400,000
Funded for: Building a Liberatory Out-of-School Time (OST) Sector (operational funding)
Amount Funded: $150,000
Funded for: Legal Services
Amount Funded: $4,488,800
Funded for: Homeward Promise
Amount Funded: $5,000,000
Funded for: Protecting Immigrant Rights in Kalamazoo County
Amount Funded: $800,000
Funded for: General Operating
Amount Funded: $12,987.03
Funded for: MwC Facility Needs - Fire Suppression Panel & Cameras
Amount Funded: $60,000
Funded for: Mothers of Hope Recovery Program
Amount Funded: $35,000
Funded for: Urgent Infrastructure and Program Recovery to Sustain Lifesaving Community Support
Amount Funded: $200,000
Funded for: Recovery Support and Community Leadership Initiative
Amount Funded: $500,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $135,000
Funded for: Open Roads General Operational Support
Amount Funded: $42,878
Funded for: General Operating Support & Wellness Funding
Amount Funded: $1,600,000
Funded for: Peace During War
Amount Funded: $100,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $60,000
Funded for: Patient Care Fund
Amount Funded: $200,000
Funded for: The PPMI Patient Care Fund
Amount Funded: $1,332,000
Funded for: THE LEARNING LAB
Amount Funded: $30,000
Funded for: Sober Living Staffing Grant
Amount Funded: $3,000,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $700,000
Funded for: Reach Sober Living, Inc General Operations
Amount Funded: $427,500
Funded for: General Operating Support for 26-27 Fiscal Year
Amount Funded: $1,095,004
Funded for: General Operational Funding
Amount Funded: $197,124.03
Funded for: SWCCR CDA/Apprenticeship Program
Amount Funded: $625,000
Funded for: Operational Grant Request
Amount Funded: $1,800,000
Funded for: Stara Collaborative General Operational Funding
Amount Funded: $5,400,000
Funded for: May be used to support the objectives of The Fatherhood Network at the discretion of Stara Collaborative
Amount Funded: $885,000
Funded for: Free Store of Kalamazoo and Chuma
Amount Funded: $487,100
Funded for: SHC Integrated Access Hub
Amount Funded: $2,500,000
Funded for: General Operating Support for Michigan Transformation Collective
Amount Funded: $1,202,115
Funded for: Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care
Amount Funded: $661,832.20
Funded for: Lifting ALICE and Advancing Equity
Amount Funded: $675,000
Funded for: Urban Alliance Community Transformation & Economic Mobility Initiative
Amount Funded: $662,300
Funded for: Walker Youth Development Fellows (WYDF): A Leadership and Economic Mobility Fellowship for Justice-Impacted Youth
Amount Funded: $250,000
Funded for: General Operating Support
Amount Funded: $100,000
Funded for: Capacity/ROYAL program
Amount Funded: $145,000
Funded for: Operations/Royal program
Amount Funded: $1,006,000
Funded for: YWCA Kalamazoo Organization Wide Operational Funding
Amount Funded: $1,900,000
Funded for: Cradle Kalamazoo
Amount Funded: $200,000
Funded for: General Support
Amount Funded: $799,954
Funded for: YWCA Kalamazoo: Infrastructure Stabilization and Program Continuity
Congratulations on your grant award, and thank you for the work you do to strengthen communities in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
We know many grantee partners choose to share news about new initiatives, partnerships, milestones, and community impact. We’re honored to support this work and want to make it easy for you to communicate about your efforts.
This toolkit provides guidance, approved Foundation language, and communications resources you may use when referencing Stryker Johnston Foundation support.
Our goal is simple: help your organization’s work remain at the center of the story while ensuring references to the Foundation are accurate and consistent.
Your organization is leading this work. Your communications should reflect that.
When announcing a grant or discussing a funded project, we encourage you to focus on:
Rather than leading with the grant itself, lead with the work your organization is doing and the difference it will make.
Instead of:
ABC Organization Receives Grant from Stryker Johnston Foundation
Consider headlines that emphasize the work, such as:
The Foundation’s support can then be acknowledged naturally within the story.
When referencing Stryker Johnston Foundation, we encourage simple, straightforward language.
Examples include:
If you choose to mention the grant amount, we recommend including it within the body of your announcement rather than in the headline.
Please use the following information when describing the Foundation.
The Stryker Johnston Foundation (SJF) is a private family foundation that partners with local organizations that are strengthening communities across Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
www.strykerjohnstonfoundation.org
When referring to the Foundation, please use Stryker Johnston Foundation on first reference. You may use the Foundation in subsequent references.
If your communications involve Foundation participation, please make your request, at least two weeks in advance, to communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org.
Examples include:
Advance coordination helps ensure accurate information and allows us to support your communications whenever appropriate.
We love celebrating the work of our grantee partners and spreading the word about community opportunities.
If you share news about your funded work on social media, please tag Stryker Johnston Foundation so we can help amplify your message.
Suggested hashtags:
Authentic visuals help tell powerful stories about your work.
When sharing photos or videos, we encourage you to:
Grantee partners are welcome to use the Foundation logo when acknowledging Foundation support.
Appropriate uses include:
Please do not:
The strongest announcements focus first on the work your organization is leading and the community it serves.
A typical news release may include:
We’re excited to launch our new family literacy initiative. Together with our partners, we’re helping more children and families access the resources they need to succeed. This work is funded (in part) by a grant from the Stryker Johnston Foundation.
This new program reflects what is possible when organizations work together to strengthen our community. We’re grateful for the support of Stryker Johnston Foundation as we expand opportunities for local families.
Today marks an exciting milestone for our organization and the community we serve. We look forward to what we can accomplish together. Thank you to Stryker Johnston Foundation for supporting this important work.
No. Public announcements are encouraged but not required unless outlined in your grant agreement.
That decision is up to your organization unless otherwise specified in your grant agreement. The grant amount is public information on the Stryker Johnston Foundation website.
Yes. Please use the downloadable logo files provided in this toolkit and follow the logo usage guidelines.
Yes. Please contact communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org as early as possible so we can coordinate schedules and provide approved language if available.
Whenever possible, we enjoy highlighting the work of our grantee partners through our website, newsletter, and social media channels.
Strong communications help more people understand the important work happening across Kalamazoo County.
If you’d like assistance developing a news release, social media content, messaging, or storytelling ideas related to your funded work, we welcome the opportunity to connect. While our capacity may vary throughout the year, we’re always happy to explore ways we can support your communications efforts.
Reach out to our communications team at communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org. We will respond as quickly as possible, using within one business day.
We appreciate the opportunity to partner with organizations working every day to strengthen our community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your work.
Here are the ways to keep up to date on SJF news, events and grantmaking updates:
Sign up for SJF news, opportunities, and community updates.
Get updates on our grantmaking, community stories, and upcoming opportunities.
Connect with SJF on social media.
For media inquiries, contact our communications team.
communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org
For general questions not related to grant requests, contact the SJF team.
info@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org
Share your public events with our communications team.
Event name, date, time, location, and a public link or flyer.
communications@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org
The Stryker Johnston Foundation partners with local organizations that are strengthening communities across Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Explore current career opportunities below.
The Controller is a Manager-level position in the Operations department responsible for the Foundation’s finance operations, financial planning and controls, reporting, compliance-related financial activities, and relationships with external accounting and audit partners.
Location: Kalamazoo office with a flexible schedule
Status: Full-time, exempt
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday
Salary: $145,000–$196,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department: Operations
Apply by: August 1, 2026
Benefits include generous vacation, sick and paid leave policies; at least two weeks of collective rest and reflection time each year; 11 federal holidays; medical, dental, and vision benefits; a wellness program stipend; and an annual 401(k) matching plan.
Email a resume and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and interest to jobs@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org with the subject line “Controller.” Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2026.
SJF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants with diverse identities, backgrounds, and life experiences to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary roles and responsibilities. To request an application accommodation, contact Lindsey Hemmerlein at lhemmerlein@strykerjohnstonfoundation.org or 269.488.8486.
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