Articles

Dear Friends of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation,

A thoughtful gardener plans not just for what will bloom this season, but for what will take root, mature, and endure. In much the same way, the Gardens Foundation exists to cultivate the long-term vitality of the Gardens, carefully stewarding resources today so that beauty, learning and inspiration continue to flourish for generations to come.

This year marks the Foundation’s 34th anniversary, offering a moment for both pride and perspective. From its earliest days, the Gardens has grown into a place where horticulture and sculpture meet in deliberate harmony. Living landscapes and works of art shape one another, inviting visitors into moments of reflection, discovery and joy. None of this happens by accident. It happens because of thoughtful planning, sustained commitment, and the generosity of those who believe deeply in this institution.

Thanks to your generosity as well as prudent management and strong investment performance, the Foundation’s endowment reached a new all-time high of over $200 million this year. That growth is not simply a financial milestone; it directly strengthens the Gardens’ ability to fulfill its mission. The endowment now provides more than 20% of the Gardens’ annual operating budget, and in the past year alone, the Foundation distributed over $7.5 million directly in support of the Gardens’ mission and programs. These resources help ensure that exhibitions, educational offerings, horticultural excellence and community access remain strong and resilient.

The Foundation’s Board is deeply focused on investing for long-term growth, guided by the belief that permanence and purpose go hand in hand. We are proud to offer donors meaningful opportunities to align their generosity with their passions, whether through support for specific areas of interest, memorial gifts honoring loved ones, or estate gifts that extend one’s values well into the future.

Your support makes a real difference. If you are considering renewing or expanding your commitment, there are several ways to do so. Donors may join the Perennial Society with a gift of $10,000, or the Bonsai Society with a gift of $100,000. These commitments can be fulfilled annually, through multi-year pledges, or as part of an estate plan. Each option helps strengthen the roots that sustain the Gardens’ future. To learn more about how you can give most meaningfully, contact Susanne Veeneman, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

It is also impossible to reflect on the Gardens’ success without acknowledging how fortunate our community is to have benefited from the extraordinary generosity of the Meijer family. Their founding vision and continued, multi-generational support made this institution possible, and their legacy continues to enrich the lives of all who visit.

Finally, I am honored to serve as President of the Foundation and to work alongside directors and staff who share such deep commitment to the Gardens’ future. Together, we are not simply preserving something beautiful, we are cultivating something enduring.

Thank you for your continued support. Your generosity sustains this extraordinary place and ensures that it will continue to inspire, educate and bring beauty to our community for many years to come.

With gratitude,

Amy L. Keane

Foundation President