Giving

Gen Forward Network is a philanthropic giving circle that allows members to pool funds to make a positive impact in Genesee County through grants to local nonprofits.
Formed in 2013, Gen Forward Network was created by a group of community leaders and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to encourage philanthropy among mid-career career professionals.
Since its inception, Gen Forward Network has had over 165 members and has provided over $105K in grants to local community groups and initiatives.
Who We Are
We are a network of community emerging philanthropists working for the greater good of Genesee County.
What We Do
Gen Forward Network members contribute to a common grantmaking pool to support annual grants in a focus area of their choosing.
Guiding Principles
- To increase the impact of our charitable dollars by learning and working together
- To be involved in addressing the needs of our community
- To continue the community’s legacy of generosity by fostering generations of philanthropists
Membership Criteria
- Share a commitment to working together for the benefit of Genesee County
- Reside anywhere, join at any time
- One time investment of $300 annually or $25/mo. to the membership fund
Membership Benefits
- Network with community leaders and professionals through a series of events and leadership series, webinars, workshops, and masterclasses
- Approve grants to community organizations from the membership funds of Gen Forward Network
- Participate with members in a day of service with Gen Forward Network
- Connect in the community for site tours of past grantees of Gen Forward Network
To join and for more information, contact Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org.
Advisory Committee Members:
- Marc Alexander
- Charese Bransford
- Brandee Cooke-Brown
- Erin Franzen
- Rafael Turner
- Jashell Mitchell-Cross – CFGF Staff
- Lottie Ferguson – CFGF Staff
Upcoming Events
Opening Night with the Flint City Bucks
May 31, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.
We invite past and prospective members to gather at the Gen Forward Network VIP Cabana at Atwood Stadium for a fun, casual evening of connection, soccer, and community. The first 15 people to RSVP to Jashell Mitchell-Cross, Development Officer, will receive a free ticket and exclusive Gen Forward Network x Flint City Bucks rally towel.
Past Gen Forward Network Grantees
- Autism Support & Resource Center
- Carriage Town Ministries
- Blueline Donuts
- Communities First, Inc.
- Red Ink Flint
- Factory Two
- Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village
- St. Luke New Life Center
- YWCA of Greater Flint