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

Join Gen Forward by completing this form and emailing Jashell Mitchell-Cross at  jmitchellcross@cfgf.org. 

Advisory Committee Members:

• Marc Alexander
• Cherese Bransford
• Brandee Cooke-Brown
• Erin Franzen
• Rafael Turner
• Jashell Mitchell-Cross – CFGF Staff
• Lottie Ferguson – CFGF Staff 

Upcoming Events

End-of-Year Mixer & Workshop

Thursday, December 10 | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Factory Two
129 N Grand Traverse St, Flint, MI 48503 

Network, connect, and be there as the Gen Forward Network selects its next grant recipient! You’ll also get to explore Factory Two, a past Gen Forward grantee. To register, email Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org.

Volunteer with Gen Forward at the United Way MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 18, 2027 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dort Financial Event Center
3501 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503

Join the Gen Forward Network team to volunteer at the annual United Way of Genesee County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. You’ll join hundreds of volunteers to package over 200,000 meals. Email Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org to register. Gen Forward T-Shirt included, and light refreshments provided.