Through pooled contributions, members award grants to local community groups and initiatives. Since its founding in 2013, the network has welcomed more than 165 members and distributed over $105,000 in grants to grassroots initiatives across the region. 

Membership is open year-round to anyone, anywhere, with a one-time annual investment of $300 or $25 monthly installments toward the collective fund. 

Gen Forward has a passionate advisory committee: Marc Alexander, Charese Bransford, Brandee Cooke-Brown, Erin Franzen, and Rafael Turner. Meet some of the new advisory committee members in the Q&A below. 

Marc Alexander

What are you most excited about while serving on the Gen Forward Network Advisory Committee? 

I am excited to witness the next level of growth that will arise from the intentional impact this initiative will establish in the community. When you bring together like-minded individuals who put action behind their words, the possibilities become endless.  

Why is community philanthropy important to you? 

Community philanthropy is important to me because it is one of the essential steps in creating true generational wealth. As someone who grew up in poverty, my success and support came from people who understood the determination it takes to overcome obstacles. The community recognized the power of collective action. While we may not have had everything individually, together we had enough to create meaningful change by working as one.  

What are two things you desire to see with the Gen Forward Network through community engagement? 

First, I want to see the transfer of wisdom, as this is the foundation for not only achieving success but also sustaining it.  

Second, I want to see disciplined, collective support of the community with our capital. Growing up, I often noticed – and still see to this day, people sending money outside of their community instead of within it. I hope to see our capital circulate multiple times within the community before it ever leaves. Achieving this will require both wisdom and discipline. 

Cherese Bransford

What are you most excited about while serving on the Gen Forward Network Advisory Committee? 

I am most excited about the opportunity to empower entrepreneurs by engagement and providing community leadership and financial support to start, sustain, or expand their business. Assisting in turning their dreams into reality is both fulfilling and impactful.  

Why is community philanthropy important to you? 

Community philanthropy is essential because it equips organizations with the resources to create meaningful change. When we invest in a child’s future, we inspire hope and opportunity, which strengthens families, uplifts communities, and ultimately shapes a better generation.  

What are two things you desire to see with the Gen Forward Network through community engagement? 

First, I would like to see us more actively engaged in the community – hosting and attending events to understand where our support is most needed.  

Second, I would like for us to continuously evaluate and measure our impact to ensure we are making a meaningful difference in the communities we live in and serve. 

Brandee Cooke-Brown

What are you most excited about while serving on the Gen Forward Network Advisory Committee? 

I am excited to serve on the Gen Forward Network Advisory Committee because I enjoy giving back to my community, and this is a great way to do so.  I am excited to network with the fellow advisory committee members to learn from their experiences.  

Why is community philanthropy important to you? 

Community philanthropy is an amazing way to drive change and support your community. I believe it is an important factor in helping the places we call home thrive and it is essential to every community. Investments made through this practice have a direct impact that can be seen immediately.  

What are two things you desire to see with the Gen Forward Network through community engagement? 

First, I would love to see a ton of engagement in the network from community members. This is such a great opportunity to have a diverse group of voices coming together to help the community.  

Second, I would love to see these diverse voices help create intentional and impactful change that will make a real difference in Genesee County. 

Erin Franzen

What are you most excited about while serving on the Gen Forward Network Advisory Committee? 

I am most excited to build upon the great work that was done through the network in the past.  I love the concept of giving circles and I think there’s a lot of space in our community for this one to be something really special.  

Why is community philanthropy important to you? 

Philanthropy is shifting. I think the sunsetting trend is only getting started which means there will be more space, and likely need, for other forms of organized giving moving forward. Being on the leading edge of shifts is always exciting. I love Flint and everything it's given to me. I want to keep doing that and I know there are lots of people like me who feel the same way.  

What are two things you desire to see with the CFGF Gen Forward Network through community engagement? 

I would like to see organizations that are not well known or that need resources to have a safe and welcoming entry point to philanthropy. I want them to have access to not only funds, but lots of great people who could become future supporters and board members. I would like more people to have a better understanding of CFGF and Gen Forward Network. 

Learn more about the Gen Forward Network and how to join here.