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

Membership Mixer at Factory Two

October 29 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Factory Two, 129 N. Grand Traverse St. Flint, MI 48503
Join the Gen Forward Network to explore Factory Two, a community makerspace in Flint and past Gen Forward grantee.

RSVP to Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org.

Membership Mixer at Blueline Donuts

November 21 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Blueline Donuts, 604 Garland St. Flint, MI 48503
Join the Gen Forward Network to explore Blueline Donuts, a social enterprise of Carriage Town Ministries and past Gen Forward grantee.

RSVP to Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org.

HoliDay of Service – Gift Wrapping for the Community

Saturday, December 20 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
100K Ideas, 601 S. Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502

Volunteer with Gen Forward by gift wrapping for the community.

RSVP to Jashell Mitchell-Cross at jmitchellcross@cfgf.org.