Monroe-Brown Foundation

Southwest Michigan First Southwest Michigan First’s technology-led development initiative is focused on the creation of high technology and life science companies. The strategy matches entrepreneurial companies with business creation resources. These resources combine capital, infrastructure, and management expertise with leadership and product development to help enable startups of successful life science firms. One of the organization’s current initiatives is the Innovation Center, an incubator/accelerator at Western Michigan University’s Business Technology and Research Park which features 60,000 square feet of specialized wet-lab space and business support services. The center will germinate and support the growth of high-tech life science companies. It also provides a partnership with local higher education institutions to enhance their applied science capabilities.
The vision of Southwest Michigan First is dependent upon the generous support of donors, such as the Monroe-Brown Foundation. This support enables the non-profit economic development corporation to attract, create and retain businesses in the region. The objective of these efforts is to continue to revitalize Kalamazoo’s economic base and to create quality job opportunities. For details, visit its website at www.southwestmichiganfirst.com or telephone 877-553-9588.
Excellence in Education and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation In the spring of 1986, representatives from several area public and non-public schools gathered at the invitation of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to develop a program that would honor and recognize both students and educators who demonstrate excellence. Started in 1989 with funds from the Monroe-Brown Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the program honors the top 2.5 percent of Kalamazoo County graduates. In the spring of 1992, the Monroe-Brown Foundation issued a $300,000 challenge grant to the community to provide a permanent fund that would enable the Excellence in Education program to continue. Within months, five area foundations matched the challenge grant. They were soon joined by individuals, businesses, and organizations offering their support. To learn more about the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, visit its web site at http://www.kalfound.org/.
Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center KAMSC was started in the early 1980s to provide a Math & Science curriculum to the most talented high school students in Kalamazoo County. Pharmacia (now Pfizer) provided substantial support for the founding of the school. In 1991, the Monroe-Brown Foundation gifted $150,000 toward a successful $550,000 challenge grant to upgrade and expand the facilities and programs. To learn more about the Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center, please visit its web site at http://www.kamsc.k12.mi.us/.