Artists Creating Together is an organization in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on integrating the arts as a means to help people face the challenges of living with a disability. Using a multifaceted approach that combines art, music, dance, and theatre, the organization strives to encourage each person it serves to use the arts to promote individual expression and creativity. The organization also strives to use community service as a component of its programming by reaching out to local hospitals and veterans using the arts as a form of kindness and healing. The Robert Nelson Foundation is proud to support Artists Creating Together with a gift of $10,000.00 to assist in the community development programming of the organization.

Best Buddies is an organization that was started by the Kennedy family over 30 years ago. The goal and purpose of Best Buddies is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to develop one on one friendships, participate in integrated employment, promote independence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Best Buddies has a national presence and has recently looked to open a Michigan chapter to assist in the development of expanding their programming across the state. The Robert Nelson Foundation’s gift of $10,000.00 is focused towards assisting the development of programming in Michigan schools and communities to assist those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.