GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – February 15, 2021 – The NIA Centre, a nonprofit working to establish a world-class African American cultural center in Grand Rapids, today announced it has met its $50,000 fundraising objective. The fundraising goal is part of a matching grant requirement necessary to receive the remaining funds of a $100,000 'The Path Forward' grant from Grand Rapids Community Foundation. NIA Centre will use the funding to build organizational capacity, conduct research and partially support the salary of an executive director.

"Despite the economic setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, our community stepped up," said Robert Upton, chair of the board of directors at the NIA Centre. "The NIA Centre is now taking well-financed steps that will directly impact the region's culture and economy. It is a major milestone in our quest to establish a world-class African American cultural center in Grand Rapids."

According to Upton, the African American cultural center will be an inclusive, transformational gathering space for people of all ages to connect, build, learn and be inspired.

“We are excited to see the NIA Centre continue their efforts to establish an African American cultural center in Grand Rapids,” said Janean Couch, program director at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. “Places of culture and community are critical for Grand Rapids to be a truly welcoming place where all people can thrive.” 

In November 2020, the NIA Centre opened a 1,369-square-foot community engagement center at 300 Commerce Ave. SW in downtown Grand Rapids. The space is being used to continue plans for the African American cultural center, serving as a temporary office for staff and board members, as well as a co-working and meeting space for NIA Centre membership and programming. Meeting space is also available for rental.   

For NIA Centre event information, programming updates, membership details and rental information, visit niacentregr.org.