In his reflections on the occasion of Metro Health Foundation’s fifteenth anniversary in 2001, Glenn Kossick described his approach to his work as sorting through new information with community partners to gain knowledge and using that new knowledge to create better practices – “to heal the world.”
As Metro Health Foundation’s founding Board President and long-time Executive Director, Glenn established his work and the work of other foundation staff as a “grant to the community.” In Glenn’s words about his work, “The Board sees our active community involvement as resource, consultant, convener and coach to community-based organizations as important – sometimes more important – than the limited grant dollars.”
Glenn knew that relationships matter. He demonstrated that community connections work. He led by reaching out and by listening.
While Glenn’s physical presence is sorely missed, it is our hope that his legacy lives on through the work of the Foundation that he was instrumental in building.
Tributes:
“I will always carry fond memories of Glenn, and of his true dedication to others; as well as his dedication and love of MHF.”
–Raymond Cochran, MHF Board Treasurer
“I have a treasure trove of fond memories of Glenn. He was the most thoughtful and compassionate person I have ever met. I am blessed to have had him as a mentor and friend. He strongly believed in the power and primacy of Community. And he believed it required personal action and involvement to support Community.”
–Randy Walainis, MHF Board President
“Our CMF community is remembering a true collaborator and champion for healthy Michigan communities, following the passing of Glenn Kossick. Glenn served as the founding board president and longtime executive director of Metro Health Foundation, a member of CMF’s Public Policy Committee and a board member and chair of the Michigan AIDS Fund. Glenn was instrumental in the development of the groundbreaking funder collaborative which was supported by more than 40 foundations and corporate giving programs and distributed $12 million to nonprofits addressing issues related to HIV and AIDS over 20 years.
In a 20-year retrospective of the MAF, Glenn shared:
‘MAF has proven that collaborative grantmaking can be extraordinarily successful for the community, and unexpectedly rewarding for the individual philanthropists who are involved, especially when those individuals are human beings who happen to be in the world of philanthropy. Complex human issues can be solved when you bring heads and hearts together.‘ – Glenn Kossick
We are grateful for Glenn’s leadership and countless contributions to Michigan philanthropy and the communities we serve. Our thoughts are with his family and beloved colleagues and friends.”
— Council of Michigan Foundations
If you have a memory or tribute that you would like to share, please email it to rkaleniecki@metrohealthfdn.org
