Become a
Corporate Partner
Partner With Purpose, Lead With Impact
The most successful businesses in West Michigan understand that true leadership extends beyond the workplace and into the community in which they reside. At Mel Trotter Ministries, we are transforming lives every day by providing shelter, meals, workforce development, and pathways out of homelessness for some of West Michigan’s most vulnerable individuals and families. We recognize that we cannot do this work alone.
At Mel Trotter, we partner with corporate partners who are looking to make a difference in West Michigan by engaging in meaningful volunteer work, cultivating a culture of compassion and generosity, and businesses looking to demonstrate that our community flourishes when everyone has a chance to thrive. We invite you to explore the opportunities below to leverage your organization’s unique strengths to partner with us.
Download our complete Corporate Partnership Brochure to learn more:
Ways Your Organization Can Partner With Us.
Sponsor an Event
Sponsor an Event
Donate Goods
Donate Goods
Volunteer with us
Volunteering builds community.
Become an Employer of Choice
Become an Employer of Choice
Upcoming Events
Business Leader Luncheon
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Join us for an inspiring afternoon designed exclusively for West Michigan’s business leaders. The business community has been extraordinarily generous to Mel Trotter Ministries, and we want to give back by hosting you for a complimentary catered lunch and networking event. Connect with fellow business leaders, hear about MTM program impact, and gain insights on current economic trends from our keynote speaker Mitchell Stapley, Director of Macro Strategy for Red Cedar Investment Management. Come discover how your organization can partner with MTM and like-minded professionals to inspire transformational change in West Michigan.
Meet our Keynote Speaker: Mitchell Stapley
Mitchell L. Stapley is the Director of Macro Strategy for Red Cedar Investment Management. Prior to joining Red Cedar, Mr. Stapley was the Chief Investment Officer for Clear Arc Capital (a subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank).
Previously, Mitch was the Chief Fixed Income Officer for Lyon Street Asset Management, a subsidiary of Old Kent Bank, which was acquired by Fifth Third. Mitch has served on the Investment Committee for the Western Michigan Endowment Fund and the Investment Committee for Albion College.
Mitch is a CFA charter holder and a past president of the CFA Society – West Michigan.
Date & Time
Thursday, March 12, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location
Mel Trotter Ministries
225 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Program Overview
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Networking and Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Program featuring welcome remarks, MTM overview, keynote address on economic trends, and workforce development highlights
1:00 PM: Optional tour of the Mission
Golf Outing
Monday, June 15, 2026
Enjoy networking with over 250 other local business people over a round of golf at Railside Golf Club, to support the many programs at Mel Trotter Ministries.
Season of Hope
Thursday, September 10, 2026
An inspiring evening that celebrates the hope and transformation that happens daily at Mel Trotter Ministries.
Turkey Drop
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Turkey Drop is an annual tradition in West Michigan. Mel Trotter Ministries, WOOD Radio, and Celebration Cinema partner together for an entire day devoted to collecting frozen turkeys for our neighbors in need in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Thanksgiving Community Meal
Thursday, November 26, 2026
With the help of over 500 volunteers, Mel Trotter Ministries hosts a free, traditional Thanksgiving meal for over 1,500 individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those looking for fellowship around a Thanksgiving table.
Ready to take the next step?
Fill out this interest form below and we will reach out to connect!
Have additional questions?
Reach out to us at [email protected]
Hear What Our Corporate Partners Are Saying:
“We build for the people who live and work in West Michigan — and volunteering at Mel Trotter has been another meaningful way to serve that same community and keep our focus where it belongs: on people.
We love coming to Mel Trotter to help the community. We also love working alongside the other helpers in the kitchen; they are wonderful and make the experience so much more comfortable. The improvements that have been made to the kitchen over the past year has helped with organization a ton! Keep up the great work!!!”
– Allie Griffeth, HR Manager
“Our time at Mel Trotter Ministries was both humbling and energizing, as Butterball® Farms’ Sales & Marketing team jumped into the kitchen to help prepare meals for their guests. It reminded us that “Enrich Lives” isn’t just something we say, t’s something we do, and it felt great to give back as a team.”
– Kathryn Kunst, Marketing Manager
“As a mom of three, I know what it’s like to stretch every dollar while working, going to school, and doing everything you can to keep your family steady. That’s why volunteering at Mel Trotter Ministries’ Christmas Community Meal touched me so deeply—because their Christ-centered mission doesn’t just serve food, it shares the love of Jesus in a way people can truly feel. I volunteered to be “extended family” for anyone who didn’t have a place to go or someone to sit with, so they could be welcomed, seen, and cared for. When we sit down together for a warm meal, we’re doing more than helping—we’re reminding someone they still matter.”
– Ara Curtis, Marketing Representative
“Businesses and nonprofits are strongest when we work together. When companies invest in their communities, they’re investing in their people and the long-term health of our region. Our relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries began simply—with our staff providing mentoring and job coaching and placing guests who were ready to work—and grew into a decades-long partnership that includes donation drives, ongoing support, and my own service on the board. Partnerships with community organizations allow us to live out our purpose and build stronger communities because when our community thrives, we all do.”
– Janis Petrini, Co-Owner/Founder
– Vijay Dillet, Banking Center Manager
– Matt Hofman, Sr Branch Manager
“Volunteering at Mel Trotter Ministries was a meaningful experience for my leader and I. It strengthened our sense of gratitude and teamwork while reminding us how impactful serving together can be. We were deeply impressed by the care, organization, and heart behind the mission and we are grateful to parter with an organization that is making a real difference in the community.
Violet and I loved volunteering there. We have plans to get more of our leaders involved with us throughout the year to help impact Mel Trotters in any way we can. Volunteering with Mel Trotters was extremely impactful and surprised me in ways I wasn’t expecting. Sitting down with the residents and just listening to them and hearing their stories weighed so heavily on my heart. Hearing them talk about how grateful they were for all of the help they were receiving made me realize how such small acts really impact people. People need two things: The love of God and the love of others and Mel Trotters Ministries is providing both.”
– Becky Dunn, Human Resources
It’s an opportunity to show up for others during difficult seasons, offer support with dignity, and help create a sense of stability and hope. Being part of this work reminds me how impactful small acts of service can be when we genuinely care about the people around us.”
– Providence Bowman, Risk Analyst
Corporate Partner Highlight Story
Current/Past Partners
