The Belonging Initiative

The Belonging Initiative is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering thriving communities by measuring and cultivating a sense of belonging. We develop and implement The Belonging Index™, a tool that assesses how residents feel connected to their local area, and host Belonging Dinners – unique community engagement experiences designed to spark conversations about belonging and social cohesion. Our work directly addresses the critical link between community health, economic vitality, and the attraction of diverse talent, recognizing that a lack of belonging leads to community decline. We are building a framework for communities to move beyond simple welcome and truly include all residents, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and integral to the local ecosystem.