West MI Construction Institute (WMCI) is the result of The Associated Builders (ABC) and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter recognizing the need for an educational pipeline for construction professionals. In 2019, they decided to take action to build a facility and launch a nonprofit to address that need. In 2022 WMCI opened its doors. WMCI’s mission is to build strong communities by preparing the next generation of construction professionals for lifelong careers with a vision of the West Michigan region having a thriving, growing, and diverse commercial construction industry. Drawing interest and partnerships from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as local high schools, WMCI offers classes in many construction fields in a state-of-the-art facility with instructors from the trade to help guide them on their professional journey.

Kennari began working with ABC West Michigan in 2018, providing guidance in Project Development and Business Planning as well as completing a Feasibility Study for the proposed campaign. This work continued with Campaign Development and Implementation. In 2022, after reaching the Campaign goal of $6 million, the new West MI Construction Institute opened. Once WMCI was formed, Kennari shifted to provide Annual Giving support and Grant Strategy work to aid operational growth, with a focus on a corporate partnership program, events and donor communications. The corporate partnership program was hugely successful, exceeding its goal within a week of launching!

“Kennari was a key partner in launching the West Michigan Construction Institute. With their support and guidance, WMCI completed a $6M capital campaign including acquisition of a Brownfield grant. Today, Kennari continues to support our young team and volunteers in the day-to-day fund development work of a young non-profit. We are fortunate to have their guidance as we grow into a thriving construction trade school. We truly would not be where we are today with Kennari’s expertise.” – Jen Schottke, President