The Dyer-Ives Foundation began in 1961 and operated through 2016 with a mission to “build capacity in those grassroots, community-based organizations or related efforts which address issues related to systemic poverty or build a sense of community among residents of the central city.” Its founding trustees were David Hunting Sr., Duncan Littlefair, John Hibbard, Allen Hunting, Siegel Judd, Michael Carey, and Lewis Engman. A number of reports were produced as part of the work of the Dyer-Ives Foundation, including work around ending homelessness and foreclosure, and assisting immigrants and refugees in the Grand Rapids community. Dyer-Ives Foundation's founder, John Hunting, is the son of Steelcase Corporation co-founder David D. Hunting. Hunting was also president of the Beldon Fund, which operated from 1982-2009 as a national foundation committed to promoting sound environmental policies.

While “Voices” goes back to 1961 in this collection, the bulk of the materials highlight activities for the foundation in the later 20th and early 21st century. Folders pertaining to individual neighborhood associations are alphabetized. Newsletters from key organizations whose missions affected or aligned with the Dyer-Ives Foundation are alphabetized as well.

A printed short history of the Dyer-Ives Foundation, published on the Dyer-Ives website (http://www.dyer-ives.org/ ) is included in the collection to increase a researcher’s understanding of both the history of the Dyer-Ives Foundation and the goals of its various endeavors over the years.