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Miller Foundation Timeline
Then & Now
1910
1928
Miller Buys the Enquirer
Miller bought the Enquirer and News. It became a link in the chain of small newspapers which Miller purchased as head of Federated Publications.
1957
George Awards Are Founded
Bob Miller founds the George Awards because he wanted to recognize people who took personal initiative to address a need in their community, and didn’t wait to “let George do it.” He asked newspaper readers to nominate people who had stepped forward for the betterment of Battle Creek. The newspaper has..Read More
1963
First Grant to Kellogg Community College
1963: The newly established Albert L. and Louise B. Miller Foundation awards its first grant to Kellogg Community College for the construction of a physical education facility.
1965
1966
1972
Consolidation of the YMCA & YWCA Kicks Off
Miller Foundation kicks off consolidation of the local YMCA and YWCA and construction of a new Family Y Center with almost $1 million in grants.
1973
Downtown Improvements, Binder Park Petting Zoo Funding & the “Tales of Battle Creek”
Miller Foundation awards first of almost $2 million in grants for downtown improvement. Bob Miller Sr. named to the Civic Improvement Corp. Miller Foundation was among the first to provide funding the for petting zoo at Binder Park. Miller Foundation pays for Berenice Bryant Lowe to write and publish “Tales..Read More
1979
Bob Miller Sr. receives the first “Super George” award.
1979: Bob Miller Sr. receives the first “Super George” award. The “George Awards” were created in 1958 as a way to recognize people who took personal initiative to address needs in their community. They didn’t wait to “let George do it.”
1980
1982
Miller Bridge Ribbon Cutting
Ribbon is cut at the new $3.7 million Miller Bridge honoring Robert B. Miller Sr. for his efforts to promote railroad consolidation.
1985
1980s – 1990s Creating a National Model for Revitalization
1980s-1990s: Miller Foundation contributes almost $2 million to Neighborhoods Inc., which became a national model for revitalization.
1990
1993
1995
1995-2010: United Way Grants
1995-2010: United Way of Battle Creek receives $737,000 in grants.
1996
Binder Park Zoo receives $409,700 in grants.
1995-2008: Binder Park Zoo receives $409,700 in grants.
1997
1995-2010: Grants to Neighborhoods Inc.
1995-2010: Neighborhoods Inc. receives $1,269,557 in grants. In 2015, Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek changed its name to Southwest Michigan Community Development Co., a decision made to reflect the full spectrum of the organization’s work.
1998
1998-2004: Grants to B.C. Family Y Center
Battle Creek Family Y Center of BC receives $413,200 in grants between the years of 1998 and 2004.
1999
Robert B. Miller Sr Passes Away
1999: Robert B. Miller Sr. passes away, but the family legacy continues today.
2000
Leila Arboretum Society Grants
2000: Miller Foundation gives $300,000 to the Leila Arboretum Society.
2001
2002
2003
2004
Initial Operating Grant to Miller College
2004: Miller College receives the initial operating grant from The Miller Foundation.
2005
1995-2010: KCC receives $635,935 in grants.
As long time supporters of Kellogg Community College, Miller Foundation provided $635,935 in grants.
2007
2016
Miller College Closes
Sadly, Miller College closed in 2016. Still, we celebrate the over 600 graduates that received their Bachelor’s degree at the college. We also sincerely appreciate the local area higher education institutions who provided options to our students who had not graduated yet.