IMG launched a funding coalition of local institutions, healthcare providers, foundations, and nonprofits to publish Second Wave Southwest, which debuted in March 2010. IMG arrived on the scene just as a local news outlet dissolved, and massive layoffs left talented and experienced journalists looking for work.
The publication became popular and other coalitions were formed to support additional series like the On the Ground series and a series specifically focused on housing. United Way, one of the coalition’s members, was so impressed that they wanted to support an OTG series focused on the often-described “little sister” of Kalamazoo: Battle Creek. Drawing together philanthropic support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and smaller foundations as well as city government, county governments, Veterans Affairs, senior welfare organizations, and economic development groups, IMG was able to make it happen.
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On the Ground program is made possible by funding from United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, BC Unlimited, Michigan Works!, the City of Battle Creek, the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the Miller Foundation, the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Calhoun County Administration, Binda Foundation, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi.
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