Dick Devos and Betsy Devos are known for Republican politics, conservative causes, education reform, and charitable giving. The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation is reported to have given more than $138 million to churches, policy initiatives, culture and arts, health services, and leadership programs from 1989 to 2015. They also gave the leading donation of over $12 million toward the construction of a hospital in the Spectrum Health System. Before this hospital was built, parents would have to take time off from work to travel to the Mayo Clinic or Chicago for their children to receive care. Now, they can stay home and receive quality care in Grand Rapids.
In 1991, Dick Devos picked up the phone and started lobbying against an idea that was floated publicly in Grand Rapids to construct a convention and sports arena near the downtown area. Dick Devos and a group of business leaders worried about urban sprawl and were successful in putting a stop to the construction of this arena. The group, Grand Action, was the driving force behind buildings like the Michigan State University’s medical school, the Grand Rapids City Market, and the DeVos Performance Hall.
One of the main things that Dick Devos and his wife have used their family fortunes and their time to promote is better education opportunities for youths from disadvantaged backgrounds. While voters rejected a constitutional amendment sponsored by Dick Devos and his wife back in 2000 that had the purpose of creating tax funded vouchers for young people to attend private schools, they have had success in other areas of educational reform. They are both known for not giving up when they are not able to sway public opinion.
Dick Devos has an extensive background related to aviation. He is a long-time pilot. Dick Devos and Betsy are founders of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, which is a charter school located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. This academy prepares young people for careers in aviation.
This background in aviation made Dick Devos an ideal candidate for serving on a council that works with senior management of the FAA. The 13 members give advice on spending, long-term planning, policy, and more. While serving as a volunteer for a three-year term, members are able to maintain positions in outside companies. Dick Devos continued to serve as CEO of the holdings firm he founded, which is called The Windquest Group.