Giving to Grace
Amplify Our Mission of Faith-Based Education
Your generosity fuels our mission and directly impacts the lives of our students. By partnering with us, you are investing in the future of Grace and empowering students to pursue their academic, spiritual, and professional goals.
Explore the various ways you can make a difference and join us in advancing our mission of graduating courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go. Together, we can continue to transform lives and make a lasting impact on our community and beyond.
Give Today
Thank you for supporting Grace Christian University and partnering with us through your thoughtful and prayerful gifts. We appreciate your generosity and look forward to helping you make a difference in the area that matters most to you.
Not sure where you want your gift to be used? Learn more about where to Designate Your Donation.
For assistance, please contact Pete Tilden at ptilden@gracechristian.edu or (616) 298-0771.
What to Support
Don’t Know Where to Designate Your Donation?
Learn more about the best way to designate your gift to Grace Christian University. Donating to the Grace Fund is a great way to invest in our students and in the future of Grace. This allows us to apply funds to the area of greatest need.
Other giving opportunities include the Today & Tomorrow Fund, Endowment Funds, and Athletics. Click on the sections below to learn more about each area.
Grace Fund - Area of Greatest Need
The Grace Fund is a fund that allows individuals to give to Grace without designating how their gift will be used. Donations to this fund sustain the university and enables us to maintain the ministry of Grace Christian University.
This is one of the most impactful gifts you can provide to Grace as it provides university leaders with the opportunity to utilize these funds for priority projects and expenditures… and to apply these funds to areas of ‘most need’.
While many alumni and friends donate to the Grace Fund on a monthly or annual basis, a one-time gift option is also available.
Ready to give?
Complete the form to Give Today!
Today & Tomorrow Fund
The Today & Tomorrow Fund allows you to create an immediate impact while building an enduring legacy.
An annual $7000 investment over five years provides $2000 for immediate scholarship funds each year while the balance of $5000 builds an endowment fund over five years that will benefit students perpetually.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Today & Tomorrow Fund webpage.
Ready to set up a Today & Tomorrow Fund?
Complete the Giving Form and we will contact you.
Endowment Funds
Endowed Funds help students cover some of the tuition and other costs it takes to attain a quality education via Grace’s “Pathway to an Affordable Education”. While the endowment principle remains secure in a permanent account, the interest derived from the endowment is provided to students in the form of “funded scholarships” each year.
Want to donate to an existing Endowment Fund?
Visit the Endowment Funds webpage.
Want to set up a new Endowment Fund?
Complete the Giving Form and we will contact you.
Other Ways to Give
Your giving to Grace Christian University will impact future students and the future of Grace. There are various ways to partner with Grace.
Check in Mail
Drop off or mail your check to:
Grace Christian University
ATTN: Advancement Department
1011 Aldon Street SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49509
Bank Transfer (EFT)
Transfer funds to Grace directly from your bank account. It’s easy and secure. Simply print and send the completed Automatic Withdrawal (EFT) form to our mailing address.
Click the link below to download the form.
Memorial Gift
In Memory of…
If you would like to make a Memorial Gift in the memory of someone, click the link below to make the donation.
You may also contact Pete Tilden, Chief Development Officer for other options regarding a Memorial Gift.
Legacy Gift
Putting Grace in Your Will
When a friend of Grace Christian University remembers the college in his or her will, the donor provides financial resources of lasting value to Grace students. A bequest may be unrestricted – that is used for a general purpose – or designated for a particular use.
A bequest may take one of several forms:
- A specific amount of cash or a specific asset
- A percentage of one’s net estate (for example, 20% of one’s estate after expenses and taxes are paid)
- A residual bequest (e.g. whatever remains after family/friends are cared for through specific amounts)
- A trust (for example, setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust that will pay out to beneficiaries for a period of time with the remainder to Grace)
If you do not have a will or living trust arrangement, Grace offers a FREE online Will service from GiftWise. Via your relationship with Grace, you are provided a Will and Power-of-Attorney documents at no charge even if you decide not to include Grace in your will.
Tax-wise Giving
IRA/Gifting from Retirement Assets
To make a tax-free gift from your retirement assets to Grace Christian University, contact your retirement plan administrators with your instructions.
Notify the Grace Advancement Department of your plans so we may properly track and receipt this gift.
If you are 70 ½ years old, Congress has permanently authorized tax-free gifts from your IRA.
- You may contribute up to $100,000 per person to qualified 501 C-3 organizations.
- It may reduce your taxable income and decrease taxes on Social Security benefits.
Stocks & Mutual Funds
Give the gift of stock or mutual funds from your investment account to Grace Christian University.
Donating stocks or mutual funds may make a meaningful difference on your annual tax return and possibly avoid capital gains while greatly impacting Grace Christian student lives.
Print and share this transfer document with your trusted broker/advisor along with your giving amount and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider financial support for Grace Christian University?
Since its beginning in 1939, Grace Christian University has provided a sound, biblically based education for thousands of students. Your financial support is crucial in sustaining our mission and ensuring the continued growth and success of our institution.
While student tuition and fees cover a portion of our operating expenses, they represent only 65% of our total budget. The remaining 35% is provided through gift income, including donations from generous supporters like you.
By contributing to Grace, you directly impact the lives of students by providing vital resources for scholarships, academic programs, campus facilities, and other essential needs. Your support enables us to offer a Christ-centered education that equips future leaders to impact the world for Christ.
What size gift will make a difference?
Every gift, regardless of its size, makes a meaningful impact at Grace Christian University. Whether it’s a small donation that contributes to student scholarships or a larger gift that supports campus initiatives, each contribution plays a vital role in advancing our mission of providing a Christ-centered, biblically-based education.
Your generosity, no matter the amount, helps to transform lives and empower courageous ambassadors for Christ to make an eternal impact wherever they go.
How do I designate my gift for a particular area?
We will be happy to assist you in directing your donation to support the program, scholarship, or initiative of your choice.
To discuss designated giving at Grace, please contact Pete Tilden, Chief Development Officer, in our Advancement Department. Feel free to reach out via email at ptilden@gracechristian.edu or by phone at (616) 298-0771.
We appreciate your generosity and look forward to helping you make a difference in the area that matters most to you.
Give to Athletics
Invest in Our Athletes
We desire to be a premier Christian athletic program where we are developing champions for Christ. Through our core values of working hard, valuing others and glorifying God, we want to point our students to Christ while we focus on shared goals in order to win championships on the field without compromising our eternal championship.
Grace Athletics accepts general donations that benefit the whole athletic program, as well as donations that go towards specific capital campaigns, existing sports teams (for travel, accommodation, uniforms etc), or additional areas of development.
Ready to donate to Grace Athletics?
Learn more on the Grace Tigers website.
Make a Donation to Grace
Invest in the Lives of Our Students
Join us in shaping the future of education and faith at Grace Christian University. Your support is vital in empowering students to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world.
To learn more about how you can get involved and partnering with us financially, contact our Advancement Department today.
