Eagles Fund

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Gifts can be mailed to:
GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
2400 Plymouth Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506

GRCS-Wide Initiatives

Tuition Assistance

Over 35% of our student body receives assistance with tuition. Your gift to the Eagles Fund helps doors open to families who are not able to afford the full cost of a Christian education.

Student Support Services

GRCS offers services for learners who may benefit from additional support in meeting their individual goals. Because of gifts to the Eagles Fund, there is no additional cost to parents for these services.

Faith Formation

A donation to the Eagles Fund strengthens students faith formation by interweaving faith into student’s daily lives. With our faith-infused experience, students develop the understanding that faith is everywhere and in everything.

Deepened Learning

Students thrive through enriched learning opportunities that tuition alone is unable to provide.

Beyond the Classroom

From theatre to athletics, robotics to Young Life, the Eagles Fund supports a host of ways for students to get plugged in.

Campus Initiatives

Principal Letters

Mr. Schultze - GRCES, Evergreen

Dear Evergreen families:

The student experience of collaboration and connection here at Evergreen lays the foundation for every student who walks our hallways. One very important element, the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ annual fund, ensures our students’ success and further enriches their educational experience.

The Eagles Fund sustains the Christ-centered learning you’ve come to love at our beloved Evergreen Campus. Your child, even if they don’t realize it, benefits from the generous giving of families like yours.

Why it matters: The Eagles Fund plays a crucial role in maintaining the exceptional educational standards and opportunities we offer at Grand Rapids Christian Schools and makes many things possible for our Evergreen students that tuition alone is not able to provide. Your contributions support tuition assistance, innovative programming, student support services, and much more.

Did you know:

This year, $246,386 of tuition assistance has been awarded to Evergreen families. These funds expand and enrich our community, allowing all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity for a life-changing Christ-centered education.
At Evergreen, students who need additional support never pay extra. This year, the Eagles Fund will provide funds to support 12 staff members and over 7,700 hours of student support services to help kids meet their individual goals.

By contributing to the Eagles Fund, you actively participate in shaping your child’s education. Your generous gifts directly translate into impactful experiences and an enriched learning environment, empowering our students to achieve their full potential.

A centennial celebration: This year we are planning exciting projects for Evergreen students:

Initial steps towards more fully utilizing the gym area as a co-curricular suite with big plans to redefine the use of the stage
Installing adjustable basketball hoops and updating recreation equipment in the gymnasium

With your help, we will continue to nurture a thriving academic community that prepares our students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society. I kindly request your support by making a gift to the Eagles Fund. Every contribution counts, will be used well, and is deeply appreciated. Together, let’s forge ahead in providing an exceptional educational journey for our children.

Sincerely,

Graham Schultze, Principal

Mr. Barkel - GRCES, Iroquois

Dear Iroquois families:

The student experience of collaboration and connection here at Iroquois lays the foundation for every student who walks our halls. One very important element, the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ annual fund, ensures our students’ success and further enriches their educational experience.

The Eagles Fund sustains the Christ-centered learning you’ve come to love at the Iroquois Campus. Your child, even if they don’t realize it, benefits from the generous giving of families like yours.

Why it matters: The Eagles Fund plays a crucial role in both maintaining the exceptional educational standards and opportunities we offer at Grand Rapids Christian Schools and makes many things possible for our Iroquois students that tuition alone is not able to provide. Your contributions support tuition assistance, innovative programming, student support services, and much more.

Did you know:

This year, $1,010,965 in tuition assistance has been awarded to Iroquois families. These funds expand and enrich our community, allowing all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity for a life-changing Christ-centered education.
At Iroquois, students who need additional support never pay extra. This year, the Eagles Fund will provide funds to support 25 staff will provide nearly 17,000 hours of student support services to help kids meet their individual goals.

A centennial celebration: The Eagles Fund makes it possible for our Iroquois families to mark Grand Rapids Christian’s 100-year celebration. In addition to initiatives such as those listed above, this year we are planning two exciting projects for students at our Iroquois Campus.

Thanks to the Eagles Fund, Iroquois Campus envisions launching a S.T.E.A.M. (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math.) Lab. The Lab will also be enhanced with additional materials needed to enrich students’ learning experiences.
The Eagles Fund will help support the reimagining of the Iroquois Prayer Garden to also function as an outdoor playscape.

With your help, we will continue to nurture a thriving academic community that prepares our students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society. I kindly request your support by making a gift to the Eagles Fund. Every contribution counts, will be used well, and is deeply appreciated.

Together, let’s forge ahead in providing an exceptional educational journey for our children.

Sincerely,
John Barkel, Principal

Mr. Mockabee - GRCHS

Dear GRCHS families:

The Christ-centered, innovative educational experience you’ve come to love at GRCHS is supported by the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ annual fund.

Your child, even if they don’t realize it, benefits from the generous giving of families like yours to the Eagles Fund.

Why it matters: Because of the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian High School is the place it is today. Your contributions support tuition assistance, innovative programming for all students at all grade levels, tiered educational student support services, and much more.

This year, $1,468,540 in tuition assistance has been awarded to GRCHS families. These funds expand and enrich our community, allowing all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity for a life-changing Christian education.
Thanks to the Eagles Fund, students at GRCHS benefit from extended program offerings that create a lasting impact on their lives. From Winterim to an inaugural Entrepreneurship Pathway class, the Eagles Fund bridges the gap, funding hope and opportunity.
At Grand Rapids Christian High School, students who need additional learning support never pay extra. This year, the Eagles Fund will provide funds to support 19 staff members that will provide more than 10,000 hours of student support services to help kids meet their individual goals.

A centennial celebration: In addition to these ongoing initiatives, the Eagles Fund makes it possible for GRCHS to mark Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ 100-year celebration by enhancing our students’ experience. Plans include constructing a climbing wall in the All City Gym lobby to enhance students’ physical health and well-being, and providing a portable lunch cart conveniently equipped with microwaves and condiments to enhance nutritious lunches and food options.

I have the unique opportunity to see the way the Eagles Fund impacts our school on a daily basis as I walk the hallways and interact with our diverse student body. Because of that, my family chooses to give each year to the Eagles Fund. We want to join with many others and do all we can to make certain that Christian education is available to each family that desires it. I kindly request that you join my wife and me in making an investment in our students by giving to the Eagles Fund this year.

Thank you for your commitment to Grand Rapids Christian High School and Grand Rapids Christian Schools. Please join me in praying for God’s continued faithfulness in the year ahead.

In Christ,

Brad Mockabee, Principal

Mrs. Seth - GRCMS

Dear GRCMS families,

The Christ-centered, innovative educational experience you’ve come to love at GRCMS is supported by the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ annual fund.

Your child, even if they don’t realize it, benefits from the generous giving of families like yours to the Eagles Fund.

Why it matters: Because of the Eagles Fund, GRCMS is the place it is today. Your contributions support tuition assistance, innovative programming, student support services, and much more.

This year, $829,109 of tuition assistance has been awarded to GRCMS families. These funds expand and enrich our community, allowing all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity for a life-changing Christian education.
Thanks to the Eagles Fund, GRCMS has benefited from our Cultural Competence Coordinator, Juanita Davis, and the many valuable ways she brings cultural context to the classroom. Your contributions allow us to extend meaningful, collaborative learning throughout the year, celebrating cultural diversity and enrichment of our community.
At GRCMS, families with students who need additional learning support never pay extra. This year, the Eagles Fund will provide funds to support 22 staff and more than 14,000 hours of student support services that help kids meet their individual goals.

A centennial celebration: In addition to these ongoing initiatives, the Eagles Fund makes it possible for GRCMS to continue exciting projects that enhance our students’ experience. Because of your generous donations, we are able to install a Prayer Wall on campus and continue with our Ravine Project, which gives our students an outdoor learning space to deepen students’ understanding of science and God’s creation.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Grand Rapids Christian Schools. With your generous gift, we can continue to nurture a thriving academic community that prepares our students to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society.

Sincerely,

Sara Seth, Principal

Mr. Buursma - RCS

Dear Rockford Christian Families,

The Christ-centered, nature-rich educational experience you’ve come to love at Rockford Christian is supported by the Eagles Fund, Grand Rapids Christian Schools’ annual fund.

Your child, even if they don’t realize it, benefits from the generous giving of families like yours to the Eagles Fund.

Why it matters: Because of the Eagles Fund, Rockford Christian is the place it is today. Your contributions support tuition assistance, innovative programming, student support services, and much more.

This year, $395,000 of tuition assistance was awarded to RCS families directly from the Eagles Fund. These funds expand and enrich our community, allowing all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity for a life-changing Christian education.
Thanks to the Eagles Fund, Rockford Christian is able to employ a Director of Outdoor Education. Your contributions allow us to extend and scale up students’ nature-rich learning opportunities. Kids need meaningful, integrated learning outdoors now more than ever.
At Rockford Christian, families with students who need additional learning support never pay extra. This year, the Eagles Fund will provide funds to support 11 staff and over 7,000 hours of student support services to help kids meet their individual goals.

A centennial celebration: In addition to these ongoing initiatives, the Eagles Fund makes it possible for Rockford Christian to mark Grand Rapids Christian’s 100-year celebration by planting 100 trees on campus in line with our school’s nature-rich focus. Mr. Phil is already working with students to brainstorm which native species might be able to call our campus home.

Your contribution makes a significant difference in the lives of all our students.

I’m blessed to serve this community and deeply grateful for your support. Please join me in praying for God’s continued faithfulness in the year ahead.

In Him,

Ben Buursma, Principal

Current Gifts

Cash

You can make a one-time gift, pledge an amount to be given in installments over a period of time, or sign up for a recurring gift of a set amount to be given monthly or quarterly.

Gifts by check and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to 2400 Plymouth Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

You can also give online by clicking on "Give Now" button above.

Stocks, Bonds, and Other Securities

Other Types of Gifts

Planned and Deferred Gifts

Will or Trust

Designate GRCS as a Beneficiary

Charitable Gift Annuity

Charitable Gifts from IRA Funds

Congress has taken important steps to strengthen America's retirement system while also encouraging additional charitable giving. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 may offer you new opportunities for tax-free charitable giving. Of special note, the new law includes incentives for those 70 1/2 years of age and older who would like to make charitable gifts from potentially taxable Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds.

Real Estate

Planned Estate Giving

THE EAGLES FUND
AT GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Each and every gift given to the Eagles Fund provides immediate resources that have a long lasting impact on our students. When you give to the Eagles Fund, you help support hundreds of students who receive tuition assistance from our schools and over 450 students who are receiving Student Support Services, and enhancing the educational experience for all of our students.

Because of you, our students are prepared to be more. Everything on our campuses from tuition assistance to academic programs, outstanding faculty to fine arts and athletic experiences, is supported through generous donations just like yours.

THIS IS YOUR EAGLE IMPACT.

$3.7

million dollars of financial aid awarded in 2022 - 2023

35%

of students at Grand Rapids Christian Schools receive financial assistance.

24%

of students at Grand Rapids Christian Schools identify as non-white.

12%

of students at Grand Rapids Christian Schools receive student support services.

45

students in the International Student Program, representing an average of 10 different countries.

150

different churches attended by GRCHS, representing 26 different denominations.

1,905

volunteering hours served by upperclassmen students.

60%

of staff hold advanced degrees in their fields.

100%

of staff receive professional development and work in professional learning teams.

GET IN TOUCH

For more information about Grand Rapids Christian Schools, its development efforts, and giving opportunities, please contact:

Superintendent

Tom DeJonge

School: 616.574.6000

Director of Communications

Megan Gritter

School: 616.574.6018

Director of Development

Amanda Matthews

School: 616.574.6007

Director of Events

Dana Stenstrom

School: 616.574.6014

THE EAGLES FUND AT GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS