Hope on the Hill

The phrase "Hope on the Hill" was coined shortly after Van Andel Institute (VAI) opened in May 2000, when a letter and a contribution were received from students at a local middle school. The student body wanted to support cancer research and they addressed the letter to “Hope on the Hill” at Van Andel Institute. The name captures the hope and promise around which our mission is built, and acknowledges VAI's place atop Michigan Street hill in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

"Hope on the Hill" describes the results of what thousands of donors create when they make charitable gifts to Van Andel Institute. It’s not a foundation, a council, or necessarily a location, although for many, Van Andel Institute represents Hope on the Hill.

Every gift to VAI makes a difference. When you support VAI, you support the hope that someday a cure will be found.

Annual Giving

Annual giving is a great way to support the research and education efforts at VAI. The following levels have been established to honor those who make contributions during the fiscal year. Gifts are renewable each year, and employer-matched gifts count toward recognition goals. For more information, please contact 616-234-5780.

Grand: $10,000+ (view donors)
Patron: $5,000 (view donors)
Bronze: $2,500 (view donors)
Charter: $1,000 (view donors)
Partners in Hope: $500 (view donors)
Friends of the Institute: under $500 (view donors)

View full list of Annual Giving donors.

Lifetime Giving

The Hope on the Hill Lifetime Giving Society was established to recognize the commitment and dedication of our most generous supporters. In recognition of their leadership giving and belief in the mission of Van Andel Institute, the following giving levels have been established and include cumulative gifts through the calendar year ending December 31.

Founders Society: $1 million+ (view donors)
Legacy Society: $500,000 (view donors)
Leadership Society: $250,000 (view donors)
Patrons Society: $100,000 (view donors)
Benefactors Society: $25,000 (view donors)

View full list of Lifetime Giving Society donors.

Tribute and Memorial Gifts

Tribute and memorial gifts are a wonderful way to honor family members, friends, and colleagues. For more information, please contact 616-234-5780.

Tributes from 2008
Memorials from 2008

Society of Hope

The Society of Hope was established to honor those who have made a financial commitment to Van Andel Institute through their estate plan. To notify the Institute of your gift arrangements, please contact 616-234-5780. (view donors)

Employee Donors

Our employees dedicate their time, minds, and talent to our mission. See a list of employees who are also donors.