- Research
- Education
- News
- Events
- Events Calendar
- Event Photo Galleries
- Around the World
- Board of Governors Virtual Event
- Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Awards Gallery
- A Conversation About Depression
- A Conversation About Metabolism and Nutrition
- A Conversation About Osteoporosis
- A Conversation About Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment
- Couture for a Cure
- Hope on the Hill
- VAI Golf Outing
- Virtual Curiosity Hour
- Winterfest Celebration
- Help & Donate
- Careers
- About
Help & Donate
WE’RE RAISING THOUSANDS TO HELP MILLIONS.
At Van Andel Institute (VAI), we’re turning hope into action for the millions of people around the world affected by diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
Every donation to Van Andel Institute goes directly to biomedical research into these diseases and their causes. Every gift supports K-12 and science education. And every dollar brings us one step closer to understanding diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and more – and one step closer to saving lives.
Whatever your reasons for donating to Van Andel Institute – to bolster exploration of the biological origins of disease, to support innovative educational approaches, or to memorialize a loved one affected by disease – your support is essential to our mission. So please consider a gift today for what may be invaluable for humanity tomorrow.
One hundred percent of your gift directly supports VAI’s research and education programs. Help make a difference today!
To learn more about how the CARES Act could benefit your charitable giving click here.
Other Ways to Give
Monthly giving
Support the Institute’s research and education programs all year by setting up an automatic monthly payment through our secure online system.
Planned giving
Leave a lasting legacy to improve human health for generations to come by including VAI in your will or other deferred giving plan.
Gift of stock
Learn about the unique benefits of donating stock in support of the mission of VAI.
IRA Rollover
An IRA charitable rollover allows any individual who is age 70.5 or older to transfer up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to VAI this year. You will pay no taxes on the transfer, and every dollar of your gift goes directly to the Institute’s research laboratories and education programs.
Donor Advised Fund
Consider a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) for your charitable savings account solution. A DAF allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend how and where those assets should be invested.
Corporate partnerships
Make a multi-level commitment to VAI’s mission by supporting special events throughout the year, engaging your staff in joining our committees and encouraging employees to volunteer with the Institute.
Board of Governors
Support the Institute financially and serve as an ambassador who shares VAI’s mission, vision and important work with others in Grand Rapids, West Michigan and beyond.
JBoard Ambassadors
Connect with a vibrant group of young professionals at special Institute events throughout the year while supporting biomedical research and education.
Purple Community
Join our grassroots fundraising program by hosting an event to raise funds in support of groundbreaking science and education programs at the Institute.
Volunteer
Donate your time to help us educate the community on what VAI is all about, provide event support, and more.
Why We Give
“My Dad was taken by cancer so, as Dave Van Andel often states, for me, it’s personal. In addition, Van Andel Institute has an incredible impact on our area’s economy. I know that when I give, 100% of my gifts stay right here and are invested in shaping the future for all of us. As one who firmly believes in the potential of our great city and its people, I like that.”
Sam Cummings, CWD Real Estate Investment“I’ve known classmates and friends’ parents who have struggled or died from cancer. Through Hope College’s Dance Marathon, I’m acquainted with children who have struggled with leukemia. I give to Van Andel Institute because I know that the research that is being done there makes a difference in people’s lives – people I know.”
Eric Jones, Ph.D. student, Purdue“Cancer and Parkinson’s are diseases that have impacted our family personally. We are investing in Van Andel Institute as a local resource in the fight against these diseases, knowing it will make a global impact.”
Win and Kyle Irwin, Irwin Seating Company“There are many good causes to give to, and it is impossible to support all of them in a meaningful way. Thus, we focus our giving on healthcare and Education. Van Andel Institute fits perfectly into both areas. This is very appealing to us.”
Dave and Karen Custer, Custer Workplace Interiors“Hope is the most special gift we can give to the people around us, in our close circles, our neighborhoods, and our world. And believe me when I say there is a lot of hope being generated at Van Andel Institute. As the bank of the community, Fifth Third Bank donates millions of dollars each year to enrich the lives of people in the communities we serve. Unfortunately, cancer and Parkinson disease touch so many people in our communities. We view Van Andel Institute as a critical link in connecting our dollars to community needs.”
Michelle Van Dyke, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank Michigan and President and CEO, Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan