Turning Hope Into Action.

Millions of people around the world are affected by diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. Your support of the biomedical research and education programs at VAI helps us make big strides toward improving health and enhancing lives — now and for generations to come.

Overview

We're raising thousands to help millions.

At Van Andel Institute, 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 VAI goes directly to biomedical research into these diseases and their causes. Every gift supports K–12 and graduate 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.

Why Give to VAI?

100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®

Through your support, VAI’s exceptional researchers are empowered to make life-changing discoveries in cancer, Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders and other diseases. Your generosity also benefits VAI’s dedicated educators, who inspire and train the next generation of scientists.

Support VAI

Featured Events

May. 31, 2024

Signature Events

Around the World 2024

Jun. 20, 2024

Signature Events

Design & Discovery 2024

Jun. 27 - Jun. 28, 2024

Signature Events

VAI Open Corporate Charity Pickleball Event

Ways to Give

Cash Gifts and Pledges

Cash gifts can be made online or mailed to VAI in support of our research and education. For multi-year pledges, please contact a member of our Philanthropy team for more information on how your gift can have the greatest impact on our research and education.

Impact Monthly Giving Club

Help sustain VAI’s research and education programs all year with an automatic monthly payment made through our secure online system. A monthly donation can make a lasting impact in our labs and Graduate School classrooms, and help us remain a leader in inquiry-based K–12 education.

Planned Giving

Make a lasting investment in the future of research and science education by including VAI in your estate plans. Choose from a variety of estate giving options while supporting a cause that is meaningful to you and has an impact on so many others.

Gift of Stock

Donating appreciated securities, including stocks, is an easy and tax-effective way for you to make a gift to the Institute. Contributions of appreciated securities held for over a year are generally deductible at market value, regardless of what the donor paid for them.

Memorial and Tribute Funds

Make a gift to VAI or create a memorial or tribute fund in honor of a cherished loved one. Those honored through this type of donation are featured on our website and in our biannual donor publication, Highlights of Hope.

Corporate Partnership Program

Make a commitment to our mission by supporting special events throughout the year, engaging your staff in joining our committees and encouraging employees to volunteer with the Institute.

Ways to Engage

Philanthropic Events

Events at VAI bring our scientists, educators and supporters together for exciting, informative and often glamorous occasions. Guests will learn more about the Institute’s work and mission, and all proceeds directly support our research and education programs.

VAI Purple Community

Van Andel Institute Purple Community is a grassroots fundraising network powered by you — the dedicated volunteers and community members who support VAI’s mission to improve human health now and in the future. Purple Community volunteers host dozens of events each year that raise critical funds for the Institute. There are plenty of ways to get involved, including organizing and hosting an event, becoming a Student Ambassador, volunteering at any number of events, and more!

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. Board of Governors members are encouraged to make an annual contribution of $3,000 or more per couple.

JBoard Ambassadors

Connect with a vibrant group of young professionals at special Institute events throughout the year while supporting biomedical research and education.

Marathon Team

Take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon or TCS New York City Marathon with Van Andel Institute’s Marathon Team! VAI has access to a limited number of free, guaranteed entries to each of these marathons in a given year.

Individual Giving

Many individuals give directly to the research and education at VAI by working with one of our gift officers to discover how to direct their giving to an area that both interests them and makes the greatest impact.

Volunteer

Help spread awareness and educate the community on VAI’s mission and work by volunteering with us. Provide event support, be a listening ear to those who’d like to share their experiences and bring energy to supporting the groundbreaking research and education efforts at the Institute.

Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence

For the past 10 years, the Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Van Andel Institute’s mission through volunteer service and philanthropic efforts.

The Philanthropy Team

Always here for you.

Whether you want to support Van Andel Institute by giving to our research and education programs, volunteering, hosting an event, or learning more about the impact of your philanthropy, our team is ready to help you make it happen.

Donor Bill of Rights

Van Andel Institute adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights, created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. It may be found by clicking here.

We value the privacy of our donors. We will not sell or trade our donors’ personal information with third parties, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. We will only share donor information with third parties who provide us with services to help with our business activities and who agree to keep your information confidential. This applies to all donor information received by Van Andel Institute, both online and offline, on any platform, as well as any electronic, written, or verbal communications.

Please see our Privacy Policy for additional information about our privacy practices.

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