As you start your career and begin to pay down students loans, you may feel confused about why you would give to Grand Valley. Your support helps grow the value of a Grand Valley degree and supports our current students in the same way you were helped by private gifts to Grand Valley, whether you knew it or not, when you were a student. The truth is that we can't keep tuition increases manageable and our standards high without your help. 

Financial support for Grand Valley comes primarily from three sources: tuition, the state of Michigan, and private gifts. With the state of Michigan providing just 17% of this support, we must increase private gifts to keep tuition increases to a minimum.

Grand Valley is grateful for our current donors but it's clear that they cannot sustain us on their own. We need more of our valued alumni to give regularly in whatever amount they can.

Yes, you can direct your gift to a specific fund or area. Many of the funds are listed on our website at www.gvsu.edu/giving/funds. The Grand Valley Fund is also a great option to consider because it helps meet student needs in any given year as they arise and is the most flexible fund available for student support. 

Your student loan payments go to the organization that loaned you the money originally, not to the university. At the time you took the loan the university received payment for your tuition from the lending organization. Unfortunately, as noted above, tuition does not cover the cost of a Grand Valley education. We understand that loan payments may limit the amount you can give back to the university at this time but remember that even a gift of $5 or $10 per month will add up and make a difference.

The truth is every gift matters, no matter the size. Your gift will inspire others to give and will continue to positively affect Grand Valley long after you're gone. By setting up a regular bi-weekly, monthly or yearly gift you can have a continuous impact on Grand Valley.

Financial giving is just one way to give back. You may also get involved with alumni activities such as Homecoming, becoming a student mentor, freshmen move-in, and other volunteer opportunities. Check the Alumni Association Event web page for information, events, and volunteer opportunities. Go to the Alumni Association Event page.