Annual Giving
Empowering Every Laker, Every Year
At Grand Valley State University, annual giving plays a vital role in shaping the student experience and fueling the university’s mission of academic excellence, equity, and impact. When alumni, parents, faculty, staff, retirees, and friends contribute through annual gifts, they make an immediate difference in the lives of students – today and every day.
What is Annual Giving?
Annual giving refers to ongoing, yearly contributions that provide flexible, current-use support for Grand Valley’s most pressing needs. These gifts go to work right away, helping fund scholarships, student support services, academic programs, research opportunities, and campus enhancements. Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, every gift matters – and every donor contributes to something bigger than themselves.
Why It Matters
Annual gifts have an immediate impact. They bridge the gap between tuition, state support, and the true cost of delivering a high-quality Grand Valley education. They also ensure the university can respond quickly to emerging opportunities and needs – giving students the resources and momentum to thrive.
Annual Campaigns
Through our annual giving campaigns, you can stand alongside fellow community members investing in Grand Valley’s future.
Day of Giving
Giving Tuesday
Day of Giving is Grand Valley’s annual 24-hour fundraising event held each March, uniting Lakers everywhere to make a collective impact through giving.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity held each year after Thanksgiving, offering an opportunity for the GVSU community to support students and programs that help meet basic needs.
Student Philanthropy Week
Faculty & Staff Campaign
Student Philanthropy Week educates students on the impact philanthropy has on their GV experience and enables student organizations to fundraise for areas on campus they care about.
Our Faculty & Staff Campaign gives current faculty and staff, as well as retirees, another way to support students at every step on their Laker journey.
Top Priorities
You can support any area of campus that is meaningful to you with an annual gift. But, if you’re looking for a place to start, one of the following funds ensures a direct impact on your Laker community.
Dean of Students Emergency Fund
This fund provides support for students who are facing financial hardships. It assists with class materials, clothing, and other expenses that can impede academics.
GVSU Access Fund
The GVSU Access Fund is Grand Valley’s greatest need scholarship fund, helping students to either start their educational journey at GVSU or stay on track through graduation.
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Student Textbook and Supplies Fund
The Student Textbook and Supplies Fund provides financial support for students to purchase textbooks, computer software and technological supplies, and other expenses needed to complete coursework.
Replenish Student Food Resource Fund
GVSU’s Replenish Basic Needs Center offers food items, clothing, personal care products, household items, infant and child necessities, and school supplies to Grand Valley students.
Engagement Opportunities
Laker Ambassador Program
At Grand Valley, we achieve greatness by building what's next. But we can't do it alone. Laker Ambassadors encourage philanthropic support for Grand Valley State University by sharing alumni relations content and opportunities to give back to the university on their personal social media channels. By working together, we can inspire others and make a difference.
Student Volunteers
Our Annual Giving team hosts various events around campus year-round, and we’re always looking for students to help. It’s a great way to earn volunteer hours while learning more about philanthropy at GVSU. Sign up here so we can reach out with future opportunities.