Grand River Advancement of Christian Education Foundation (GRACE) in partnership with Christian Stewardship Services Leaving Your Legacy to Shape the Future of Christian Education

Our Mission To provide long term financial support to Christian Schools Our Vision Our Vision is 20/20 - Sharing the blessings of the Christian community we will raise $ 20 million in 20 years to realize our mission

Cost of Christian education is not sustainable by tuition alone Continued growth and financial stability for Christian schools in area is crucial Other Christian Education Foundations have been flourishing and member schools are reaping the benefits Long term funding is becoming a critical pillar of a school's strategic plan It’s the right time for a convergence of opportunity and need …for any Christian School in the Grand River area The Need for a Foundation

What we know… School operating costs continues to outpace inflation Nine out of 10 Canadians give some type of gift annually – Christian education currently not on radar screen Only 15% of Canadians have bequests in their will – 42% would have if they asked Fifty % of wealth in the hands of those over 50 years of age Investments continue to be prime source of savings for Canadians

Why You would want to invest in a Foundation like GRACE ? You pass along God’s blessings/riches You help to ensure Christian Education will be affordable for the long-term You fill a personal need while benefiting the local school You are provided the opportunity to leave a “testimony and/or legacy You receive tax credits that may provide significant savings now or for your estate

Why should your Christian School be part of a multi- school Foundation ? Allows a local school to concentrate on ‘education’ and less time ‘managing outside funds’ Establishing your own trust or foundation translates into : –Lawyers fees –Annual reports –Personnel to manage investments –Audit requirements A Foundation has the specialized knowledge required to manage funds Professional at managing, marketing, promoting and investing Less duplication with donors Credibility - recognized by government No separate school committee to manage funds - Foundation does that for you Funds set aside as ‘permanent legacy’ dedicated to your school – not consumed by annual operating budget of school

Issues with any Foundation Personal allegiance with local institution/school Concern for loss of ownership Concern for co-mingling of funds ‘New’ concept for our school community Connecting with target audience

How GRACE works ? Governance - Established for and by Christian schools in the Grand River watershed –Operated by a Board of Directors comprised of member schools –Any Christian School can join –Individuals can join the Foundation – lifetime memberships Partners - Partnered with the Christian Stewardship Services (CSS) to work with potential donors, member schools and managing the Foundation’s funds Contributions - Contribution and investments made to the Foundation can be designated for a specific school or purpose through an ‘endowment’ – a gift that keeps giving –100% of the interest on the income will be dispersed to school as they wish –Principal funds maintained as long term security for the member school

Foundation Fees Member School - $3.00*/student/annually Individual memberships** – $1000/lifetime * $1.00 earmarked for the Foundation’s partner –Christian Stewardship Services. ( NOTE : If your school is currently a member of CSS, this fee would be paid for by the Foundation) ** Memberships are not required for you to invest in the Christian School of choice through the Foundation

Types of Gifts to Consider Will Bequests Scholarships Trusts Personal Property and Real Estate Gift Annuities Gift of Securities Endowment Gifts Life Insurance Gifts

Our Partner - Christian Stewardship Services Services over 35 Christian organizations and 70 schools across Canada managing over $17 million in investments Provides estate, financial and gift planning CSS Rep will visit with you to discuss the GRACE, gift and investment opportunities and the associated benefits of planned giving Donor information will always remain personal and confidential Professional management of your funds

Where to go from here? If you’re a interested in donating or investing… …consider reviewing your Will and financial portfolio and decide whether ‘giving’ to Christian Education through the Foundation may benefit you and the school of choice in the long term If you’re a school… …decide whether your school community would benefit from being part of the Foundation. If so, work with CSS to begin a campaign with potential investors about ‘giving’. The Foundation is five schools strong and growing…

For more information about investing in the Foundation and your local Christian School…  Visit with us at our website at  Call James Vanderlaan of Christian Stewardship Services at or  Write to us at For more information about the GRACE Foundation, its member schools and how to join…  Visit with us at our website at  Call Peter Meerveld at (519)  Write to us at

Our Mission To provide long term financial support to Christian Schools Our Vision Our Vision is 20/20 - Sharing the blessings of the Christian community we will raise $ 20 million in 20 years to realize our mission