Frequent Questions

The East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation enriches the educational experience of our students by funding excellence in teaching and learning that requires financial support beyond the district.
The Foundation supports the schools by funding programs and enhancements to teaching and learning that are not covered by the regular school budget. The investment earnings from the Foundation's endowment provide funds for both immediate needs and long-term enhancements within our district. The Foundation has an endowment of approximately $10 million. Since its inception in 1983, the Foundation, thanks to our generous donors, has provided more than $4 million to our schools.
In addition to funding these vital programs, the Foundation grants scholarships and awards to students and teachers. The Foundation also connects our community of students, teachers, families and alumni through events and publications including friend-raisers, reunions, the weekly Cheat Sheet, social media posts and digital communications like the one you're reading right now.

As one of the top school districts in Michigan and one of the best in the country, East Grand Rapids Public Schools’ commitment to excellence is unmistakable. Our schools are a constant source of pride within our community. However, instability in school funding has threatened the district’s ability to preserve our tradition of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Only through funding from the Foundation have our schools been able to continue to offer the outstanding programs we expect.

All together, there are hundreds of people who volunteer to help the Foundation every year. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is an all-volunteer group of more than 20 people. Foundation events are also planned and staffed by groups of volunteers. The Recharge! spring friend-raising event, the Gerken Open golf outing, and the Community Service and Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner every other November are each organized by a group of volunteers. Dozens more volunteer their time at the events. Many more people volunteer in the Foundation office. If you’d like to join the Foundation’s amazing volunteers, call or email the Foundation at 235-3535 or egrsf@egrps.org

One of the goals of the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation is to be as efficient as possible. “We want to put every dollar we can to work for our students,” says Foundation Executive Director Amy Stuursma. This year, thanks to our donors, the Foundation will fund more than $325,000 in classroom grants, faculty awards and scholarships, student scholarships and co-curricular funding. None of that would be possible without your tremendous support of the Foundation and our students.

We take your privacy seriously. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.

Your connection to the East Grand Rapids Schools community continues after graduation and goes beyond the city limits. Attending East Grand Rapids Public Schools makes you a lifelong member of the alumni association and your involvement gives our community strength.

You can stay connected and be an active alumni association member by:
• Updating your contact information and receiving class reunion news and information from EGRSF.
• Getting involved as a reunion coordinator, volunteer, and with EGRSF.
• Making an impact – Give today!
• Connecting with fellow alumni and faculty
Contact Maria Allen, Alumni Relations Coordinator via email at mallen@egrps.org or by phone at (616) 235-3535 if you have questions or would like more information.