Gii Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,974,628 (recent fiscal year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: $3,780,500 - $9,925,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Georgia (though based in Michigan)

Contact Details

• Phone: (616) 363-9209
• Contact Person: Ken Kregel
• Address: 55 Campau Ave NW, Suite 501, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Application Portal: http://www.foundationconnect.org/grantsmanager/pages/V3/portal/login/login.aspx?OrgID=00DA0000000B48X
• Website: No public website found

Overview

Gii Charities (also known as G II Charities) is a private corporate foundation established in 2004 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With reported assets of $230,902 and recent annual giving of nearly $11 million, the foundation operates as a significant funder of Christian organizations. Since 2016, they have awarded 425 grants totaling over $42.7 million. The foundation specializes in supporting Christian ministries focused on effective evangelization activities, including proclamation, church planting, discipleship, and leadership development. Despite being headquartered in Michigan, their grant-making primarily focuses on organizations in Georgia.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes substantial grants ranging from $3,780,500 to $9,925,000 to qualifying organizations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through their online portal.

Priority Areas

• Christian evangelization and proclamation
• Church planting initiatives
• Discipleship programs
• Leadership development within Christian ministries
• Education (secondary focus)
• Human services (secondary focus)

What They Don't Fund

• Private foundations or non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Individuals
• Organizations outside their Christian ministry focus

Governance and Leadership

Ken Kregel serves as the primary contact for the foundation. The foundation works with BDO USA LLP for annual tax filing preparation, with Hannah Earl as their designated professional. Limited information is available about board composition or additional leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Foundation Connect online portal at http://www.foundationconnect.org/grantsmanager/pages/V3/portal/login/login.aspx?OrgID=00DA0000000B48X. Applicants must submit a personal letter that includes:

• Organization's name and address
• IRC Section 501(c)(3) exemption documentation
• Statement of purpose
• Description of needs and how funds will be used

Decision Timeline

No specific timeline information is publicly available.

Success Rates

Not publicly reported. In recent years, the foundation has made between 1-8 grants annually.

Reapplication Policy

No information available about reapplication restrictions or waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated priorities:

• Strong alignment with Christian evangelization mission is essential
• Focus on measurable impact in church planting, discipleship, or leadership development
• Clear demonstration of 501(c)(3) status and compliance
• Organizations with Georgia connections appear to have an advantage despite the foundation's Michigan headquarters
• Given the large grant sizes ($3.7M+), applicants should demonstrate capacity to manage substantial funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation makes very large grants (millions of dollars) to a small number of organizations annually
• Christian evangelization focus is non-negotiable - secular organizations need not apply
• The foundation maintains a low public profile with no website or published guidelines
• Despite Michigan headquarters, Georgia-based organizations appear to be prioritized
• Applications are accepted year-round through their online portal
• With only 1-8 grants awarded annually, competition is likely intense
• The substantial grant sizes suggest they prefer funding major initiatives rather than smaller projects

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Gii Charities Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/900098975
• Instrumentl - G II Charities 990 Report. Accessed March 2024. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/g-ii-charities
• Foundation Directory Online/Candid - Gii Charities Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=GIIC003
• Charity Navigator - Gii Charities Overview. Accessed March 2024. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/900098975
• Grantmakers.io - Gii Charities Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/900098975-gii-charities/
• Foundation Connect Grant Portal - Gii Charities Application. Accessed March 2024. http://www.foundationconnect.org/grantsmanager/pages/V3/portal/login/login.aspx?OrgID=00DA0000000B48X
• Cause IQ - G II Charities Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/g-ii-charities,900098975/