What Your Donation Does

The important work done by the American Red Cross in our community is only possible because of donations made by people like you. We are an independent not-for-profit charity reliant on generous gifts. The Red Cross is not a government agency; we rely on private donations of time, talent, money and blood to do our work. We rely on the generosity and willingness of people and businesses to help others in need. We are proud of the fact that 92 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends goes to humanitarian services and programs. Our local programs and services make a dramatic difference in the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

A hot meal delivered to victims after a disaster, transportation for an elderly citizen with an essential medical appointment, shelter when there is nowhere else to turn, an emergency message delivered to a member of the Armed Forces from their family -- these are just some of the ways that gifts are put to work through the American Red Cross. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the American Red Cross is empowering people to perform extraordinary acts in the face of emergencies.

What Can My Donation Buy?

  • $25 Buys five blankets
  • $35 Replaces a prescription medication for a disaster victim
  • $65 Feeds and shelters a person for a day and one night in a local motel
  • $115 Buys groceries for a displaced family for one week
  • $350 Feeds and shelters 50 disaster victims for one night
  • $500 Helps pay medical expenses for an injured senior
  • $1,000 Buys 50 home clean-up kits for use after a fire or flood
  • $1,500 Provides disaster relief for one family
  • $2,500 Supports an Emergency Response Vehicle to feed and care for people in a disaster
  • $5,000 Trains 50 volunteers to assist thousands during a disaster

Whether you choose to donate once a year or several times a year, we are very grateful for your support. Every dollar of every gift we receive to support our local services does just that. The money stays local and funds local activities.
Likewise, when a gift is designated for relief efforts during national disasters, we ensure 100% of your gift gets to the proper place and is used exactly as you intend for it to be used. 

The American Red Cross is not a government agency and all Red Cross disaster assistance is free thanks to the generosity of people like you. The value of your donation is increased by the fact that the ratio of volunteer Red Cross workers to paid staff is almost 36 to one. Contributions to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.

Alternate Donation Options

Phone: (616) 456-8661, donate by credit card

Mail donations to:
American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids
ATTN: Fund Development
1050 Fuller Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 4950