For individuals and families facing homelessness in Itasca County, Grace House offers more than shelter—it offers safety, stability, and a chance to reset during a difficult moment. Now, the community can take steps to ensure that support goes further, and remains available far into the future, through a new endowment matching opportunity.
Grace House has been selected to receive up to $25,000 in matching endowment funds through a grant from the Blandin Foundation, administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF). During the match period, contributions made to the Grace House Endowment Fund will be matched dollar for dollar by GRACF, doubling each gift and permanently investing it to support the shelter’s mission.
The matching opportunity is open now and continues through December 31, 2027, allowing donors during this time to double their gift and create long-term impact.
As Itasca County’s only homeless shelter, Grace House serves more than 200 individuals each year who are experiencing housing instability. The organization provides private sleeping quarters, meals, and access to supportive services that help guests move toward greater independence, including help connecting to housing, employment, and community resources. For many, Grace House is a critical place to regroup, plan, and begin the next chapter.
While grants, partnerships, and community contributions sustain daily shelter operations, the Grace House Endowment Fund is focused on long-term strength. Endowment funds are permanently invested, generating annual income that supports core services while preserving the original gift. Growing an endowment through GRACF allows Grace House to benefit from professional investment management and diversified risk, creating a stable financial foundation that can weather economic uncertainty.
“As the only homeless shelter in Itasca County, we have a responsibility to be dependable—not just today, but well into the future,” said Jim Crecelius, Board Chair of Grace House. “This endowment match helps us build that stability so we can continue showing up for people when they need us most.”
Grace House is one of eight nonprofits participating in GRACF’s $200,000 endowment matching initiative, created to help essential local organizations strengthen their long-term financial resilience. The program comes at a time when Itasca County is anticipating a significant intergenerational transfer of wealth, offering a rare opportunity to invest permanently in services that address critical community needs.
Donations made during the match period carry lasting weight. Each gift is matched, invested, and transformed into ongoing support—helping ensure Grace House remains a steady, compassionate presence for individuals and families facing homelessness for generations to come.
To learn more about Grace House of Itasca County or to support the Grace House Endowment Fund, visit gracehousemn.org or click here.
