GRC FOREVER FUND

Your Gift Can Last Forever

Gifted Resource Council has served more than 50,000 St. Louis area youth during its 40+ year history. The GRC Forever Fund will offer GRC the enduring ability to help bright, talented, and gifted children achieve their potential — providing the resources and tools families need to support their learners and empowering generations of students.

Funds generated from gifts to our endowment will ensure future generations receive the benefits of GRC programming. With each endowment gift, the principal is invested and a portion of the income becomes available each year to support GRC.

DONATE OR PLEDGE TODAY DONATE OR PLEDGE TODAY

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an endowment?

    Endowment funds are financial assets donated to support an organization’s long-term mission and objectives, providing ongoing financial stability and support through income generation and growth of the fund’s investments. In simple terms, an endowment gift is meant to be kept, rather than spent.

  • Why did GRC create an endowment?

    During its fortieth anniversary year in 2023, the Gifted Resource Council Board voted unanimously to create an endowment for two main reasons: (1) to help ensure that we can continue our vision of challenging and supporting bright and gifted children and their families for the next 40 years and beyond; (2) to allow us to use the investment earnings to support the most pressing needs of the agency. Strategic priorities include working more closely with school districts and reaching under resourced gifted learners.

  • How large will the endowment be?

    There is no limit to the endowment’s potential size. GRC is a small organization and our initial goal is modest at $100,000.

  • How will endowment funds be spent?

    The GRC Board must approve each expenditure, and it can review spending guidelines on an annual basis. The goal is for the original endowment fund to remain intact, and to only spend the investment earnings each year. However, the fund will be structured in such a way that, in the event of an emergency, money can be accessed with board approval.

  • Is there a minimum donation?

    No, all donations are welcome!

  • How can I give to the endowment?

    • An outright gift of cash
    • The transfer of stock
    • Naming the GRC Endowment in a will
    • Identifying the GRC Endowment as a beneficiary of an insurance policy
    • A charitable gift annuity
    • A memorial gift

    Contact Gifted Resource Council at (314) 962-5920 for more information about any of these methods.

  • Can I make a gift to honor someone?

    Absolutely! Just let us know that your gift is in honor or memory of someone along with their contact information, and we’ll send them a letter acknowledging the tribute. If the gift is Aurora Level or above, their name can go on Circle of Stars donor wall.

    What’s the difference? The difference between “in honor of” and “in memory of” depends on the person or event you are commemorating.

    • Honor donations are given in honor of an individual, special event or occasion. Donating in honor of a friend or family member is a way to celebrate them or their accomplishments.
    • Donations in memory of loved ones are typically made after they pass away. Donating in their memory can be a way to remember them and create an impact with an important cause at the same time.
“I support GRC because, for over 40 years, they’ve been a resource for families and a safe haven for gifted children – and I want to see that continued for the next 40 years.”
“Gifted students definitely need a place and a challenge. Too many schools are cutting funding for gifted programs, or not differentiating learning enough for the gifted students. Thank you for doing what you do!”
"When I was young, GRC gave me an environment where I could feel comfortable and where I was surrounded by other kids actually interested in learning. That's why I still support the organization today."

Giving Levels

Supernova ($10,000 and greater)

  • Scholarship naming opportunity;
  • Invitation to special donor events;
  • Individual name placed on GRC Recognition Wall (in GRC office);
  • Sponsorship banner displayed during Summer Academies, Learning Lab and ACC events for three years;
  • Names and/or logos on GRC website;
  • Names listed in annual report

Luminary ($5,000 – $9,999)

  • Invitation to special donor events;
  • Individual name placed on GRC Recognition Wall (in GRC office);
  • Sponsorship banner displayed during Summer Academies, Learning Lab and ACC events for three years;
  • Names and or logos on GRC web pages;
  • Names listed in annual report

Nebula ($2,500 – $4,999)

  • Invitation to special donor events;
  • Individual name placed on GRC Recognition Wall (in GRC office);
  • Sponsorship banner displayed during Summer Academies, Learning Lab and ACC events for three years;
  • Names listed in annual report

Aurora ($1000 – $2,499)

  • Invitation to special donor events;
  • Individual name placed on GRC Recognition Wall (in GRC office);
  • Names listed in annual report

Star ($1 – $999)

  • Names listed in annual report
Close

Laura Falk, M.Ed.

Executive Director

Laura brings 35 years of experience in the education and nonprofit sectors. She has worked in public and independent schools for almost 20 years, as well as 15 years in nonprofit organizations. She has bachelors degrees in English and Theatre from Vanderbilt University and her masters in education from Southern Oregon University.

“As someone involved in education and organizations serving youth for my entire professional career, I particularly understand the importance of programs that address the needs and challenges of bright and talented children, as well as for their parents and teachers.”

She goes on to say, “Both my sons greatly enjoyed Equations competitions, and my younger son also participated in Creative Convention, Saturday Learning Labs, and Summer Academies. So I have seen—both as a parent and an educator—what a powerful presence GRC provides to bright and gifted students in the community..”

Outside of work, Laura is an award-winning quilter and can also be found hiking, reading and doing word puzzles. She has a goal of visiting all the national parks, and is currently at 28 out of 63.

Close

Megan Barr

Office Manager

Megan provides the delightful voice on the phone when someone calls GRC. She’s also a whiz with spreadsheets and databases and keeps the logistics side of the office humming. Her previous experience includes work as a technology trainer and administrative assistant at NESI, and the UMSL Computer Education and Training Center. Outside of work, Megan is a writer, crafter, and keeper of two wonderful cats, Loki and Freya.

Megan Barr
Close

Marla Dell

Bookkeeper

Marla is GRC’s keeper of all things financial since 1995. Marla also provides the institutional knowledge in our tiny office, as she’s been involved with GRC since her son was a participant. Marla won the Gifted Association of Missouri 2001 Parent Award for her contributions to gifted education in Missouri. Marla can also often be found volunteering at her church, gardening, and playing with her new kitten Bubba.

Gifted Resource Council blue star
Close

Stock Gifts

Contact your financial advisor and provide the information below to ensure a quick and accurate transfer of funds:

  • GRC’s broker: First Clearing Corp., Wells Fargo Advisors
  • D.T.C. #: 0141
  • Account #: 5580-7980
  • Account Name: Gifted Resource Council
  • Contact Name: Ray Palmer
  • Phone: 636-530-3401

Notify GRC of your intent to make a gift of stock, with the following information to Laura Falk, Executive Director, at 314.962-5920 or lfalk@giftedresourcecouncil.org:

  • Donor’s name
  • Name of the stock being transferred
  • Number of shares transferred
  • Transaction date
  • Name of your financial advisor or bank handling the transfer
Close