Great River is a unique school with an award-winning curriculum. We are proud to be a tuition-free, public Montessori institution, open to all students! As a charter school, Great River receives just 87¢ to every dollar received by district public schools. Help fill the funding gap so we can continue to provide the education that makes Great River such a special place.

Your contribution helps provide the unique learning opportunities and life-changing experiences that define the Great River education, from Montessori educational materials and athletic equipment, to food for classroom pets and camping gear. Your gift also supports the everyday needs to run a successful school: buses, utilities, our nutrition program, and paying faculty and staff a fair wage.

If you aren’t already, we hope you’ll become part of the Great River giving community! Make a one-time gift, become a sustaining monthly donor, or increase your current sustaining donation. We encourage families to participate at any level they can afford.

  • Check payable to “Great River School Foundation”

    Mail to: Great River School Foundation, 1326 Energy Park Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55108

  • Your time and talent are valuable resources for GRS! Visit our Parent Engagement Group page to learn more, or email foundation@greatriverschool.org for more information.

  • Please call us at 651-305-2780 ext. 59 and we will be happy to help you make your gift over the phone.

  • Maximize the impact of your gift by checking if your employer matches charitable gifts. Many companies have matching gift programs that will double, or even triple, charitable contributions made by employees. Some companies also provide donations based on your volunteer hours! Don’t know if your employer matches gifts? Contact us at foundation@greatriverschool.org.

  • GRS accepts gifts made through donor advised funds (DAFs). DAFs allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive a tax deduction at the time the gift is made, and then recommend gifts from that fund over time.

    If your DAF is set up through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or BNY Mellon, you can easily use DAF Direct to make your contribution. Great River’s EIN number is 26-4259181.

    If you’re new to donor-advised funds but would like to learn more, please contact us at 651-305-2780 ext. 59 or foundation@greatriverschool.org.

  • Leave a legacy gift in your will to help Great River School as it prepares students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world. Here are a few ways to make a planned gift:

    Bequests: Include GRS in your will or trust.

    Life Insurance and Retirement Plans: You can designate Great River School as a full or partial beneficiary of your policies and accounts. Your attorney or advisor may ask for the following information:

    Legal Name: Great River School

    EIN: 26-4259181

    Address: 1326 Energy Park Dr., Saint Paul, MN 55108

    Phone: 651-305-2780 ext. 59

  • If you are 70½ years or older, you can make a tax-free gift to GRS directly from your IRA. You may contribute up to $100,000 without incurring income tax on your withdrawal to a qualified nonprofit, such as Great River School, each year. In addition, your gift also counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution.

    If the donor name and address for acknowledgment purposes is not included with the gift, please contact the GRS Foundation at 651-305-2780 ext. 59 or fndnadmin@greatriverschool.org with the information so we know to expect your gift.

    Please make your check payable to “Great River School.”

    Our address is:

    Great River School

    Attn: Foundation

    1326 Energy Park Dr.

    Saint Paul, MN 55108

  • Great River School accepts gifts of stocks and securities that have appreciated in value. This type of gift is a simple way for donors to enjoy significant tax benefits while supporting our mission. Note: When your stock transfer is received by GRS, we cannot access any information that identifies you as a donor. Therefore, we ask that you alert us in advance at 651-305-2780 ext. 59 or foundation@greatriverschool.org about the number of shares or the amount of your gift via transfer.

  • Download the app today! Your scans can make a difference for GRS. From the app homescreen, tap the profile image at the top, then select "Manage Schools" to get started.

GRS Foundation

Great River School (GRS) Foundation is a 501c3 created to support the long-term financial needs of Great River School’s mission: to prepare students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world. By building relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations, the GRS Foundation creates enduring support for students, faculty, and the school’s urban Montessori learning environment. 

All funds are held by the GRS Foundation for the sole purpose of supporting the programs of Great River School, with all funding priorities directed by GRS staff.

Volunteer at Great River

Volunteers make a meaningful difference at Great River School working directly with students, contributing their professional skills, or helping with administrative tasks.

Read about Great River's Parent Engagement Group (PEG) and sign up to volunteer.