Your donation —whether it is a gift of your time, talents, or treasures— provides the support needed to teach, inspire, and change people's lives. From the many hikes and family programs offered at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute to the summer research program for college students, your donation helps us bring our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of our environment up close and personal. All donors who make a donation above the cost of a basic membership are Annual Donors in the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Giving Society.
There are many ways to give to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (EIN 38-2820095): cash, check, credit card, donor advised fund, qualified minimum distribution from IRA or other qualified retirement account, appreciated publicly traded stock, and planned gifts. If you have any questions about making a gift to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, please contact Development Director Cathy Hart-Jansma at 269-721-4131 or email chart-jansma@cedarcreekinstitute.org.
ScienceStrong
Since the fall of 2014, ScienceStrong has grown from a small outreach program to a countywide initiative that provides hands-on science learning opportunities for local students and families along with professional development sessions and curriculum support for local teachers.
ScienceStrong’s growth and success can be attributed to three things: the dedication of Education Director Sara “Science Sara” Syswerda and her team of ScienceStrong volunteers, the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation’s commitment to education, and the generous gifts from both our members and our supporters throughout our community.
Planned Giving
Planned giving is one way you can help the Institute work to fulfill its mission for years to come. A planned gift may be made in a number of ways and should be designated to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hastings, Michigan (tax number 38-2820095). Most commonly, planned gifts are made via a gift in a will or trust, an allocation from a retirement plan, or a designation in a life insurance policy. All donors who make a planned gift to the Institute are Legacy Donors in the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Giving Society.
Memorial and Tribute Program
A gift to the Institute’s Memorial and Tribute Program commemorates the life of a loved one or celebrates a special occasion, while supporting an organization committed to preserving and protecting our valuable natural resources. All memorial and tribute donations are recognized in a gift book in the Visitor Center. Donors making a donation through this program have four options:
• A donation to the Celebration Garden, which features native trees, shrubs, and plants. With a gift of $1000 or more, an engraved stone will be placed in the Celebration Garden..
• A 15 year sponsorship of an engraved rustic cedar bench on the Institute’s trails.
• A Lifetime sponsorship of an engraved rustic cedar bench on the Institute’s trails.
• A Lifetime sponsorship of a formal bench with engraved bronze plaque on the deck behind the Visitor Center.
All benches will be maintained for the length of the sponsorship. A limited number of benches are available.
Environmental Education and Research Endowment Fund
This endowment fund at the Barry Community Foundation provides sustained funding for our summer research program now and in the future; 4% of the endowment supports current projects and programs while the rest of it is held in perpetuity, providing income for years to come.