Through generous giving, Rich and Helen DeVos supported projects around the world
A legacy of giving
Rich’s wife, Helen, never could have imagined how many lives would be blessed when she insisted as newlyweds that the couple set aside 10 percent of their income for causes near to their hearts.
“We had the joy of giving away money,” Rich often said, “from the first days of our marriage.”
Because of their Christian belief in tithing – returning at least a tenth of the Lord’s blessings to His work and people in need – more people around the world heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and churches grew stronger in their missions. Inner city and Native American children, as well as college and university students, have had opportunities for better education. Non-profit organizations were able to raise more funds and serve more people, and more children received better medical care.
Rich and Helen DeVos talk about the origins of a lifetime of philanthropy, starting with the $15 they set aside from the first $150 they earned.
Driven by faith and compassion
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation has generously supported major projects at churches, schools, hospitals and arts organizations. But people also have related stories about how Rich’s compassion for individuals in need prompted him to buy furniture for a wounded Vietnam War veteran and his new wife or ensure a small hospital in Fiji was updated with modern medical equipment.
Driven by the Biblical principle that to whom much is given much is expected and by his Christian conviction that tithing can help do God’s work on earth, much of Rich and Helen’s giving has focused on Christian organizations and spreading the Gospel. His first major project was his three decades as chairman and principal supporter of Gospel Films, a producer and distributor of Christian films worldwide.
As a Christian who also appreciated the power of communication, he gave the lead gift along with his wife Helen to build a communication arts and sciences center at Calvin University, a Christian university in Grand Rapids that he attended briefly and where she obtained her teaching degree.
1/4
2/4
3/4
4/4Investing in children
One of the most significant contributions for Rich was his and Helen’s giving to Grand Rapids Christian Schools, including the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship. Rich said he was gratified to support the high school where a positive atmosphere helped set the course of his successful life.
Realizing children are our future, the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation has been generous to many causes, including activities and services for children in Orlando and Central Florida; schools in Gallup and Zuni, New Mexico, and in Lusaka, Zambia; the field house at Hope College; the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University; and major funding to establish the Helen DeVos Women’s and Children’s Hospital, which later became the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Each gift was prayerfully considered
While neither he nor Helen sought or expected recognition, their communities expressed appreciation for their generosity with accolades including the William E. Simon Award in Philanthropic Leadership and the Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year honor from Ernst & Young, among many others.
With countless worthy causes, Rich said he and Helen carefully considered each opportunity and prayed for wisdom to invest in things that truly matter – human lives and eternity – and to ensure their giving would be used according to God’s will.
“The Lord has enabled me to have financial success, and I don’t apologize for the success I’ve received,” he said. “But whether you have a little or a lot, something miraculous happens when you tithe.”