IFI - Grand Rapids, MI

01/22/2026

Within 24 hours, nine newly arrived international students reached out to IFI–Grand Rapids with urgent needs for basic furniture and household items. Many are starting life in the U.S. with empty apartments.
Because of partners like you, we can respond quickly—providing beds, kitchen items, and essentials that help students feel at home and open doors for meaningful relationships.
Would you consider partnering with us by donating items or resources before February 4?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you’re able to help.
Your timely generosity will make an immediate difference.
Questions or ready to donate?
Contact: [email protected]
Charitable donation receipts are available

With gratitude,
International Friendships, Inc. – Grand Rapids

Current Needs: in the comments

Send a message to learn more

11/28/2025

Urgent! International Friendships, Inc. still has lots of needs! All items needed by Monday
Acts of service next week (Packing and prayer)
Low risk involvement with HIGH impact Click here for more details.
https://ifi-gr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2881658
🍎 Perk, Presents, & Prayer (Friday, December 5)
Perk, Presents, & Prayer is a special opportunity to support 150 international students as they wind down their semester!
✨ Perk them up with a homemade hot chocolate - serve them their drink
✨ Pamper them with a thoughtful Christmas gift bag - donations and packing help!
✨ Pray over them as they finish their semester strong - pray individually with students on campus..
This is a one-time volunteer and donation opportunity — perfect for those who want to serve once a year! Get creative — maybe even start a friendly competition to collect the most items!

Perk, Presents, & Prayer is a special opportunity to support international students as they wind down their semester!✨ Perk them up with a homemade hot chocolate✨ Pamper them with a thoughtful Christmas gift bag✨ Pray over them as they finish their semester strongThis is a one-time volunte...

11/24/2025

International Friendships, Inc. is looking for those who feel called to serve the world. The best part? The world is already here—on our neighboring university campuses.

Young adults, small groups, individuals, families—this opportunity is for YOU!

Perk, Presents, & Prayer is ramping up!
Low risk involvement with HIGH impact Click here for more details.

https://ifi-gr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2881658

Perk, Presents, & Prayer is a special opportunity to support 150 international students as they wind down their semester!
✨ Perk them up with a homemade hot chocolate - serve them their drink
✨ Pamper them with a thoughtful Christmas gift bag - donations and packing help!
✨ Pray over them as they finish their semester strong - pray individually with students on campus.

This is a one-time volunteer and donation opportunity — perfect for those who want to serve once a year! Get creative — maybe even start a friendly competition to collect the most items!

Perk, Presents, & Prayer is a special opportunity to support international students as they wind down their semester!✨ Perk them up with a homemade hot chocolate✨ Pamper them with a thoughtful Christmas gift bag✨ Pray over them as they finish their semester strongThis is a one-time volunte...

11/18/2025

“Love the foreigner as yourself.” — God said it, and we live it.

IFI-Grand Rapids has two opportunities to serve foreigners!

Thanksgiving Food:
✨ International Friendships, college students will be gathering for Thanksgiving this Friday!

If you LOVE to cook or bake, we need your helping hands.

Click here for the registration link to sign up and bless the nations through hospitality.
https://ifi-gr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3084124

🍎 Perk, Presents, & Prayer is ramping up!
Low risk involvement with HIGH impact.

Click here for more details. https://ifi-gr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2881658

Perk, Presents, & Prayer is a special opportunity to support 150 international students as they wind down their semester!
✨ Perk them up with a homemade hot chocolate
✨ Pamper them with a thoughtful Christmas gift bag
✨ Pray over them as they finish their semester strong
This is a one-time volunteer and donation opportunity — perfect for those who want to serve once a year! Get creative — maybe even start a friendly competition to collect the most items!

Another option: donate to https://www.ifipartners.org/give/grand-rapids-ministry-fund
Contact [email protected] for additional information.

Grand Rapids Ministry Fund Give today to IFI's Grand Rapids Ministry Fund and you will help extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus. Give a Gift Partner with Grand Rapids Staff!

11/05/2025

🌎 Missions Isn’t Just a Trip — It’s a Way of Life
If you have a willing heart, a smile, and a few hours to spare, we’d love to have you join our Pay It Forward Ministry at International Friendships, Inc.-Grand Rapids,. This team helps collect, sort, and deliver furniture and furnishings to international college students. 💙 Together, we can meet practical needs, extend hospitality, and open doors for the gospel.
We’re planning a large delivery on Saturday, November 15, and we need your help!
We’re delivering furniture and household items to international students across several campuses — and it’s going to take people, trucks, and possibly trailers to get everything there.
If you can help, please let us know as soon as possible. Even a few hours makes a big difference!
Items Still Needed
Bedroom:
Blanket, Comforter, Sheets, Pillow, Mattress Cover
Living Room:
Lamps
Bathroom:
Shower Rod & Curtain, Washcloths, Hand Towels, Hand Mirror, Bathroom Rug, Full-Length Mirror
Kitchen:
Toaster, Coffee Maker, Tea Pot, Pots & Pans, Baking Pan (9x13), Silverware, Can Opener, Scissors, Measuring Cups, Hot Mitts, Serving Set (Spoon, Spatula, Flipper), Paper Towel Holder, Thermos, Plates, Bowls, Serving Bowls, Storage Containers, Dishcloths, Glasses, Ice Cube Tray
Furniture:
Kitchen Table, Chairs, Desk, Bedroom Side Table, Dresser, Mini Fridge

Another option: donate to https://www.ifipartners.org/give/grand-rapids-ministry-fund
Contact [email protected] for additional information.

Grand Rapids Ministry Fund Give today to IFI's Grand Rapids Ministry Fund and you will help extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus. Give a Gift Partner with Grand Rapids Staff!

10/13/2025

International Friendships, Inc, Grand Rapids: We Need an Army of Volunteers!
Winter Gear is one of IFI-GR's largest acts of service-and also the easiest way to make a big impact. October 17-18 | Serve 1 hour or up to 8 hours
We already have over 94 student requests and expect nearly 200.
Every role matters and every hour counts.
Sign up now:https://international-friendships.cls.co/zsmD

International Friendships, Inc. needs your help to provide warmth and welcome to 200 international college students experiencing their very first Michigan winter.
👉 Please bring gently used or new items to 5635 18th Ave, Hudsonville MI -
Porch drop off
by Thursday, October 16, 2025

Coats
Boots
Hats
Gloves
Scarves
Warm Socks
Other layering items
💙 Together, we can meet practical needs, extend hospitality, and open doors for the gospel.
Partner with International Friendships, Inc. – Grand Rapids (IFI-GR).
Another option: donate to https://www.ifipartners.org/give/grand-rapids-ministry-fund
Contact [email protected] for additional information.

Grand Rapids Ministry Fund Give today to IFI's Grand Rapids Ministry Fund and you will help extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus. Give a Gift Partner with Grand Rapids Staff!

09/14/2025

Join IFI-GR and Make a Lasting Impact!

Want to make a real difference in the lives of international students in Grand Rapids? IFI-GR (International Friendships, Inc.) is looking for volunteers to:

🧥❄️ Winter Gear Drive�
Most students are experiencing Michigan winter for the very first time. Many buy “winter” gear in September… only to be shocked when REAL winter arrives! Let’s help them stay warm and safe with:
* Adult Men’s & Women’s Coats
* Gloves/Mittens
* Hats & Scarves
* Winter Boots
* Thick Warm Socks

Furniture and Furnishings Drive
1 Blanket, 1 Kitchen Table with kitchen chairs, 3 Sheets, 3 Pillow, 3 Table Lamp, 3 Shower Rod, 3 Toaster, 4 1 Quart Pan, 4 Can Opener, 5 Desk, 5 Shower Curtain, 5 Fry Pan - Small, 5 Fry Pan - Large, 5 Silverware sets (or parts of it), 5 Paper towel holder, 6 9X13 Baking Pan, 6 4 Quart Pan, 6 Thermos, 6 Large Scissors, 6 Coffee Maker, 7 Bedroom Side Table, 7 Hand mirror, 7 2 Cup Measure, 7 2 Quart Pan, 7 Hot Mitts, 7 Baskets, 8 Chairs - desk, 8 Serving Set (spoon, spatula, flipper), 9 Storage containers (plastic, wicker, etc.), 10 Mattress Covers, 10 Chairs - dining room, 10 Tea kettle, 11 Bathroom rug size, 11 Hand Towels, 12 Mirror - full length, 16 Wash Cloths, 17 Serving bowls, 20 Bowls, 28 Plasticware storage set - 4 containers, 32 Kitchen Wash Rags, 3–4 Comforter

Your time and support can ease major transitions for students far from home. Whether you have a car, a spare room, or just a few free hours, you can make a difference!

Another option: donate to https://www.ifipartners.org/give/grand-rapids-ministry-fund

Message us.�

Let’s show hospitality in action!

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for additional information.

Grand Rapids Ministry Fund Give today to IFI's Grand Rapids Ministry Fund and you will help extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus. Give a Gift Partner with Grand Rapids Staff!

08/29/2025

🌍✨ Help Welcome International Students to West Michigan! ✨🌍
IFI-GR (International Friendships – Grand Rapids) is collecting household essentials for international students arriving with almost nothing. Together we can turn empty apartments into warm homes!
🛏 Bedroom Needs
Bedframes, Boxsprings, Mattresses, Headboards
Comforters, Sheets, Pillows, Blankets
Table Lamps, Desks, Side Tables
Storage Containers (plastic, wicker, etc.)
🛁 Bathroom Needs
Full-Length Mirrors, Bathroom Rugs, Hand Mirrors
Hand Towels & Washcloths
Shower Rods & Shower Curtains
🍽 Kitchen & Dining Needs
Kitchen Tables with Chairs, Dining Chairs, Desk Chairs
Measuring Cups, Baking Pans, Fry Pans, Pots
Kitchen Wash Rags, Cookie Sheets
Bowls, Plates, Glasses, Thermoses
Hot Mitts, Silverware Sets, Serving Utensils
Large Scissors, Paper Towel Holders, Sharp Knives, Can Openers
Tea Kettles, Plasticware Storage Sets, Toasters, Coffee Makers
Serving Bowls, Baskets
💙 Every donation makes a difference! If you have gently used or new items to give, comment below or message us.
🙌 Thank you for showing hospitality to the nations right here in West Michigan!

Send a message to learn more

06/19/2025

See what you are missing! Watch the recap video!

Send a message to learn more

06/17/2025

Looking for a nanny for 1 child urgently. Care would be in Knapps Corner area Mondays and Wednesdays 8a-5pm for a dentist. Please contact me or email [email protected] for more information or to set up an interview.

06/10/2025

Hey Students!
We look forward to seeing you at the Jungle Safari Adventure arranged for you Lake on Friday, June 13! Register early!

Welcome to the Jungle, where Adventure awaits- enter at your own risk!Let’s rumble in the jungle as you immerse yourself in the wild.  There will be opportunities to “monkey” around during lake activities and exciting beach competitions, where you will conquer the jungle together. We invite y...

05/23/2025

🚗🛋️ Join IFI-GR and Make a Lasting Impact! 🌍💙

Want to make a real difference in the lives of international college students in Grand Rapids? IFI-GR (International Friendships, Inc.) is looking for volunteers to:

✅ Help with driving practice
✅ Assist with buying a car—from start to finish
✅ Offer storage for furniture & furnishings

Your time and support can ease major transitions for students far from home.

📩 Message [email protected] to get started!
🙌 Let’s show hospitality in action!

Send a message to learn more