What is the W.M. & Ann K Grace Foundation?
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Provide individual scholarships directly to students (for all levels of school, including private grade schools, high schools, colleges, universities) with scholarships given for merit or need;
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Award Grants for existing scholarship funds;
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Award Grants directly to schools for facilities, scholarships or general support;
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Award Grants/scholarships primarily in Arizona and Northwest Missouri.
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Supports pediatric research for hepatoblastoma and other blastoma related cancers.
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Fund families dealing with pediatric cancer so they can focus on recovery and treatment.
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Exploring less invasive chemotherapy and immunotherapy trials for blastoma cancers and blood disorders.
History of the W.M. & Ann K Grace Foundation
WILLIAM “BILL” M. GRACE & ANN K. GRACE
William “Bill” Grace was a student of world politics and economics. He possessed visionary wisdom and foresight becoming a leader in the field of Economic Development. After serving in the military, he attended the University of Arizona Tucson and received his BS and later his MBA degree in 1959. He quietly pursued philanthropy practices for many years. Before his death in 2004, he served on the Board of Directors as the Vice President for the International Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (CLL) Research Institute incorporated with M.D. Anderson of the University of Texas, in Houston. Additionally, Bill Grace actively served on the Board of Directors for the Bishop Leblond High School (St. Joseph, Missouri) and was head of the Building/Construction Committee for the school’s expansion, including a new gymnasium. He was an integral part of the Capital Campaign for the endeavor as well as a generous contributor to the building fund.
Ann Kathryn (Kathy) Grace was instrumental, along with Bill, in founding the W.M. Grace Companies in 1966. Today, these companies continue to be successfully involved in commercial real estate, acquisitions, hotels and casinos. Bill and Kathy were married 49 years prior to Bill’s death in April 25, 2004. She followed her husband in death on October 26, 2005.Philanthropy was a way of life for both Bill and Kathy Grace. She was a gracious lady with an enormous sense of care and giving. Her kindness was overflowing. Kathy was a very generous contributor to many charitable causes. Through Grace Companies and often quietly with personal funds, she and her husband Bill contributed significantly to many charitable events; with an emphasis on education, and medical research. Before her death, she established the William M. and Ann K. Grace Foundation. She, as well as Bill, believed all people had the capacity to change and improve their lives and sense of well-being. Through education people can better influence their organizations, communities and country.
This philanthropy legacy is now being carried forward by the Grace family, including Bill and Kathy’s grandchildren, and it will be measured by the lives touched by the William M. and Ann K. Grace Foundation.