RENEW Generosity Initiative FAQ
Answers to common questions about RENEW — why now, what the project includes, what it costs, and how to take part.
Why are we doing RENEW now?
As we have grown, our beautiful building has increasingly hampered our mission: stairs with no lifts for those with mobility issues; flimsy dividers and multiple points of egress for children’s ministry; and a youth group that meets in the church foyer. We believe the time has come for us to renew our building so we can renew and expand our mission.
What are the goals of the RENEW project?
- Accessibility — To make our church ADA compliant and the entire building accessible for all attendees. This includes adding an elevator to make every floor reachable for those with mobility challenges.
- Experience — To make where we worship and engage in fellowship a more welcoming environment. This includes a new group gathering space, adult education classrooms, new children’s classrooms, the addition of a children’s play area/green space, and additional restrooms.
- Security — To ensure our children are safe with streamlined procedures and designated classrooms for the youngest on the first floor with easy egress in case of emergency.
- Functionality — To create dedicated spaces and improved flow for children, adults, and Grace staff to grow in Christ and serve our community.
How much will the RENEW building project cost?
Based on the concept plans completed in February 2025, our General Contractor’s preliminary bid came in at the higher end of the budget range we anticipated when planning began in early 2024. Since then, several factors contributed to increased costs — including design revisions made in response to feedback from neighbors and the Village, which required additional work from our architect, attorney, and engineers, along with ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, construction material costs, and inflation.
After several revisions, we received approval from the Village Board of Winnetka in June 2025. Accounting for everything, the cost as of August 2026 is $9.072 million.
How will RENEW funds be used?
All the funds raised will be allocated for costs related to renovating the existing building, new construction, and to update our website — which is for many people their first look at who we are as a church.
Donations that exceed our needs for building construction and renewal will be held in a Grace Building Fund to be used for future building improvements.
When will the RENEW building project finish?
Construction is under way — we moved out of 440 Ridge Avenue and broke ground in April 2026. We expect 12–14 months of construction with minimal disruption to church programming, and we hope to return to our renewed building next spring. Until then we worship at North Shore Country Day, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. Follow along on the RENEW updates page.
How do I participate in RENEW?
We ask everyone who calls Grace their church home and those who regularly attend to pray, engage, and give in new ways during this campaign.
To support RENEW with financial gifts, please give online — one-time and recurring gifts can be submitted at any time.
How can I give to RENEW?
The four primary ways to give are: cash, check, credit card, and appreciated assets (stock donations). If you desire to give an alternative asset, we will work with you to make that happen. On our payment page, select “Give to building fund (RENEW campaign).”
How do I know that this church is a trustworthy place to give my resources?
Our finances are annually reviewed by a CPA firm/third party. Additionally, our bulletin has a monthly high level budget summary, once a quarter the elders have started sending out a more detailed financial update, and twice a year we have a congregational meeting with even more financial detail available. We have built a reputation for trustworthiness in our financial dealings and take that very seriously.
How are we asking God to work in us during this project?
We are trusting that God will grow us in the knowledge of Him, His faithfulness, and to make us more like Him. We hope to be a light to our neighbors, those who work on the renovation, and Village leadership.
Everyone who calls Grace home is encouraged to set an alarm for 1:27pm daily to pray Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”