Making the RI Possible for Others …

We’re seeking to raise $65,000 in RI scholarships by September 4, 2026

LETTER FROM TED

August 11, 2026

First, the punchline: Carolyn, Kevin, and I would like to invite you to consider participating in a grassroots way you can pay it forward to future RI students. 

Now the back story: Like so many RI alumni, my time in the Institute was a landmark experience in my life. (Yes, I would have said that even before it led me to be in my current role as president of Renovaré - but that has been its own adventure for sure!) The books stretched and challenged me. The teaching of people like Trevor Hudson, Mimi Dixon, Chris Hall, and so many others helped me rethink my picture of God, myself, the world, and the gospel. 

But it was the community - the group of fellow students who shared my desperate hunger for something more, something deeper - that I had longed for without knowing it. That community had people like me, but several who were very different from me. They came from places like China, India, Indonesia, and Germany - and even from exotic places like Canada (sorry, Canada). They ranged in age from mid-20s to 80s. They came from all walks of life. 

Those differences mattered. They created a rich learning environment that made the seeds of teaching, reading, and practices sprout into something beautiful and unforeseen. 

My experience isn’t unique. The RI team is convinced that having a variety of backgrounds in the composition of a cohort is critical to the learning experience for every student. That conviction—paired with our desire to make the riches of the RI available to less-resourced people—led us to create the Renovaré Institute Scholarship Fund several years ago. Eighteen months ago, over 100 alumni from every single cohort helped us raise over $70,000. 

As a result of the generosity of RI alumni (and second-year students), seventeen students are receiving scholarships in our current Charlotte and Dallas cohorts. Here’s just one of their stories:

Morgan writes: I’ve been reflecting on the places and people that hold space in my life. Amongst my family, my church, and my closest friends, the Renovaré Institute is in the inner circle of communities close to my heart. It has become a learning space for me to get curious, gain friendships, and grow spiritually. Even in the four short months I’ve participated in the RI, where untrue narratives once resided, healthy and helpful truths have been planted. In my family’s personal story, the last two years have been marked with unexpected and uncertain financial circumstances. When I felt led to apply to the RI, our monthly income was unpredictable and unstable. With the grace and generosity of financial support, all the goodness of the RI has been made possible for me. I am incredibly grateful for those generous to Renovaré, and specifically those who give for RI financial assistance. I am experiencing an abundance of support, wisdom, and companionship to my faith journey that has made an eternal difference. Thank you.

Our goal is to keep growing a Scholarship program that is robust and visible, so that a potential applicant from an underrepresented community—one who has prohibitive financial needs—will still feel encouraged to go ahead and apply.

The Facts: Tuition for the upcoming Seattle cohort will increase to $6,000/year. The continuing rises in tuition are entirely driven by the inflation we have all experienced in recent years, mostly in retreat center costs. (Did you know that, even with this increase, tuition still only covers 80% of the cost of delivering the RI? The balance comes from your generous contributions to Renovaré’s General Fund.)

The Need: Our goal is to raise at least $65,000 in Scholarship gifts and pledges by September 4, 2026. Doing so will allow us to provide the equivalent of partial scholarships for up to ten qualified students in each of two upcoming cohorts. In particular, we are praying that a large percentage of our alumni and student community will participate in this campaign. It’s a tangible way our alumni community can show support and love for those who follow us.

The Plan: Applicants (and students preparing to enter year 2) facing financial barriers will be encouraged to fill out a “Financial Aid Query Form”. Our team will administer whatever scholarship funds have been contributed, with priority given to applicants from underrepresented age and ethnic demographics, as well as those in full-time ministry. 

Would you consider joining us in shaping the next beautiful and multi-faceted cohorts of the RI? You can click here to make your contribution (which will be tax-deductible for givers in the US and Canada). Your gift of any amount will be a huge encouragement.

Warmly,
Ted Harro
President, Renovaré
RI Cohort 9 (Chicago)