@donnaleighg yes…this gift cannbe done partially in 2018 and partially in 2019.
The gift for 2018 will probably be reportable on the Profile for the 2020-2021 financial aid forms.
I agree with the folks upstream. Figure out the best plan.
Just one caveat…having the grandparents pay rent to this family will make that portion of their home a rental, and this IS counted as an asset on the financial aid forms. Plus, the rent would be income.