Michigan Credit Union Offers $25K in Grants to Members

With school districts operating on reduced budgets this year, many teachers will rely on grants to enhance their students’ education. One of these grant opportunities is the Classroom Cash Grant through the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.

The credit union plans to award more than $25,000 in grants to schools in Macomb and Oakland counties this year.

“Some of the most memorable teaching experiences are not found in the regular curriculum,” said Peter Gates, CEO and president of MSGCU, in a release. “That’s why we encourage teachers to find unique, innovative classroom projects that inspire their students to embrace education. In return, we support their efforts by providing funding.”

This is the sixth year of the credit union’s grant program, but the first year in which the public will decide which projects get funded through an online voting process.

Starting Sept. 1, teachers will be able to submit an online application and photo that best represents their project through the website classroomcash.org. All approved submissions will then move on to a voting phase. 

Applications for grants will be accepted Sept. 1 through Oct. 28. Voting will take place Nov. 1-11.

Grants are only open to credit union members.

“We took the previous format that was very paper- and committee-driven and put it back in the hands of the teachers, students, parents, and public,” Gates said, in the release. “This site is the perfect opportunity to put the creativity of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students out in the open for students, families, and friends to support through online voting.”