Fall Grant Cycle: Health & Human Services- Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment Grant

The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment Grant focuses on enhancing family and consumer sciences in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Dedicated to improving nutrition and physical activity, it supports innovative, evidence-based programs for children and families, particularly addressing obesity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Applications are accepted annually in the fall, prioritizing creative proposals that align with Michigan State University Extension resources.

Joan Rajkovich McGarry served the Grand Traverse community - her home - throughout her lifetime, both professionally and as a volunteer. The focus of her service was always to make things better for families. She did that through teaching, advocacy and developing opportunities, both economic and educational.
The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment supports the continuation and further development of programs and services to support Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, related to family and consumer sciences.
Grantmaking Focus
Grant applications are accepted annually each Fall. Applications for programs and activities focused on nutrition and, in particular, school aged children and obesity issues, will be considered.
Program objectives may include, but are not limited to:
Education for students and families, includingHealthy choices for snacks/meals and consequences of unhealthy choicesPrograms that educate about how to understand nutritional content in foodsPrograms that educate about the preparation and preservation of food Physical activity for students and familiesPrograms that represent the values of Home Economics (the study of our near environment: food, clothing, family, home and community). A professional home economist possesses expertise which includes: safe food handling, nutrition, parenting skills, household management, consumer buying, housing, and leadership skills. Home Economics is now known as Family and Consumer Sciences.

Eligibility

Organizations that serve Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties, including the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.501(c)3 nonprofit organizationsOrganizations with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsorEducational institutionsGovernmental entitiesTribal organizations