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Funding Amount

$500 per grant

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Joy in Teaching Grants

Status: Active; 2025 grants awarded as of 2026-04-03

Geographic Scope: Michigan (educators across Michigan)

Background: An initiative created by Members First Credit Union to support Michigan educators in their efforts to enhance the educational experience for their students. Founded as a teachers' credit union, M1 remains committed to empowering educators.

Award Structure:

  • 2025 Awards: $20,000 total

  • Number of grants: 40 grants awarded in 2025

  • Award amount: $500 per grant

  • Reach: 10 counties across Michigan

  • 2025 applications: 200+ educators applied

    • Focus Areas:

  • Classroom materials, equipment, and resources for educational projects

  • STEM education: hands-on experiments, robotics, drones, interactive kits

  • Inclusive learning environments: wobble chairs, sensory tools, flexible seating, adaptive materials

  • Literacy and creativity: classroom libraries, audiobooks, interactive storytelling kits

  • Real-world experiences: student-run businesses, culinary programs, classroom animal projects

  • Expenses typically not covered by school budgets and often purchased by educators out-of-pocket

    • Eligibility:

  • Must be a Michigan educator

  • Teaching in accredited schools (public, private, charter)

  • Seeking funding for classroom projects that positively impact student educational experiences

    • Geographic Scope:

  • Limited to Michigan schools

  • 2025 recipients from:

    • - Saginaw County
    - Wayne County
    - Gladwin County
    - Isabella County
    - Bay County
    - Midland County
    - Clare County

    Contact Information:

  • Email: community@mfcu.net

  • Address: P.O. Box 2165, Midland, MI 48641

  • Phone: 855.835.6328

  • Grant Funding Manager: Emily Holty

    • Application Philosophy:
    "Teachers are shaping the next generation, and we're thrilled to provide resources that spark creativity and curiosity, and promote belonging in classrooms."

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Specific application steps not detailed in provided website content. However, based on 2025 recipients, applicants appear to:

    1. Describe Project: Outline the classroom project or resource need
    2. Explain Impact: Detail how the grant would benefit students and enhance educational experience
    3. Specify Use: Identify specific materials, equipment, or resources needed and approximate costs
    4. Show Alignment: Connect project to educational standards and learning goals

    Likely Required Materials (based on 2025 grants):

  • Project proposal/description

  • Budget breakdown

  • Explanation of student impact

  • School/grade level information

  • Teaching subject/specialty area

    • Note: Detailed application instructions, submission portal, and specific narrative questions are not provided in the extracted website content. Contact community@mfcu.net for complete application details.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    teachersstem-educationmusic-education

    Categories

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