Michigan teachers often face the challenge of funding classroom resources, and unfortunately, they usually spend their own money on purchasing supplies for their students. A survey from AdoptAClassroom.org found that teachers spent, on average, $860 in 2023 on their classrooms! (That’s enough for more than a couple of carts full of groceries in 2024!) Michigan teachers: Do not spend a penny more! So many local companies and organizations offer educational grants to help you keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket.
Locating the best grants can be a chore, if not a part-time job. But we’ve done the legwork for Michigan teachers so that you don’t have to! Check out this list of the best grants for Michigan teachers. Also take a look at our list of the best educational grants for teachers throughout the country. (Then take that extra money and do something for yourself!)
Michigan’s General Classroom Grants
The Classroom Cash Grants Program
Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union’s Classroom Cash Grants Program gifts teachers up to $750 for innovative classroom learning experiences across Michigan. The application period usually closes in early October. Their website states, “The grant will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources necessary to carry out a project that would otherwise not be covered by the school’s budget.”
The Meemic Foundation Grants
The Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education was founded in 1992 by the insurance company of the same name. The foundation provides year-round grants for teachers to fund creative and impactful educational projects. It provides “financial assistance to public, private, parochial and charter schools, and even colleges and universities (https://www.meemic.com/the-meemic-foundation.aspx).” The foundation offers a variety of grants and awards, so be sure to bookmark its website and check in often.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan Scholarship Program
The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) states, “T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN is a statewide scholarship program designed to help child care center teaching staff, preschool teachers, family child care providers, group home owners, center directors, early childhood professionals, and administrators meet their professional development goals while continuing their current employment in regulated early childhood and school-age care settings.” The MIAEYC T.E.A.C.H scholarship application is found on their website and must be completed before each semester. There are specific due dates, so be sure to check the website frequently.
Michigan’s Best STEM Grants
Michigan Science Teachers Association Mini-Grants
The Michigan Science Teachers Association offers its current members grants of up to $1,000 to support educational projects. Grant recipients must write a narrative about their project upon completion. Applications are due in mid-August.
Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Grants
The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) offers Environmental Education grants of up to $1,000 to both formal and non-formal educators who are MAEOE members. This grant is available twice a year during their spring (March) and fall (October) grant cycles.
Great Lakes Protection Fund
The Great Lakes Protection Fund supports projects that enhance the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Michigan teachers can apply for funds to develop and implement environmental education programs that inspire students to participate in conservation efforts and learn about the ecological significance of the Great Lakes region. Students and teachers can email their great ideas to startaconversation@glpf.org to start the conversation.
Michigan Clean Water Corps
The Michigan Clean Water Corps grant supports projects that monitor and enhance water quality. Michigan teachers can use this grant to get students involved in hands-on water science activities. These activities will help students learn about aquatic ecosystems, water testing, and environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper understanding of local water resource management. There are three different grants available for teachers: Start-Up (up to $5,000), Implementation (up to $20,000), and Maintenance (up to $2,000).
Wheels to Woods
The Wheels to Woods grant provides funding for transportation costs (up to $1,000 per school) for field trips to Michigan forests. Michigan teachers can use this grant to facilitate outdoor learning experiences, allowing students to explore and study ecosystems, biodiversity, and forestry practices firsthand.
The Bosch Eco and STEM Teacher (BEST) Grant Program
The University of Michigan partners with the Bosch Eco and STEM Teacher (BEST) Grant Program to foster sustainability and STEM education by supporting preschool through grade 12 educators with grants of up to $2,000. These grants aim to enrich the classroom with innovative, inquiry-based learning experiences that inspire and engage students. Recipients of the BEST grant also benefit from professional development opportunities and become part of a community of dedicated and like-minded educators. This program is an excellent opportunity for teachers looking to integrate more STEM and environmental sustainability topics into their curricula. Educators interested in applying should look for application details on the Bosch Foundation’s website or educational grant portals.
Literacy Grants in Michigan
Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan
The Literacy Legacy Fund awards grants for literacy-related projects, events, or research projects that will benefit the literacy development of Michigan citizens of all ages. This includes funding to attend professional literacy development conferences. The LLF asks applicants to contact them via their website for more information.
Michigan Reading Association (MRA)
The Michigan Reading Association (MRA) offers several awards recognizing excellence and innovation in literacy education across Michigan. These include the Great Lakes Great Books Award, which promotes engaging literature for students, and the Gwen Frostic Award, which acknowledges significant contributions to literacy. The Kaleidoscope Award celebrates innovative teaching methods in literacy. These awards honor outstanding educators and advocates and come with various prizes, including monetary awards, to further support and encourage the recipients’ work in literacy. The MRA’s commitment to enhancing literacy through these recognitions reflects its ongoing support for educators and students alike in pursuing reading excellence. For more information, visit the MRA website, where you’ll find details on how to apply and the specific benefits associated with each award.
Michigan Arts Grants and Awards
MEA Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition
For over 60 years, the Michigan Education Association has hosted the Annual Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition. It offers its members and retirees a platform to showcase their artistic talents. This exhibition celebrates the creative endeavors of educators and retired educators. Prizes are awarded.
Michigan Youth Arts
The Michigan Arts and Culture Council offers two significant grants for K-12 schools to enhance arts education. The first grant provides up to $2,500 to purchase arts-related equipment or supplies, supporting subjects like visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The second grant allocates up to $500 to cover transportation costs for students to attend arts- or culture-related field trips, with a selection of over 200 pre-approved institutions. Application submission deadlines are in the early fall.
More Awards and Grants for Michigan Teachers
Teacher Next Door Program
The Teacher Next Door Program offers substantial housing grants to all Michigan teachers and educational staff, ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. This grant, aimed at facilitating home ownership, can be applied to any home purchase and is complemented by up to $10,681 in down payment assistance. Additionally, participants may be eligible for state-specific government housing grants to support their home-buying efforts further.
The MI Future Educator Stipend for Student Teachers
The MI Future Educator Stipend is a significant financial support initiative from MI Student Aid. The grant aims to help student teachers during their final preparation semesters, starting in the fall of 2024. This stipend provides $9,600 to help cover living expenses and other costs associated with completing teacher training. This initiative is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by future educators, making it easier for them to focus on gaining the skills and experience needed to thrive in their teaching careers. Student teachers interested in applying for this stipend should check the website for detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria.
The MI Future Educator Stipend for Aspiring Teachers
The MI Future Educator Stipend, provided by MI Student Aid, offers a substantial financial resource for aspiring teachers. It provides up to $10,000 in scholarships annually to cover tuition and fees, renewable for up to three years. This fellowship is designed to support the education and development of future educators. It has a stipulation that recipients commit to teaching in Michigan after graduation. Prospective applicants should visit the website for application details and eligibility requirements.