Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education
Contact information:
1685 N. Opdyke Road
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
Phone: 888-463-3642, ext. 57535
Fax: 248-377-1459
Email: Foundation@Meemic.com
Website: http://www.meemicfoundation.com/
Type of foundation: Foundation was created by the Meemic Insurance Company.
Types of grants: Project
Description: The Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education was created by the Meemic Insurance Company in 1992. As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing the future of education by offering financial assistance to schools and educators (currently limited to Michigan and Wisconsin). Grants are designed to fund innovative programs, events or projects that will significantly enhance students' classroom experience. Educators can request up to $2,500 for any type of program. Each grant proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- The number of students involved.
- The project's potential to make a lasting impact on students.
- How the program relates to classroom instruction.
- The ability to replicate the project for future use.
- Cost effectiveness.
Sample grants: While amounts are not specified, grants awarded in Spring 2012 included:
- Skyline High School: Technology upgrades for the Communication, Media and Public Policy magnet program that will assist with the Skyline TV News broadcast.
- Eton Academy: "See It, Feel It, Hear It - Understanding Electrostatics,” a multi-sensory physics project using a Van de Graaff generator.
- Lincoln Middle School: New technology for the expanding journalism/yearbook needs at the Middle School.
- Romulus Elementary School: Technology to help students create a podcast focusing on Veterans to be shared within the school and the community.
- Flint Southwestern Academy: Technology for business students to learn the art and skill of verbal communication by preparing 30 second radio advertisements.
- Chesaning Union High School: Technology upgrades for the media entertainment class that will assist with communication when using multiple cameras.
- North Sashabaw Elementary: The tools and technology to create a Virtual World planetarium environment for the 5th grade Earth in Space and Time.
- Kalkaska High School: Chemistry lab program which includes creating polymers, testing bark for aspirin, and creating scents using esters and organic chemistry.
Fit for public broadcasting: Several previously funded grants focused on media technologies and/or STEM learning, both potentially strong fits for public media stations. While the application must be submitted by an employee of a school, this funding opportunity may be a fit for stations that partner with schools and/or are licensed to schools. In particular, projects aimed at incorporating radio production and/or other media technologies in the classroom may be a strong fit.
Eligibility: Any employee of a public, private, charter or parochial school in a qualifying state may apply for a Meemic grant. Educators from the same school may submit proposals for different programs. This opportunity is currently only open to educators in Michigan (Spring) and Wisconsin (Fall).
Deadline: The foundation operates a grant cycle in Spring and Fall. The Fall 2012 deadline is September 9.
How to apply: Applications are submitted online.
Giving range: Education grants range up to $2,500.
