Consider Giving the Gift of Education by Donating to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund
December 28, 2022
As 2022 draws to a close and Michiganders plan their end-of-year giving, the Michigan Department of Treasury asks individuals to consider giving the gift of education through a tax-deductible donation to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.
Funds raised through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provide scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university. Awards are paid to the students' college or university to assist with tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
"Please consider making a small donation to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund as you evaluate your end-of-year giving," said Diane Brewer, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust. "Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses. Often, those individuals exiting foster care have limited resources for a college education. This scholarship provides some help with college expenses when other assistance may be sparse."
Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled approximately $1.3 million, with funds awarded as scholarships in the year they were raised. This was done through individual donations, group donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions and many volunteer-based fundraising events.
To make a charitable donation, complete and submit a MET Charitable Tuition Program Contribution form with a check for any dollar amount made payable to the State of Michigan Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund. To contribute by credit or debit card visit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Donation Pay Site.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, housed in the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a Sec. 170 (c) nonprofit organization, therefore Charitable Contribution forms postmarked by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction in the year they are made.
More than 10,000 children are in the Michigan foster care system run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Nationally, 75% of former foster youth express a desire to attend college, fewer than 10% enroll in college after high school and fewer than 3% eventually earn a degree.
To apply, donate or learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to www.fosteringfutures-mi.com or call toll-free at 1-888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).