About the MARSP Foundation
The Foundation strengthens MARSP’s commitment to securing a stable and fulfilling retirement for Michigan’s public school employees. This support extends throughout the retirement journey, with efforts backed by four key funds:
MARSP and the Foundation are built on the principle that no one should face challenges alone. The Smith Fund provides financial assistance to members to help cover basic living expenses.
Today’s employees are tomorrow’s retirees. The Scholarship Fund assists current employees in advancing their careers within the public school system.
The Endowment Fund guarantees long-term stability for the Foundation’s initiatives.
The General Fund maintains operations and fosters new projects, ensuring continuous enhancement of programs and services.
Give online
Contributions to all MARSP Foundation funds may be tax-deductible for those who itemize.
Give by mail
Contributions to all MARSP Foundation funds may be tax-deductible for those who itemize.
Endowment Fund
Established in 2002, the Endowment Fund continues the mission of the Foundation by creating a perpetual fund to benefit MARSP and its members.
Donating to the Endowment Fund:
- The Endowment Fund may receive a gift from your Estate and/or Trust.
- The Endowment fund may be placed as a beneficiary in your will.
- Honor or remember friends, relatives, chapter officers, members, MARSP Board members, and MARSP Staff.
Contributions are invested in secured interest-bearing funds. The principal funds grow with every contribution, and only the interest earned from the investments can be used to support the objectives of the Fund, the Foundation, and MARSP, as determined by the Endowment Fund Committee and the Foundation Board of Directors.
The Endowment Fund is a distinct account that holds bequests and monetary donations. It is reviewed annually by an audit to ensure its financial management and integrity. The Endowment Fund Committee manages the fund and is responsible to the MARSP Foundation Board of Directors. They must also provide a report on the fund’s status as part of the annual audit process, which is shared with the membership. The Endowment Fund is a subsidiary of the MARSP Foundation, Inc.
General Fund
Contributions to the MARSP Foundation General Fund are distributed to any area the Foundation Board sees need.
Richard & Margaret Smith Fund
In 1996, MARSP’s Past President and the Chairman of the Foundation, Richard J. Smith, suggested the Foundation find a way to assist members facing financial crisis. A committee studied his suggestion and recommended that the MARSP Foundation start a fund. They named it the Richard and Margaret Smith Fund to honor the Smith’s generosity.
Through the Richard and Margaret Smith Fund, the Foundation partners with local chapters to support MARSP members facing financial hardship. Contributions to the Smith Fund ensure no member has to choose between filling a prescription or paying a utility bill.
Applying for a Smith Fund Grant
Many public school retirees are the first to offer help but struggle to ask for it themselves. MARSP and the Foundation are built on the principle that no one should face challenges alone and that sharing hardship strengthens us all. It’s at the heart of MARSP’s origin story and the cornerstone of its 75-year legacy of advocacy. By asking for help, we empower others to do the same, ensuring no MARSP member feels isolated in hard times.
If you or a fellow member need assistance, contact your chapter president or the MARSP office. Chapter presidents may apply for grants of up to $500 on behalf of individual members to help cover basic living expenses. Applications are accepted year-round and all inquiries and applications are confidential. (Chapter Presidents: Visit the Leadership Center to download an application.)
Fund Dispersment Process
The Smith Fund Committee approves applications and disperses checks from the MARSP Foundation to chapters. The chapter deposits the MARSP Foundation check into the chapter’s bank account. Chapters are encouraged to match the funds, but this is not mandatory. The chapter writes a check from the chapter’s bank account to the recipient.
Scholarship Fund
In 1995, the MARSP Foundation Board noticed a void in financial assistance for professional development for public school employees. They established the Scholarship Fund and awarded the first scholarships the following year.
Scholarships are made possible by the contributions of MARSP members and supporters. To donate to the Scholarship Fund, click below:
Scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to any active public school employee, no matter their current position, pursuing advanced or continuing education in the public school arena. The scholarship grants are disbursed in July and are usually for the fall semester of the year the scholarship is awarded.
Scholarship eligibility: ANY current public school employee who reports to MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System) is eligible. Scholarships may go towards:
- Four-year degree-granting program institution
- Community college
- Technical/vocational institution in Michigan
- Seminars/workshops from Michigan professional organizations
Applications are accepted from January 1st to March 31st of each year. Click below to apply.