MARSP and the MARSP Foundation
MARSP is the membership organization that advocates for Michigan’s public school employees and retirees. The MARSP Foundation, Inc. is a separate 501(c)(3) that supports charitable and educational programs benefiting public school employees and MARSP members.
Whether you donate online or by mail, you can choose from the available MARSP and MARSP Foundation funds to direct your contribution to the program or purpose you wish to support. Contributions to Foundation funds may be tax deductible for those who itemize. Contributions to MARSP, a 501(c)(4) organization, are not deductible as charitable contributions.
Give online
Give by mail
Association Funds
Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund
VBDF supports legal defense and other efforts to protect the retirement benefits and health care of Michigan school retirees. The fund also supports research, legislative education and grassroots advocacy related to retiree benefits. Learn more.
DonorsChoose Fund
Supports classroom projects in Michigan public schools through DonorsChoose, helping provide resources requested by teachers for their students. Learn more.
MARSP General Fund
Helps cover MARSP’s operating expenses and support the organization’s work throughout the year.
MARSP Foundation Funds
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:
General Fund
Contributions to the MARSP Foundation General Fund are distributed to any area the Foundation Board sees need.
Richard & Margaret Smith Fund
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.
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.
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.
Scholarship Fund
Today’s employees are tomorrow’s retirees. Your donation to the Foundation Scholarship Fund helps make professional development more accessible for public school professionals who are investing in their career growth.
Consider making a gift to the Scholarship Fund and help support a Michigan public school employee’s next step in education!
Endowment Fund
Established in 2002, the Endowment Fund guarantees long-term stability for the Foundation’s initiatives.
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 may receive a gift from your estate and/or trust.
- The Endowment Fund may be placed as a beneficiary in your will.