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Endowment Fund

The MARSP Foundation has established an Endowment Fund, which is a subsidiary of the MARSP Foundation, Inc.  This fund was established in 2002, with the intent of continuing the mission of the Foundation by creating a perpetual fund that will be used to benefit the MARSP organization and its members.  The 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.  To help start the fund, the MARSP Foundation sold raffle tickets for 4 trips to various places.  The profit of $3,385 from the raffle was deposited into the Endowment Fund account.

The Endowment Fund holds bequests and monetary gifts made to it separately from the Foundation Fund depository, and is subject to an annual audit.  The Endowment Fund Committee is accountable to the MARSP Foundation Board of Directors and must report through the annual audit to the membership.

The Endowment Fund provides an opportunity to donate at any time, any amount, and as often as you desire. We would like to encourage your support throughout the year, as well on special occasions, through various ways:

  1. Honor friends, relatives, chapter officers, members, MARSP Board members and MARSP Staff.
  2. In Memory of loved ones, relatives, chapter officers, members, MARSP Board members and MARSP Staff.
  3. MARSP Foundation/Endowment Fund may receive a gift from your Estate and/or Trust.
  4. MARSP Endowment fund may be placed as a beneficiary in your will.

It is through participation that the MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund can provide the opportunities to support the objectives of the Foundation and Endowment Fund.

Why not plan now to make sure your Contribution, Trust, and Estate does not go entirely to the Internal Revenue Service?  To contribute to the Fund, send a check or money order payable to the MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund.  Payments can also be made by credit card. Please see the linked form.  Contributions to all of the MARSP Foundation funds may be tax-deductible for those who itemize.

MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund Committee

Don Bishop, Wayne Downriver Chapter, Chairman

Paul Lerg, Crawford-Oscoda Chapter

Les Nixon, Presque Isle County Chapter

Marie Wilkerson, Osceola County Chapter

General Fund

The MARSP Foundation General Fund is a tax-deductible fund where the funds are distributed in any area of the foundation that the MARSP Foundation Board feels there is a need.

MARSP Foundation Board of Directors

PositionNamePhone Number
Foundation ChairmanMarie Wilkerson231.734.2508
Foundation Chief Executive OfficerRoyce Humm517.337.1757
Foundation TreasurerHess Bates248.651.2142
MARSP President/DirectorRobert Kucera269.327.3817
MARSP Past-president/DirectorPaul Lerg989.348.7508
DirectorCatherine “Kit” Spring906.632.8088
DirectorSpeedy Bates248.651.2142
DirectorDonald Bishop734.676.4498
DirectorG Duane Davis989.640.1034
DirectorLes Nixon989.733.8649
DirectorRobert Wiles906.478.7151

Richard & Margaret Smith Fund

In 1996, when MARSP Past President Richard J. Smith was Chairman of the Foundation, he suggested that he would like to see the Foundation provide financial assistance to some of our less fortunate members.  He knew of some who had difficulty paying their prescription co-pay, medical expenses, or utility bills.  A committee studied this suggestion and recommended that the MARSP Foundation start this fund.  They wanted to name it the Richard and Margaret Smith Fund, because it was an example of what Richard does in his own community – helping the less fortunate.

The Smith Fund is actually administered by the MARSP Chapters.  The chapter president applies for a grant of up to $500.  The individual names are not reported to the Foundation, all of the information is confidential.  The committee studies the applications and sends checks to the approved chapters.  The chapters are encouraged to match the funds, but it is not mandatory.  The chapter deposits the MARSP Foundation check into the chapter’s bank account, and then writes a check from the chapter’s bank account directly to the recipient.  Originally it was decided that applications for assistance from the Smith Fund would only be accepted twice a year, but the Foundation has since changed that stipulation.  The time restriction has been removed, since financial difficulties occur throughout the year, and a person in need cannot always wait.

If a member wishes to receive assistance or knows of another member who needs help, please contact the chapter president or the MARSP office.  The chapter must submit the actual request and all inquiries will be kept confidential All chapter presidents receive an application once a year, and additional forms can be obtained by calling the MARSP office.

Since the Smith Fund originated, MARSP members have been very compassionate and generous and there are ample funds to be distributed.  The Smith Fund Committee encourages continued contributions to the fund, but the biggest problem now is finding the members who need help.  People in the older generation were taught pride and self-sufficiency.  It is very difficult for them to ask for help for themselves, yet they are very willing to help others.  There does come a time in everyone’s life when they need help of some sort, so if you need assistance or know of a member who does, please contact your chapter president or the MARSP office to report that information.  We will inform the Smith Fund Committee and they will contact you.  Again, all inquiries are strictly confidential.

To those members who do not need assistance, but wish to help others, please send a donation to the Smith Fund.  Be sure to make your check payable to the MARSP Foundation and indicate that it is to go to the Smith Fund account.  These contributions may be tax-deductible, if you itemize.

Smith Fund Committee Members
Hess Bates, Smith Fund Committee Chair, North Oakland Chapter
Speedy Bates, North Oakland Chapter
Kit Spring, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter

Annual Smith Fund Disbursement Totals
Due to the delicacy and confidentiality of the Smith Fund requests and disbursements, the MARSP Foundation is not able to divulge the names of the chapters or their members who have requested assistance from the Smith Fund.  Listed below, per fiscal year, are the total number of disbursements and the total amount disbursed since the Smith Fund began.

Fiscal YearNumber of DisbursementsAmount of Disbursements
July 1, 2018 – June 30, 20192$620.00
July 1, 2017 – June 30, 20185$2400.00
July 1, 2016 – June 30, 20175$1943.23
July 1, 2015 – June 30, 20167$1750.00
July 1, 2014 – June 30, 20154$2000.00
July 1, 2013 – June 30, 20148$2,384.18
July 1, 2012 – June 30, 20135$2,150.00
July 1, 2011 – June 30, 20122$1,000.00
July 1, 2010 – June 30, 20117$2,950.00
July 1, 2009 – June 30, 20102$1,000.00
July 1, 2008 – June 30, 20097$3,200.00
July 1, 2007 – June 30, 20086$2,400.00
July 1, 2006 – June 30, 200712$4,700.00
July 1, 2005 – June 30, 20067$2,830.00
July 1, 2004 – June 30, 20056$3,000.00
July 1, 2003 – June 30, 20042$1,000.00
July 1, 2002 – June 30, 20038$3,690.00
July 1, 2001 – June 30, 20023$1,500.00
July 1, 2000 – June 30, 20016$2,800.00
July 1, 1999 – June 30, 20003$1,250.00
July 1, 1998 – June 30,19992$750.00
July 1, 1997 – June 30, 19985$1,450.00
July 1, 1996 – June 30, 19972$300.00

Scholarship Fund

In 1995, the MARSP Foundation Board noticed a void in financial assistance for professional development for public school employees. They set out to fill that void and established the Scholarship Fund. The first scholarships were awarded in 1996.

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 for the year in which the scholarship is awarded.

Eligibility for scholarship:

  • Any current professional or support staff employee of a public school system that reports to MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System)
  • Educational endeavors available from:
    • Four-year degree-granting program institution
    • Community college
    • Technical/vocational institution in Michigan
    • Seminars/workshops from Michigan professional organizations

 Apply for the scholarship:

Mail application to: MARSP Foundation, P.O. Box 23214, Lansing, MI, 48909 or submit online (see buttons below)

  • Applications accepted January 1 to March 29, 2024 (scholarship to be used for the academic year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
  • Scholarship amount is limited to $1,000
    • Disbursements shall be made directly to the institution/professional organization in the amount of the scholarship award
  • Call MARSP office with questions: 517.337.1757 or 888.960.4022

MARSP Foundation Scholarship Committee:

  • Robert Wiles, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter, Chair
  • Rita Doneth, Isabella County Chapter
  • Robert Kucera, Kalamazoo County Chapter
  • Kit Spring, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter
  • Marie Wilkerson, Osceola County Chapter

Funds for MARSP Foundation Scholarships come from MARSP member and supporter contributions and MARSP’s annual golf outing fundraiser. To donate to the Scholarship Fund, click below:

MARSP Foundation Scholarship Fund Recipients

Recipient NameHometownCollege/University Attending
2020
Kellie GreenerSault St. MarieFerris State University
Michelle KostrzewaFreelandConcordia University
Candice LabadieEngadineNorthern Michigan
Peter NeurothCantonEastern Michigan University
Sara PlowmanNoviLake Superior State University
Amanda SteinbauerStandishUniversity of Michigan – Flint
Timory WilcoxOnawayCentral Michigan University
2018
Jessica GarvagliaQuinnesecNorthern Michigan University
Sarah JohnsonMunisingAndrews University
Laura KrieglKingsfordLearner’s Edge
Megan LaRocqueSault Ste. MarieNorthern Michigan University
Paige NelsonPortageWestern Michigan University
Andrew OttenGrand RapidsUniversity of Missouri
Kayna SchlichteSaginawSaginaw Valley State University
Rebecca SpitzerMarquetteNorthern Michigan University
Marci VealeIron MountainLearner’s Edge
Danielle WatchkoRapid RiverNorthern Michigan University
2017
Robin ArmstrongRochester Hills, MIOakland Community College
Lisa BoucheEscanaba, MIFresno Pacific University
Amanda CanuteAlpena, MIWestern Governor’s University
Karen FlynnIonia, MIArkansas State University
Tina JensenWells, MIBay de Noc Community College
Matthew LaLondeQuinnesec, MIMarygrove College
Sara ShortIron Mountain, MINorthern Michigan University
Amber SmithDafter, MIGrand Valley State University
2016
Meghan AndersonMarquette, MINorthern Michigan University
Andrea ChaneyWilson, MINorthern Michigan University
Jamie ClarkeKingsford, MIBay De Noc Community College
Kimberly CornelissenSterling Heights, MIMichigan State University
Kayla HammermeisterBig Rapids, MINorthern Michigan University
Paul JankoskaSterling, MIBaker College of Cadillac
Jacqueline WagnerMarquette, MINorthern Michigan University
2015
Cassandra BedtelyonWest Branch, MIBaker College
Elizabeth LitznerSt. Ignace, MINorthern Michigan University
Rachel ReichSault Ste Marie, MIWestern Governor’s University
Tracy WhittkopfKingsford, MILake Superior State University
2014
Jason LehmanDeTour Village, MIWestern Governor’s University
Beth ReedNewberry, MIOakland University
Deanna RobinetteEscanaba, MIBay de Noc Community College
Narissa RossThree Rivers, MIWestern Michigan University
Brittany StabileSault Ste. Marie, MIGrand Valley State University
2013
Danielle AshJenison, MICentral Michigan University
Ayla KitchenReed City, MICentral Michigan University
Helen PaquetteIron Mountain, MIBay de Noc Community College
Jessica SavoieRudyard, MILake Superior State University
Bonita “Bo” WinklerIron Mountain, MINorthern Michigan University
2012
Whitney BeauchampIron Mountain, MIACE Program
Terri FeronniSault Ste. Marie, MIBay Mills Community College
Kathryn JenningsBarbeau, MIGrand Valley State University
Jennifer MientkiewiczNew Boston, MIMadonna University
Mandy SpringerEast Lansing, MISummer Institute at Okemos High
Robin WintonFairview, MIFerris State University
2011
Kristin CroweNorthville, MIOakland University
Brady FlachsStanwood, MICentral Michigan University
Adam GumbrechtHolt, MIEaton Rapids Schools
Derek LoundsGrand Ledge, MI Central Michigan University
2010
No scholarships awarded
2009
Susan Boven Caledonia, MILearner’s Edge Inc.
Tammy HereauCornell, MILake Superior State University
Lori JanczewskiRose City, MISaginaw Valley State University
Adriana Ranta Mason, MIEastern Michigan University
2008
Lynn AmatoBoyne City, MIGrand Valley State University
Jennifer BessFarmington Hills, MIEastern Michigan University
Kimberly ColeDetroit, MIUniversity of Detroit Mercy
Tammy HereauCornell, MILake Superior State University
Michelle PiferWilliamston, MIMichigan Technological University
Shannon TrippAlto, MIWestern Michigan University
2007
Heidi AldrichBreckenridge, MI Central Michigan University
Dean GageSaranac, MIFerris State University
Olivier HarmenilHolt, MIBureau of Education & Research
Kerry ZylkaSouth Lyon, MIEastern Michigan University
2006
Lisa BellFlint, MIUniversity of Michigan-Flint Campus
Jill BlyveisOtsego, MIKalamazoo Valley Community College
Katherine DemorestBattle Creek, MIMichigan State University
Cherril LottRedford, MI Eastern Michigan University
Kerry ZylkaSouth Lyon, MIEastern Michigan University
2005
Mark BurtonCedar Springs, MICornerstone University
Susan BuskenNorton Shores, MIGrand Valley State University
Linda FineoutIndian River, MISpring Arbor University
Molly Ross Caseville, MISaginaw Valley State University
2004
Sherrieanne Farnsworth Gregory, MIEastern Michigan University
Molly RossCaseville, MISaginaw Valley State University
Rayme MartineauAutrain, MINorthern Michigan University
Lori SimpsonOtisville, MIEastern Michigan University
2003
Denise A. ColeKalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University
Barbara A. HoffmeyerOnaway, MI Spring Arbor University
Sharon L. MorganKalamazoo, MI Western Michigan University
Heidi K.YagerMuskegon, MI Grand Valley State University
2002
Pamela M. AckleyCharlotte, MI Lansing Community College
Brie K. MinshallGrand Ledge, MI Central Michigan University
Donna Jean PiperOssineke, MIAlpena Community College
Katie Rondeau-ThomsonOssineke, MIMarygrove College
2001
Angela C. DaltonMuir, MIAquinas College
2000
Angela C. DaltonMuir, MIAquinas College
Ellen M. GeorgeDetroit, MIMadonna University
Pamela L. HotchkissBelding, MISpring Arbor College
Cynthia Anne RaymoCaseville, MI Oakland University
Wendy J. SchmitzMontrose, MISaginaw Valley State University
1999
No scholarships awarded
1998
Robin Alger Davison, MI University of Michigan-Flint
Wendy DeWolfeParma, MIMadonna University
Shelley FreelandBailey, MIBaker College
Joseph A. GeorgeFlint, MIComputer Data, Inc.
Judy GoldbergSaginaw, MIDelta College
Gayle L. JonesMarysville, MIUniversity of Michigan-Flint
Curtis A. KrohnBad Axe, MISaginaw Valley State University
Vicki Ellen PettSaginaw, MIDelta College
1997
Terry BarkleyIronwood, MILeelanau Center for Education
Bonnie ClarkBig Rapids, MIGrand Valley State University
Gayle L. Jones Marysville, MISt. Clair Community College
Dana MikesellMuskegon, MI Western Michigan University
Deborah SchramskiTraverse City, MIDavenport College
1996
Dorothy Dow HannumMichiganSaginaw Valley State University
Elizabeth GonzalezLenawee, MILenawee ISD Vocational-Technical Center
Amy HowardMichiganEastern Michigan University
Carolyn S. O’NeilMichiganUniversity of Michigan-Flint