MICHIGAN CITY, IN—Unity Foundation of La Porte County invites Michigan City educators to apply for grants supporting creative projects that enhance teaching and learning. Unity Foundation manages three grant programs for Michigan City teachers, each established by philanthropic partners who believed strongly in the important role teachers play in student success. Together, the programs have supported more than 1,000 educators at Michigan City public and private schools since the mid-1990s.

These grants help teachers bring new ideas into their classrooms to enrich curriculum and expand learning opportunities for students. Teachers are invited to apply at uflc.net/grants/teacher-grants for projects to be implemented during the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications are due September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Two of the three programs are available to educators at K-8 public and parochial schools serving Michigan City:

• The Michigan City Education Foundation (MCEF) awards grants of up to $500 for hands-on or virtual activities in any academic area or life skills. MCEF was founded in 1994 by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Mary Lou Linnen, and Bud and June Ruby to empower local educators.
• The Barbara A. Carmen Memorial Endowment Fund awards grants of up to $400 for items that enrich curriculum or enhance a teacher’s ability to meet student needs. The fund honors the memory of Barbara A. Carmen, a former Michigan City kindergarten and first-grade teacher who served in both public and parochial schools.

Both programs accept proposals from educators at Barker Middle School, Coolspring Elementary, Edgewood Elementary, Joy Elementary, Knapp Elementary, Krueger Middle School, Lake Hills STEM Magnet Elementary, Marsh Elementary, Notre Dame Catholic School, Pine Fine Arts Magnet Elementary, Queen of All Saints Catholic School, Springfield Elementary and St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic School.

The third program is available to educators and professionals at Michigan City High School and La Porte County Career and Technical Education/A.K. Smith Career Center:

• The Teacher Innovation Fund awards grants of up to $400 for equipment, supplies, tools for special programs and other ideas that enrich curriculum or enhance an educator’s ability to meet student needs. Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins and former Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie established the fund with seed money from their personal funds to support educational professionals in reaching and engaging their students.

“These grants are made possible by philanthropic partners who recognize the important role educators play in shaping the futures of local students,” said Jeri Pat Gabbert, President and CEO of Unity Foundation. “Their generosity gives Michigan City teachers additional resources to bring creative ideas to life and enrich the student experience. We are proud to connect that generosity with educators who are making a difference every day.”

For more information on Unity Foundation’s grant programs, visit uflc.net.

About Unity Foundation

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages more than $60 million, administers more than 400 charitable funds, and has distributed nearly $29 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

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