Michigan City Teachers Can Apply for Small Grants

MICHIGAN CITY, IN — Unity Foundation has three grant programs for Michigan City school
teachers established by caring donors who believed in teachers as the critical factor for
learning. These three funds have invested in more than 1,000 educators with $370,000 for
projects of their own design, since the mid 1990’s. In light of the pandemic, the application
deadline for each has been extended to Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Teachers are invited to complete
a brief application at uflc.net/grants/teacher-grants for projects during the 2020-2021
academic year. These small grants of $350- $400, aim to support teachers as they find
innovative ways to make learning possible for students – particularly during the pandemic.
Educators may apply for this round even if they haven’t completed their 2019 – 2020 project.
Anyone can make a gift to support this year’s grants on UFLC.Net/donate.

The Michigan City Education Foundation makes grants of up to $350 for Michigan City public
and parochial schools grades K-8. Teachers may use their grants for hands-on or virtual
activities in any academic area or life skills. Since 1994, MCEF has granted nearly $250,000 to
800 teachers. It was founded in 1994 when the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Mary
Lou Linnen and Bud and June Ruby came together to empower teachers. Teachers may apply
on their own or collaborate using one application. The fund makes an average 40 grants per
year.

The Barbara A. Carmen Memorial Endowment Fund is dedicated to the memory of Barbara A.
Carmen, a former Michigan City kindergarten and first grade teacher in both the public and
parochial schools. The Carmen fund makes grants up to $400 for items that will enrich
curriculum or enhance teacher’s ability to meet student needs. Multiple teachers may
collaborate using one application. The fund makes 9 grants each year.

Both MC Education Foundation and the Carmen Fund accept proposals from the following
schools in Michigan City: Barker STEM Middle School, Coolspring Elementary School, Edgewood
Elementary School, Joy Elementary School, Knapp Elementary School, Krueger Middle School,
Lake Hills STEM Magnet School, Marsh Elementary School, Notre Dame Catholic School, Pine
Magnet School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Queen of All Saints Catholic School,
Springfield Elementary School, St. Paul Lutheran School, and St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic
School.

The Teacher Innovation Fund is a small grant program for Michigan City High School and La
Porte County Career and Technical Education/A.K. Smith Career Center teachers and
professionals. It is designed to support educational professionals as they strive to reach their
students – especially during Covid. Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, MCAS Superintendent and
former Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie provided the idea and the seed money from their
own personal funds. Grants can be used to purchase equipment, supplies, tools for special
programs or for ideas to enrich curriculum and enhance each professional’s ability to meet
his/her students’ needs. Each grant applicant may request up to $350. Multiple teachers may
collaborate using one application. This fund makes 10 grants per year on average.

For more information on Unity’s teacher grant programs or to support similar programs in your
community, contact Shannon Walker at (219) 879-0327, email swalker@uflc.net or visit
uflc.net/grants/teacher-grants. Education supporters also find Donorschoose.org useful.

Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local
communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages approximately $32
million in assets, administers more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed more than
$21 million through direct grants and scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed
Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana and national ethical and operating standards
for community foundations. 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 www.uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.