Meemic Foundation Grants Now Available to Illinois Educators

DETROIT, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meemic Foundation, a non-profit organization created by Michigan-based Meemic Insurance Company, has been offering financial assistance in the form of grants to schools and educators since 1992. During that time, the Foundation has touched more than 1.5 million students through its financial support of education initiatives. Today, The Meemic Foundation announced that it has expanded its program and will immediately begin accepting grant applications from Illinois educators.

The Meemic Foundation offers grant opportunities on a quarterly basis and provides as much as $1,000 per request to support a variety of educational initiatives.  To submit an application, educators can simply visit www.MeemicFoundation.com and complete an online form outlining their request. 

According to a recent study conducted by Perry Research Professionals for the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), public school teachers in the United States spend more than $1.33 billion out-of-pocket on school supplies and instructional materials. Individual teachers spend an average of $356 of their own money on supplies and resources, including an average of $170 on supplies and $186 on instructional materials. 

"Finding ways to fund basic educational experiences remains an ongoing challenge for educators across the state of Illinois," said Pam Harlin, spokesperson for The Meemic Foundation. "Educators everywhere are feeling the pinch and in many cases feel compelled to use their own money to ensure the children in their classrooms have the resources they need to be able to receive a proper education." 

Grant applications are evaluated based on a variety of criteria that are provided on The Meemic Foundation website. The goal of the grants is to fund innovative programs, events or projects that will significantly enhance students' classroom experiences. Any employee of any Illinois public, private, charter or parochial school, from pre-school through higher education, may apply for a Meemic grant. Educators from the same school are welcome to submit proposals for different programs and applications are accepted year-round. The deadline for applications for the first round is March 31, 2014. Grant recipients will be notified in May 2014 and funds will be made available immediately. 

The impact the Foundation can have is immeasurable. As Leticia Hoffman, an elementary school educator and recent grant recipient stated, "The materials I was able to purchase with the grant money will touch the lives of children for many years to come.  Teachers all want the best for their students.  I would like to thank Meemic for this wonderful opportunity."

About The Meemic Foundation 
The Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education http://www.MeemicFoundation.com was created by Meemic Insurance Company in 1992. As a non-profit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing the future of education by offering financial assistance to schools and educators. Over the years we have had the pleasure of providing funding to some of the most creative and passionate teachers in the world. Their stories inspire us to continue funding projects that affect a large number of students and support the educational communities that we proudly serve.

SOURCE The Meemic Foundation