Lansing, MI - As 2021 draws to a close and Michiganders plan their end-of-year giving, the Michigan Department of Treasury asks individuals to consider giving the gift of education through a tax-deductible donation to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund.
Funds raised through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provide scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university. Awards are paid to the students' college or university to assist with tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies.
“During these extraordinary times, consider making a small donation to the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust. “Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses. Often, those individuals exiting foster care have limited resources for a college education. This scholarship provides some help with college expenses when other assistance may be sparse.”
Since 2012, fundraising efforts have totaled approximately $1.3 million, which has been awarded as scholarships. This was done through individual donations, group donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions and many volunteer-based fundraising events.
To make a charitable donation, complete and submit a MET Charitable Tuition Program Contribution form with a check for any dollar amount made payable to the State of Michigan Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund. To make a contribution by credit or debit card visit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Donation Pay Site.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, housed in the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a Sec. 170 (c) nonprofit organization, therefore Charitable Contribution forms postmarked by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction in the year they are made.
Approximately 11,500 children are in the Michigan foster care system at any given time. A growing number of Michigan youth are reaching adult age while in foster care and have few resources to attend college when they age out of the system.
To apply, donate or learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to www.fosteringfutures-mi.com or call toll-free at 1-888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).