NOTE: THIS IS A PRACTICE GRANT APPLICATION FOR MCAN AMERICORPS MEMBERS ENROLLED IN THE WINTER BREAK GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Michigan College Access Network recognizes the great work of schools, colleges, college access programs, and communities across the state to move Michigan closer to our goal of Sixty by 30 – to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with postsecondary certificates and degrees to 60 percent by the year 2030. Projects large and small can move the needle on college attainment and help more students be able to earn their degree or certificate than would be able to without the intervention.
MCAN is looking to fund creative AmeriCorps-driven initiatives that can impact the high school or college class of 2025 in Michigan communities . This proposal should be submitted with an understanding that the expectation is for immediate implementation. This is a competitive grant. Applicants may request up to $20,000 but proposals for less are welcome.
CONTEXT AND NEED
Michigan faces an unprecedented talent shortage, which highlights the need for greater innovation and alignment in the K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors. Michigan cannot reach Sixty by 30 without new ideas, creative strategies, and expanded reach. MCAN seeks to partner with organizations and programs that focus on the following areas:
- K-12 success and college readiness
- College retention and completion
- Employer engagement and alignment
Michigan can put postsecondary education within reach for more students by helping them access the financial aid for which they are eligible. This is particularly true for students who face historical and structural inequities, including students of color and low-income students. The FAFSA is the only way to unlock the Pell Grant, other federal financial aid, all state financial aid, and most institutional and community-based financial aid. We know that completing the FAFSA is a vital step to getting students to college in the fall. Ninety percent (90%) of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA immediately enroll in postsecondary education programs, compared to 50% of those who do not complete the FAFSA.
GRANT AWARD
These grants will fund programming that increases college readiness, enrollment, and completion in local communities and across the state through grants of up to $20,000. Grants require 20% match funding, of which no more than 25% can be in-kind and at least 75% must be cash. For example, if an applicant requests $20,000, match funds of at least $4,000 must be provided. Of that $4,000, up to $1,000 may be matched by in-kind support. These grants are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding for a program.
TIMELINE
Grant applications should be submitted with an expectation of immediate implementation. No-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request of a grantee.
AWARD PROCESS
MCAN staff will review proposals and provide written feedback. Final decisions regarding awards will be contingent upon the recommendations of the staff and available funds. MCAN is committed to reviewing grants and providing a response to applicants in 30 days or less. Please adjust your application schedule to accommodate this review timetable.
ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK
MCAN's mission is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on a highly educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN's goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials to 60 percent by the year 2030.
College is postsecondary education
We use the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a necessity
Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for everyone
We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a public good
Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.
MCAN AmeriCorps Grant Writing Practice
NOTE: THIS IS A PRACTICE GRANT APPLICATION FOR MCAN AMERICORPS MEMBERS ENROLLED IN THE WINTER BREAK GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Michigan College Access Network recognizes the great work of schools, colleges, college access programs, and communities across the state to move Michigan closer to our goal of Sixty by 30 – to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with postsecondary certificates and degrees to 60 percent by the year 2030. Projects large and small can move the needle on college attainment and help more students be able to earn their degree or certificate than would be able to without the intervention.
MCAN is looking to fund creative AmeriCorps-driven initiatives that can impact the high school or college class of 2025 in Michigan communities . This proposal should be submitted with an understanding that the expectation is for immediate implementation. This is a competitive grant. Applicants may request up to $20,000 but proposals for less are welcome.
CONTEXT AND NEED
Michigan faces an unprecedented talent shortage, which highlights the need for greater innovation and alignment in the K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors. Michigan cannot reach Sixty by 30 without new ideas, creative strategies, and expanded reach. MCAN seeks to partner with organizations and programs that focus on the following areas:
- K-12 success and college readiness
- College retention and completion
- Employer engagement and alignment
Michigan can put postsecondary education within reach for more students by helping them access the financial aid for which they are eligible. This is particularly true for students who face historical and structural inequities, including students of color and low-income students. The FAFSA is the only way to unlock the Pell Grant, other federal financial aid, all state financial aid, and most institutional and community-based financial aid. We know that completing the FAFSA is a vital step to getting students to college in the fall. Ninety percent (90%) of high school seniors who complete the FAFSA immediately enroll in postsecondary education programs, compared to 50% of those who do not complete the FAFSA.
GRANT AWARD
These grants will fund programming that increases college readiness, enrollment, and completion in local communities and across the state through grants of up to $20,000. Grants require 20% match funding, of which no more than 25% can be in-kind and at least 75% must be cash. For example, if an applicant requests $20,000, match funds of at least $4,000 must be provided. Of that $4,000, up to $1,000 may be matched by in-kind support. These grants are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding for a program.
TIMELINE
Grant applications should be submitted with an expectation of immediate implementation. No-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request of a grantee.
AWARD PROCESS
MCAN staff will review proposals and provide written feedback. Final decisions regarding awards will be contingent upon the recommendations of the staff and available funds. MCAN is committed to reviewing grants and providing a response to applicants in 30 days or less. Please adjust your application schedule to accommodate this review timetable.
ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK
MCAN's mission is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on a highly educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN's goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials to 60 percent by the year 2030.
College is postsecondary education
We use the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a necessity
Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for everyone
We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a public good
Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.