2026 Education Mini Grants Announced!

In April, the Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF) held Educational Mini-Grant Cycles for Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy Schools. The Yes for Bronson Fund, Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund, and the Quincy Educational Endowment Fund were created to support programs and initiatives that promote excellence in education and high achievement to expand and diversify experiences.

For the 2026 Educational Mini-Grant Cycle, BCCF is proud to announce that a total of $12,082.18 was awarded among the three local school districts for 18 projects. Learn about the projects and programs below!

Yes for Bronson Fund Recipients - Total of $1,600

Caitlyn Coco - grant funds will be used to support The Healthy Kids Initiative at Anderson Elementary. The program is designed to foster lifelong healthy habits among students, families, and staff. The students and staff can get involved by participating in “Move it Mondays”, hydration tracking, and sleep optimization.

Jessica Bucklin - grant funds will be used to provide the FARM Science Lab to Ryan Elementary students. The FARM Science Lab is a mobile classroom that provides STEM-based lessons while increasing students’ knowledge of how agriculture impacts their daily lives.

Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund Recipients - Total of $2,108.12

Chelsea Wilber - grant funds will be used to purchase art supplies for the National Arts Honor Society (NAHS). NAHS consists of 50 advanced art students in grades 10-12. The students volunteer their time creating downtown murals and assisting with children and community art programs. The art program allows students to practice art with a variety of mediums, including needle felting, wood burning, oil painting, and welding.

Quincy Educational Endowment Fund Recipients - Total of $8,374.06 (with funding also from the Kelli Loveberry Fund and the Quincy Rotary Fund)

Amber Armstrong - grant funds will be used to create an inviting seating area in the classroom. For years to come students will have a dedicated area for reading or working on classroom assignments, outside of the traditional desk.

Annastasia Miller - grant funds will be used to provide additional reading materials surrounding disabilities and different abilities. With a goal of increasing student awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals with diverse abilities or backgrounds.

Becky Taylor - grant funds will be used to support and expand the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Store for Jennings Elementary students. We were able to fully fund the project with the support of Quincy Rotary. Throughout the school year students are encouraged to meet school expectations represented by the SUPERHERO acronym: Safe, Uplifting, Polite, Engaged, Respectful, Here Every-Day, Ready, On-Time. When a student demonstrates a school expectation, they can earn Bird Bucks, which can be redeemed at the PBIS Store. The store provides school supplies, games, books and students have an opportunity to enter into weekly drawings for school wide rewards – such as Free Popcorn Friday.  

Beth Karney - grant funds will be used to purchase senior milestone gifts. We were able to fully fund the project with the support of Quincy Rotary.  Seniors can earn rewards by completing activities such as college or trade school applications or submitting the FAFSA. The Senior Milestone project is aimed to create an encouraging environment during a stressful time and increase the number of students who complete senior tasks. 

Beth Karney - grant funds will be used to provide snacks for students. We were able to fully fund the project with the support of Quincy Rotary.  The project’s goal is to improve student focus and attendance.

Brooke Barve - grant funds will be used to purchase a seismic shake plate for High School Earth Science and 7^th Grade Science. Students will be instructed to design, create, and test a structure on a seismic shake table to analyze how different design features affect a structure’s ability during simulated earthquake conditions.

Corey Harmon - grant funds will be used to purchase equipment that focuses on fitness testing. At the start of the school year, students will create fitness goals and throughout the year, they will test to determine if they are improving on their intended goals.

Jennifer Benson - grant funds will be used to purchase a portable laser for the middle school’s STEM classroom. The laser will provide additional project opportunities for students to complete. The QMS STEM program encourages students to explore technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting, giving the students the opportunity to design and create their own projects.

Karice Hard - grant funds will be used to transform a 6^th grade classroom library. We were able to blend funds from the Quincy Rotary to fully fund this project. The projects’ goal is to introduce students to high-interest, diverse, and contemporary texts, ensuring every student can see themselves in what they read while also exploring perspectives beyond their own.

Maureen Suever - grant funds will be used to purchase alternative seating for students. The additional seating options are designed to increase student focus and classroom engagement.

Megan Kempter - grant funds will be used to purchase materials for Quincy Middle School 6^th grade Social Studies students. The goal of the project is to help students connect to the material by completing hands-on activities. One lesson will have the students carve their own soapstones into a design based around the Inuit culture. Another lesson will teach students how to play dominoes, which is a popular activity in the Caribbean.  

Shannon Stout - grant funds will be used to purchase handheld whiteboards and tuners/metronomes for the 6-8^th grade Music classroom. The handheld whiteboards support interactive learning by allowing dynamic visual sharing of ideas. The tuners/metronomes provide the precise auditory cues needed for music instruction. These tools bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-life application, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Shari Tarnow - grant funds will be used to purchase props and costumes for Quincy High School. The project aims to immerse students in the time periods in which literature is set, increase students’ engagement with the text, increase students’ public speaking opportunities, and to build interest in literature.

Emily Martin - grant funds will be used to create a 3^rd and 4^th grade art club. We were able to fully fund this project with the support of the Kelli Loveberry fund. Students will have the opportunity to try a variety of art materials and techniques, such as clay, sketching, and spray painting. The club is focused on creativity and exploration.

Natalie Talbot - grant funds will be used to purchase an iPad for the Quincy High School Art Department. We were able to fully fund this project with the support of the Kelli Loveberry fund. The iPad would serve as a tool that students can use to photograph and archive their work through a portfolio project.

Educational Mini Grant Cycles are held once a year from April 1 through April 30. Each fund has its own criteria and selection committee for the mini grant cycle, and donations to the funds are welcomed year-round. To learn more about each Mini Grant Cycle, visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.BrCoFoundation.org.