Introducing the 2025 Educational Mini-Grant Recipients

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 2025 Educational Mini-Grant Cycle, BCCF is proud to announce that a total of $6,709.82 was awarded among the three local school districts for 11 projects. Learn about the projects and programs below!

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

• Allyson Kus - $1,000 in funds will be used to purchase school supplies such as folders, binders, pencils, and other essentials for the third-grade class. This grant will ensure that all required necessities are available, creating equal opportunities for at-risk students across all subjects.

• Christy Berry - A total of $600 in grant funds will support an art project at Ryan Elementary that teaches students how to make coil pots, along with helping their community. The goal is to donate the coil pots to BCCADSV for the Empty Bowls Event, which supports homeless students in Branch County.

Coldwater Community Schools Enrichment Fund Recipients - Total of $2,418.95

• Jamie Schwartz - $818.95 in grant funds will be used to purchase individualized pouches called 'Hands-on Math Kits' for each student. These pouches will contain math manipulatives that align with their current unit of study and will continue to be used year after year at Max Larsen Elementary.

• Dr. Jacob Simmons - The CCS Enrichment Fund granted $1,600 to Coldwater High School to provide a minimum of three seminars, introducing students to many areas of theater production. These seminars will be held at CHS or the Tibbits Opera House.

Quincy Educational Endowment Fund Recipients - Total of $2,690.87

• Amber Armstrong - $189.98 in grant funds will offer middle school students the opportunity to sit on metal barstools, offering an additional seating option along with traditional student desks.

• Beth Karney - $625 will be used to purchased senior milestone gifts. For each senior milestone achieved, each student will be provided with a price, and an entry for a larger prize drawing at the end of the school year. 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. The milestones included are FAFSA applications, college/trade school applications, scholarship applications, and post-high school commitments.

• Beth Karney - $523 in funds will be used at QHS to purchase workbooks, journals, snacks, and other educational tools to run several groups throughout the school year to help students become knowledgeable in managing stress and creating healthy relationships.

• Corey Harmon - Jennings Elementary's Mileage Club has the support of $500 in funds to purchase 6,000 shoe tokens for prizes. This grant ensures that all participating students will continue receiving incentives for participating and completing miles on the track, creating a healthy and fun habit!

• Jennifer Benson - Last year, the Quincy Middle School STEM class was awarded funds to purchase a 3D printer. This year, funds of $450 will be used to purchase more materials to use for 3D printing. Materials being purchased will include filament, wood, and cardstock to allow for even more 3D printing options and upgrades for projects.

• Jill Richards - $132.19 in grant funds will be used for the third grade class at Jennings Elementary to purchase English & Language Arts games by Frog Publications. These games will be used to enhance independent study and gain skills on their own during the ELA Literacy Block. These sets will be used year after year!

• Tracy McCollough - Grant funds of $270 will support the 5th grade STEM extension class to support the addition of Legos and Lego chassis! These items will be used to teach young scientists the concepts of wheel & axle, friction, and force & motion. These items are a simple and engaging way to teach students the design process.

  
  

  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.