Kresge Foundation funding supports statewide COVID-19 Response Grants

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has received a $100,000 investment from The Kresge Foundation to support COVID-19 Response Grants. The Response Grants were announced by MCAN in early April 2020 to demonstrate its responsiveness to and support of communities affected by the global health pandemic that continues to have a major impact in Michigan, predominantly in minority communities MCAN serves. Thus far, MCAN has awarded 81 COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $445,255.  MCAN received 180 grant applications requesting funds.

“These financial commitments demonstrate the power of collaboration and philanthropy,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “Together, we are united in addressing barriers and situations that have arisen because of this global pandemic.”

In addition to this significant gift from Kresge, six additional funders have already joined MCAN in co-funding these grants:

• Community Foundation of Greater Flint

• Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation

• Hillsdale County Community Foundation

• Jackson Community Foundation

• Jacob Family Foundation

• Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

Together, with Kresge, these organizations have provided $126,372 in supporting funds for the COVID-19 Response Grants.

“Amidst unprecedented challenges prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan College Access Network has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting college access and success professionals statewide,” said Caroline Altman Smith, deputy director of Kresge’s Education Program. “These response grants will deepen that support and will help ensure that students statewide won’t have their plans to pursue a college education derailed.” 

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ABOUT THE MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK (MCAN)
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN works to improve the futures of Michigan’s students and communities by making college accessible to all. MCAN’s work centers on one main goal: To increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030. MCAN engages partners statewide who are committed to systems-level change and the reduction of barriers to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. MCAN has helped Michigan’s postsecondary attainment rate increase for the 10th consecutive year. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.