The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) children’s savings account initiative has drawn the attention of University of Wisconsin Extension educators and leaders.
Paula Gruszynski, MMACF Executive Director, has been asked to participate in forums sponsored by UW Extension to mentor and provide networking support to Wisconsin communities interested in developing regional strategies to create and expand universal children’s savings accounts. Forum participants will include educational and community leaders from both Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as from other areas of the country.
The M&M Area Community Foundation was the first to organize children’s savings accounts in Wisconsin and at this time is one of two such programs in Wisconsin overall.
“This is quite an honor for the Foundation to be asked and is indicative of the strong leadership provided by our Board of Directors. Of course, I am willing to help where I can because the Future Fund children’s savings account is both an inspiration and a promise to children and strengthens communities into the future,” said Paula Gruszynski.
Even a modest savings account makes an impact. Research shows children with a dedicated savings account of $500 or less are three times more likely to graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education or training.
This is the fourth year in which kindergarten students across Marinette and Menominee Counties will have a $50 deposit-only savings account established for them by the Community Foundation. Support for students does not end with kindergarten – each year until graduation the Foundation adds more money to every child’s account. Students in both first and second grade receive a $5 deposit with the amount increased to $10 for third grade.
The MMACF encourages community donations for the growth and expansion of the Future Fund program. For more information on how to give back to our communities via the Future Fund, please contact the MMACF at 906-864-3599. Checks for this Fund may be mailed to the Foundation at 1110 10th Avenue, Suite L-1, Menominee, MI 49858 or made online at www.mmacf.org.