MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association Grants Program

The MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association administers a grants program designed to extend and preserve the legacy of MacMurray College by supporting educational and community-focused initiatives. Established as part of the Foundation’s broader mission following its founding in 2020, the program reflects a commitment to fostering opportunities that benefit students and strengthen local communities. The initiative represents an evolving effort, now entering its second year, with the expectation that donor contributions will allow the program to expand over time despite currently limited funding availability. The primary purpose of the grants program is to provide financial assistance to projects that either enhance educational programming or contribute to meaningful community improvements. The Foundation emphasizes alignment with the historic mission of MacMurray College, particularly in promoting access to education and supporting organizations that serve the public good. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that demonstrate innovation, tangible impact, and a clear benefit to students or broader community populations. Funding is offered through two distinct categories. Educational Grants support not-for-profit organizations or school districts seeking to improve or expand educational offerings, while Community Project Grants assist not-for-profit organizations in creating or enhancing initiatives that deliver measurable community benefit. Each grant award may provide up to 5,000 dollars. While specific restrictions on allowable costs are not explicitly outlined, funding is clearly intended for project-based activities that align with the program’s stated goals rather than unrestricted operational support. Eligibility for the program is broad but defined. Not-for-profit organizations, school districts, and individual educators are all identified as eligible applicants, provided their proposed projects align with either educational enhancement or community improvement objectives. The Foundation explicitly encourages proposals from individuals and organizations capable of demonstrating meaningful outcomes within educational or community settings. The program is expected to be competitive, reflecting both limited funding and a desire to fund high-impact initiatives. The application process is conducted online through the Foundation’s official website. Applicants must access the grants section and complete the designated application during the defined submission window. The application period opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on October 31, 2026. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified. While detailed application components are not listed, applicants are expected to submit a proposal outlining their project and its anticipated impact. Evaluation criteria are not formally enumerated but can be inferred from the Foundation’s stated priorities. Proposals are likely assessed based on their alignment with educational or community benefit goals, the clarity and feasibility of the project plan, and the potential to create measurable positive outcomes. The Foundation has indicated a preference for innovative and impactful projects that directly serve students or local communities. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Foundation via email at Grants@MacAlumFoundation.org. Additional support and donation inquiries are handled through a separate general contact email. The program operates on an annual cycle, with the current round representing the second year of funding. While award notification timelines and project performance periods are not specified, the recurring nature of the program suggests future cycles are anticipated annually, contingent on funding availability and donor support.

Focus on demonstrating measurable impact on students or community and aligning clearly with educational or community improvement goals