Over $50,000 in MSGCU Classroom Cash Grants are Available for Local Teachers

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Sept. 1, 2026 – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is now accepting applications from local teachers for its popular Classroom Cash Grants program, which provides grants up to $750 to help educators bring an innovative project to life. MSGCU is awarding 70 grants to local teachers this year to fund projects that otherwise wouldn’t be covered by school budgets.

“Investing in local classrooms through grants will help teachers bring innovative curriculum to their students to encourage curiosity and academic growth,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “While anyone can bank with us today, we are proud to honor our educational heritage by supporting hard-working teachers who enhance their students’ learning journey.”

The 2026 application period is open now through 5 PM on Friday, Oct. 2. Michigan teachers in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties can submit creative project ideas on ClassroomCash.org. Educators will describe how the innovative concept enhances their students’ learning experience for a chance to receive a grant. After the application period closes, community members are encouraged to vote for their favorite projects from Oct.14 – 24 using the Classroom Cash Grants website, with options to vote via email or text. Projects with the most votes will receive grants and winners will be announced in early November. The 2026 program gathered more than 107,000 votes from local community members hoping to see their favorite ideas win.

Throughout the program’s 21-year history, MSGCU has awarded more than $750,000 in grants, funding over 1,300 classroom projects. The grants awarded last year supported teachers’ goals of bringing innovative curriculum to their classrooms and a snapshot of items purchased includes:

  • John LaFever, an instructor at Career Prep Center in Sterling Heights, bought radio-controlled cars, motors, tires, and suspension parts. Pre-engineering and computer aided design students learned about the science of making stock radio-controlled cars faster by changing various parts. After modifying the cars, the students attended a competition with other Michigan schools to test the performance of their vehicles.
  • Elisa Fixler, a teacher at Whitmore Lake High School and Middle School, purchased Roland T-8 hands-on beatmakers. The equipment helps students in the music technology class develop their skills with programming sound equipment that’s used in music production, sound design, DJing, and beat making.
  • Michelle Brandon, an educator at Walled Lake Northern High School, bought standup paddleboards for the Outdoor Pursuits class. Students use the paddleboards in the pool to learn about water safety and paddling skills before paddleboarding in a local lake during a camping trip.

MSGCU invites Southeast Michigan teachers to apply for a Classroom Cash Grant, including those who serve in public, private, parochial, or charter schools. Applicants who previously received a grant or submitted a project may reapply with a new learning experience for their classroom. Applicants do not have to be an MSGCU member to enter, but winners must become a member to receive their grant.

Educators can also take advantage of other MSGCU programs, including special loans designed for classroom purchases, scholarship opportunities, and free financial literacy programs that support curriculum needs. To help educators and students, MSGCU offers classroom presentations, workshops, and financial Reality Fairs designed to build strong foundations for students’ money management skills.

For more information about the 2026 Classroom Cash Grants program or to submit a project idea, please visit ClassroomCash.org.



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