The Michigan community is strongest when we come together. Wednesday, March 16, is Giving Blueday, an annual day of online giving. It's a great time to join support any organization you’re passionate about, like the Emergency Hardship Program and Project Healthy Schools.

Help for Colleagues in Need

Unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances such as sudden illness, family crisis, or natural disaster can result in a traumatic or emergency financial crisis for a faculty or staff member. The Emergency Hardship Program can provide resource recommendations and, in specific emergency cases, financial support to help bridge the gap. Begun in 2007 with a grant from the University of Michigan Credit Union and matching funds donated by faculty and staff, the program is primarily supported by the donations of faculty and staff members.

As you can imagine, it's been one of the most challenging years for many of our colleagues. In 2021 the program has provided resource recommendations to hundreds as well as 51 grants totaling $55,559 have been awarded to support U-M employees in need. This is the highest number in any calendar year for the program.

Grants are awarded to avoid one-time/severe emergencies to assist with avoiding utility shut-offs, being evicted from one’s home, or major unexpected car repairs for those who commute. To be eligible, employees must be in good standing and have been employed the last six consecutive months in a regular (non-temporary) position with an appointment of 50% or more. 

For more information visit the Emergency Hardship Program webpage. If you are able, consider making a financial donation to support the fund today. 
 

Helping Teach Kids Healthy Habits for Life

Project Healthy Schools is a community-University of Michigan collaborative which aims to improve the current and future health of Michigan’s youth.  This program is a subset of MHealthy and teaches middle-school students about the impact of nutrition and activity on their lifelong health. Please consider supporting Project Healthy Schools on Giving Blueday. Since 2004, Project Healthy Schools has been implemented in over 140 schools across the state of Michigan. It relies on gifts from people like you to sustain the program year after year in existing schools, benefiting future generations of students.  For example, a donation of:

• $25 buys salad lesson supplies for an entire class 
• $50 buys a bushel of apples for an apple tasting
• $1,500 buys materials for one school for one year.

You can also encourage your family and friends to contribute by following Project Healthy Schools on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sharing the Giving Blueday announcements. For more information, about Project Healthy Schools visit www.projecthealthyschools.org or go right to the Project Healthy Schools funding page to provide some support.

More Opportunities to Give Support

Friends of the U-M Children’s Centers

Your gift to this fund provides essential support for early childhood education, teacher professional development, and tuition grants at the Health System Children's Center, North Campus Children's Center, and Towsley Children's House. Give now to help support quality early childhood education and tuition grants at the University of Michigan Children’s Centers.