Zion Lutheran Church of Marinette has pledged its support for local youth by making a $24,000 multi-year donation to the M&M Area Community Foundation’s (MMACF) Future Fund children’s savings account program.
The contribution from Zion Church is on behalf of the Ken & Thea Swenson Youth Fund. Over the next three years, the contribution will be used to “adopt” the incoming fourth-grade students across Marinette and Menominee Counties by providing an additional yearly financial incentive into their savings accounts. These fourth-grade pioneers are the original class to receive a dedicated post-secondary savings account.
“Zion Church is proud to invest in the future of children across Marinette and Menominee Counties,” said Troy Cording, Zion’s Council president. “We know this program encourages all children to dream big! We are excited to play a role in making their educational goals a reality.”
The Future Fund began when the Community Foundation established $50 savings accounts for area kindergarten classes. Each year until graduation more money is added to every child’s account. These additions are made possible through the financial “adoption” of classes by area supporters. Research has demonstrated that children’s savings accounts help children begin to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate educational and financial institutions – now and in the future.
The MMACF encourages community support 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 MMACF Executive Director, Paula Gruszynski, 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.