MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association (MFAA) proudly announces a fund for grants. The MFAA Grants Committee is looking for grant proposals that continue MacMurray College’s legacy of helping students by enhancing their educational programs or by helping not-for-profit organizations serve their communities. Applicants do not need to have a direct connection to the former college. For this inaugural year, the two categories for grant proposals are:

Educational Grants of up to $5000 each. These grants will provide financial resources to not-for-profit organizations or school districts seeking to enhance educational programs.

Community Project Grants of up to $5000 each. These grants will provide financial resources to not-for-profit organizations seeking to create or improve a project that is beneficial to the community.

The Foundation has limited funding for the inaugural round of the grants with hopes the fund will grow over time. Anyone or organization who wants to submit a proposal for a MacMurray Foundation Grant may apply by going to www.MacAlumFoundation.org. The application process was launched November 10, 2025 and all grant proposals will be due by February 15, 2026.

In making the announcement Foundation Board Chair David Ekin stated, “making grants was one of the goals and areas of interest when we were founded in 2020. It is gratifying to see us realize another significant milestone in fulfilling our mission of continuing the legacy of MacMurray College. Hopefully donors, alumni and friends, will help us make this another strong part of the MacMurray Foundation.”

Jane Freiburg Nickerson, Chair of the Grants Committee, hopes the MacMurray Foundation can support several grants during this initial round to help provide funds for innovative educational and community projects. Nickerson stated, “We are looking for people to submit grant proposals who want to make a difference in their educational or community settings. Members of the Foundation want to support interesting projects that benefit students or local communities.”

Anyone wishing to support the fund for grants may go to www.MacAlumFoundation.org and use the Donate Now button or send a check to MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association, PO Box 47, Jacksonville, IL 62651 and indicate that it is for the Grants Fund. Anyone wishing to donate stock or make other arrangements to support the fund should send an e-mail to info@MacAlumFoundation.org or contact David Ekin at 314-229-1773