Our Funds

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The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment supports the continuation and further development of programs and services to support Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, related to family and consumer sciences.

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Grantmaking Focus

Grant applications are accepted annually each Fall. Applications for programs and activities focused on nutrition and, in particular, school aged children and obesity issues, will be considered. Priority will be given to proposals that are creative, evidence-based, and linked with MSUE Resources.

Program objectives may include, but are not limited to:

1. Education for students and families, including

• Healthy choices for snacks/meals and consequences of unhealthy choices
• Programs that educate about how to understand nutritional content in foods
• Programs that educate about the preparation and preservation of food

2. Physical activity for students and families

3. Programs that represent the values of Home Economics (the study of our near environment: food, clothing, family, home and community). A professional home economist possesses expertise which includes: safe food handling, nutrition, parenting skills, household management, consumer buying, housing, and leadership skills. Home Economics is now known as Family and Consumer Sciences.

2024 Amount Available: $6,000

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Joan Rajkovich McGarry

Joan Rajkovich McGarry served the Grand Traverse community - her home - throughout her lifetime, both professionally and as a volunteer. The focus of her service was always to make things better for families. She did that through teaching, advocacy and developing opportunities, both economic and educational.

Joan graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in Human Ecology, Education and Community Services. In 1975, she received her Master of Arts degree from MSU in Adult and Continuing Education. She worked for Michigan State University Extension serving Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties for nearly 25 years. Her work made a difference in people's lives. She knew it, she believed it and she lived it.

Certainly no one can replace Joan, but thanks to her many contributions and the vision of those that knew and loved her, home economic services will continue to be provided the the families of Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.

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