The $13,000 raised at the Wednesday, June 18, pizza party fundraiser will help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who otherwise might lack resources to pursue higher education when they age out of the foster care system.
For a minimum donation of $10, attendees received a slice of pizza, dessert and a drink.
This year, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Black History Committee partnered with the Fostering Futures Scholarship to hold a celebration in honor of Juneteenth.
Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses. Funds raised through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provide scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university. Awards are paid to the students’ college or university for expenses.
Approximately10,000 youth are currently in Michigan’s foster care system. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school, and only 3% earn a degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has raised more than $1.4 million through events and contributions.
In addition, over 140 pillows and more than 200 pillowcases were collected during the pizza party for The Pillow Effect, a Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) project. Because children entering foster care often don’t have their essential personal items with them, donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.
The Pizza Party on the Capitol Lawn is sponsored by Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan College Access Network, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan First Credit Union, WKAR PBS, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WLNS-TV 6, and MSU Federal Credit Union, with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.
Couldn’t attend and want to make a difference?
Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.
Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction on federal and state income tax forms in the year they are made. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.
To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund or to donate, go to www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks on June 3 announced that the City of Flint and State of Michigan have entered into an agreement to streamline taxpayer services for those who live or work in the city.
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, the Michigan Department of Treasury will begin processing City of Flint income tax returns for the 2026 tax year. This includes processing individual, corporate, partnership and fiduciary income tax returns, as well as collecting and enforcing income tax withholding.
City of Flint taxpayers will have the ability to file and pay through a state administrated system—like the process used for the City of Detroit.
“Partnering with the Michigan Department of Treasury will provide Flint taxpayers with streamlined services and reflects our commitment to efficient and effective governance,” Mayor Neeley said. “I look forward to building our relationship with the State of Michigan to better serve Flint taxpayers.”
Currently, the City of Flint's Income Tax Division oversees the collection and enforcement of the city's income tax, which includes a 1% tax rate for residents and a 0.5% tax rate for non-residents working within the city.
The new partnership will benefit city taxpayers by allowing them to electronically file their Flint return along with their state individual income tax return beginning in 2027. The combined electronic filing of city and state returns will provide the following benefits:
- Enable online services for taxpayers to electronically file, pay, and self-manage their accounts
- Provide faster refunds and improve accuracy with built-in validations
- Allow for centralized support with multichannel communications, such as messaging, phone and email
The move marks the second city in the State of Michigan that has entered into an agreement with the state Treasury Department. Since 2015, the City of Detroit has been in an agreement with the State of Michigan to process its individual and business taxes.
Since Treasury began partnering with the City of Detroit to administer its income tax in 2015, the city has experienced a 54% increase in tax revenue—an outcome that reflects not only improved administration but also the City’s leadership in driving economic growth, expanding employment opportunities, and restoring fiscal stability.
“Our city income tax partnerships are a win for both residents and city governments,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Using state mechanisms to file and pay tax returns makes it easier for taxpayers and city administrators. Imagine being able to electronically file both your state and city income tax returns at the same time. All tax business can be done in one place at one time.”
Over the next year, the City of Flint and State of Michigan will be working together to plan for the rollout of the state processing the city’s individual income tax returns in 2027. Until that time, Flint taxpayers are to work with Flint officials for filing city income tax returns and paying city taxes.
For more information, please contact the City of Flint Income Tax Division at 810-766-7015 or visit our website at www.cityofflint.com/income-tax-division. To learn more about the partnership between the State of Michigan and city of Flint, go to www.michigan.gov/citytax.
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