Eaton Rapids Education Foundation
Eaton Rapids Education Foundation
The Eaton Rapids Education Foundation (EREF) is a private, nonprofit organization committed to providing additional financial support to initiatives that enrich the educational experiences of public school students in Eaton Rapids.
The Eaton Rapids Education Foundation (EREF) is a private, nonprofit organization committed to providing additional financial support to initiatives that enrich the educational experiences of public school students in Eaton Rapids.
Throughout the year, EREF hosts various events to raise funds that create grant opportunities for teachers and staff in Eaton Rapids.
Who Can Apply?
Grants are available to all ERPS teachers, staff members, school clubs, and student groups.
Meet the EREF Board
Megan Crawford - President
Our mission is to equip our teachers with the essential learning tools they need to succeed in the classroom. We want them to know they are not alone and that we are here to support them whenever they need assistance.
Amanda Marriott - Vice President
As a lifelong resident of our community, I have always been deeply passionate about the quality
of education available to our children. By joining the Education Foundation, I saw an opportunity
to contribute directly to the advancement of education in our hometown by working directly with
our district’s teachers and staff for the betterment of our community’s students.
of education available to our children. By joining the Education Foundation, I saw an opportunity
to contribute directly to the advancement of education in our hometown by working directly with
our district’s teachers and staff for the betterment of our community’s students.
I have a very active interest in our community schools, being that my husband is the Middle
School Principal and our daughters are all part of the Eaton Rapids School District. Seeing my
husband’s dedication to his students and staff daily made me want to find a way to give back as
well. Even if my career isn’t in the education arena, there is always a way to help volunteer my
time to our district staff and students.
I am inspired by the mission and vision of the Education Foundation and am excited about the
opportunity to contribute my time and energy to its noble cause. I am confident that, together,
we can make a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of our teachers and students and the
vitality of our community.
Sara Kirkpatrick - Secretary
I joined the Board because I believe in the power of public education and the importance of
supporting our students, teachers, and staff. I’m passionate about helping create opportunities
that enhance learning, and I enjoy seeing the innovative ideas our educators bring forward
through grant proposals. It's an honor to be part of a team that helps bring those ideas to life for
the benefit of our school community.
supporting our students, teachers, and staff. I’m passionate about helping create opportunities
that enhance learning, and I enjoy seeing the innovative ideas our educators bring forward
through grant proposals. It's an honor to be part of a team that helps bring those ideas to life for
the benefit of our school community.
Emily Ireland - Treasurer
I volunteer with the foundation because I want to make a meaningful impact in my community,
especially when supporting our students' growth and success. It’s inspiring to see the school
staff find more creative and innovative approaches to bring to the classroom to help encourage
students’ learning.
especially when supporting our students' growth and success. It’s inspiring to see the school
staff find more creative and innovative approaches to bring to the classroom to help encourage
students’ learning.
Melissa Mongar - Grant Chair
I'm passionate about giving all students the opportunities they deserve. On the EREF Board, we get to support our teachers who truly make a difference in their lives.
Erin Lampani - Board Member
Supporting education has always been deeply important to me because I believe that when we
invest in our schools, we invest in the heart of our community. Strong schools empower
students, strengthen families, and create a foundation for a thriving community.
invest in our schools, we invest in the heart of our community. Strong schools empower
students, strengthen families, and create a foundation for a thriving community.
As a lifelong learner and community advocate, I’ve focused much of my work on strengthening
families and supporting community growth. Since moving to Eaton Rapids in 2016, I’ve been
inspired by the incredible dedication of our educators and families. Now, as the parent of two
young kids in Eaton Rapids Public Schools, I’m excited to step into the education arena and
help champion the foundation’s mission of enriching educational opportunities for all students.
families and supporting community growth. Since moving to Eaton Rapids in 2016, I’ve been
inspired by the incredible dedication of our educators and families. Now, as the parent of two
young kids in Eaton Rapids Public Schools, I’m excited to step into the education arena and
help champion the foundation’s mission of enriching educational opportunities for all students.
From classroom innovations to scholarships and educational resources, the Eaton Rapids
Education Foundation is doing vital work to support our schools. I’m honored to be part of this
effort and look forward to collaborating with others who are passionate about making a positive
impact.
Education Foundation is doing vital work to support our schools. I’m honored to be part of this
effort and look forward to collaborating with others who are passionate about making a positive
impact.
Kasidy Hannon - Board Member
I have been a part of the Eaton Rapids community my entire life. Being a part of this foundation
has allowed me to give back to the community that helped shape me into the individual I am
today. It also allows me to give back to the school district my children attend. Many staff
members and teachers give so much to our youth, and this foundation helps support those staff
members and teachers. For that reason and many more, I am extremely happy to be a part of
this foundation and thoroughly enjoy serving the community, staff, and teachers of Eaton
Rapids.
Let’s continue building a brighter future for our students and our community—together!
Katrina Hoffstetter - Board Member
I joined the Eaton Rapids Education Foundation Board because I believe deeply in the power of
education to create meaningful, lasting change. As a parent with kids in the district, I’ve seen
firsthand how impactful strong educational support can be for students, families, and the
entire community. I enjoy working closely with organizations that not only support education
but also actively strive to generate real, positive change. Being part of the Foundation is a way
for me to give back, stay connected, and help create opportunities for all Eaton Rapids students
to thrive.
*Board Members not pictured: Lindsey Hansen, Stacy Carstensen, and Ashleigh Miller
Awarded Grant totals by year
Awarded Grants 2024 - 2025
Awarded Grants 2023 - 2024
Awarded Grants 2022 - 2023
Grants funded by EREF
Sponsors
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SAVE THE DATE!!
The Eaton Rapids Education Foundation (EREF) is excited to host a Welcome Back Block Party to bring together our school families and community in celebration of the new school year. This fun-filled afternoon will offer
entertainment, food, and opportunities for community connection—all while supporting educational initiatives.
entertainment, food, and opportunities for community connection—all while supporting educational initiatives.
