Target donation enables second named scholarship

Contributions from Target Corporation and its metro Detroit district team leader, Joe Swanson, to the Michigan Retailers Foundation have created a second “named” scholarship for the Minneapolis-based retailer.

A $5,000 grant from Target—the fourth major donation in four years—brings the total contributions made by Target and Swanson to $22,775.

A named scholarship is the form of recognition that the foundation provides to contributors who reach the Legacy Club level by donating at least $10,000 to the scholarship fund during their life (or through their estate). The second Target scholarship becomes the eighth named scholarship that the foundation awards annually.

“Our scholarship program has grown each year, thanks to generous contributions from retailers like Target that value education and wish to leave a legacy,” said Larry Meyer, MRA chairman and CEO.

“Thanks also go to MRA board member Joe Swanson for his contributions and his advocacy within his company for the foundation,” said Meyer.

Michigan Retailers Foundation, established in 1968, provides college scholarships annually to benefit retailers and their employees and families. For the 2005-06 academic year the foundation awarded a record 27 students with scholarships.

Awards are $500 for community college students and $1,000 for public or private college students. Financial need is not a consideration.

Target’s grant is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grant-making program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president of community relations at Target. “We are proud to partner with Michigan Retailers Association as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”