$101 million in efficiency grants will strengthen Michigan education, maximize classroom impact

The Michigan Department of Education announced more than $101 million in efficiency grants for school districts around the state, representing a critical step in advancing the work that Launch Michigan has long championed: ensuring that public education funding is used to benefit Michigan students and educators.

The efficiency grants, available through the Michigan School Aid budget, support school districts and intermediate school districts in conducting feasibility studies and consolidating services or schools under sections 11x, 12c, and 12d. School districts and ISDs can apply for these grant funds through GEMS. 

“By consolidating services and adopting innovative practices, we’re creating a public education system that puts the needs of students and educators first," said Venessa Keesler, president and CEO of Launch Michigan. "Advocating for efficiency grant funding has been a top priority for Launch Michigan this year, and these grants will help districts identify long-term cost savings while expanding opportunities for students."

Funds in 11x and 12c have been appropriated in the state budget for several years, but the dollars remained unspent because districts don’t know about them or how to apply. Launch Michigan continues to raise awareness of efficiency grant funds and opportunities, advocates for the preservation of funds, and connects districts with resources during the grant application process.

Launch Michigan helped the Lansing School District navigate the 11x and 12c grant application process, and the district received $24.5 million for facility updates and consolidation – which will result in $3.84 million in yearly savings for the district to reinvest in students.

"Ensuring funding allocated to education makes it into the classroom is essential to helping Michigan students succeed," said Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan and chair of the Launch Michigan Board of Directors. "Efficiency grants provide schools with the tools to focus funding on what matters most – delivering better outcomes for our kids and their futures."

Launch Michigan will continue to promote the use of these funds and plans to share best practices with school districts in early 2025. To learn more about Launch Michigan’s work in efficiencies, visit www.launchmichigan.org/efficiencies.