About the Charity of the Year Program
Each year, MASC/MAHS selects a Michigan-based nonprofit organization as our Charity of the Year, giving student leaders across the state a shared cause to support.
Throughout the school year, member schools are encouraged to get involved in whatever way works best for their council and community; through fundraising, item drives, volunteer opportunities, awareness campaigns, or other service projects.
The goal is bigger than simply raising money. The Charity of the Year program gives students an opportunity to learn about an important issue, mobilize their school community, and see the impact that collective action can have across Michigan.
Every school participates differently, but together, those efforts add up.
2026-27 Charity of the Year: The Hope Network
We were born from a belief that no human is more valuable than the next. And that belief drives every service we provide—from healthcare to social services and beyond. Every human deserves health, independence, and self-belief. These shouldn’t be privileges—they should be the standard. And we won’t stop until they are.
That’s why we provide life-changing services that bridge care gaps—offering health care like neuro rehabilitation, autism therapy, and mental health support, alongside essential social services like transportation, work skills training, affordable housing, and more.
Help Hope Happen
WE ARE ALL EQUALLY HUMAN
MAKE YOUR COY DONATION HERE
- The Hope Network: W-9
- In the “Donor Name” section, please add your full school name
- If mailing a check opposed to the digital donation use the following
- Checks made out to “The Hope Network”
- Memo line “MASC Fundraiser”
MORE THAN A DONATION
Fundraising is only one way your school can participate.
The Gift of Hope Item Drive
Schools can collect needed items to directly support Hope Network programs and the individuals they serve.
State Conference Item Wish List: Coming Soon
This is a great option for councils looking for a school-wide service project that allows more students to participate.
VOLUNTEER WITH HOPE NETWORK
Students, advisers, families, and school communities can also support several Hope Network events throughout the year.
Spirits of Hope – Grand Rapids
October 7, 2026 | Silva
Hope Network’s Grand Rapids fundraising event.
Holidays with Hope
December 8, 2026 | Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center
An annual celebration for Hope Network clients featuring an evening similar to a prom.
Hope Network Bridge Walk for Autism
April 29, 2027 | Blue Bridge, Grand Rapids
A community walk promoting autism acceptance and inclusion with approximately 2,500 participants.
Spirits of Hope – Detroit
May 2027 | Details Coming Soon
Hope Network’s Detroit-area fundraising event.
HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL HELP?
There is no single way to participate in Charity of the Year. Choose something that works for your council, school, and community.
- Host a school or community fundraiser.
- Organize a Gift of Hope item drive.
- Volunteer at a Hope Network event.
- Attend or support one of Hope Network’s annual events.
- Collect items from the State Conference wish list.
- Make a one-time donation.
- Organize a recurring giving campaign.
- Encourage families or community partners to use workplace matching gift programs.
- Help spread awareness about Hope Network’s mission.
- Show your support through Hope Network apparel and merchandise.
Whether your school raises $50, collects 500 items, volunteers together, or creates its own service project, every effort helps Hope Network continue its work across Michigan.
HELP HOPE HAPPEN
[LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HOPE NETWORK]
Extra Credit: Supporting your own Local COY – Here’s how it works:
This year student groups can look to their own community for nonprofits that are doing amazing work supporting their neighbors and community members. Your student group will review what nonprofits operate in your community and will select one local nonprofit that you would like to highlight as your school’s very own “Charity of the Year.” Here’s where the fun starts! After you’ve made your selection, we want schools reaching out to learn more about that nonprofits mission, benefits, organizational structure and the value they provide to your community. This information will be collected by your student group and turned into a 10-minute or less video overview of your selection.
This project gives educators the chance to encourage students to take a closer look at service leadership in their own communities, learn more about community initiatives and projects and provides students with a curricular activity (with an informational interview.) In the video overview students will also highlight their work to support this nonprofit, whether that be with fundraising, material collection, a social media awareness campaign or other creative ideas.
Help Promote Local Charities and their Work!
After your group has made the selection, follow our informational collection guide to help craft a custom video. These videos can be posted to your schools social media accounts, to local city webpages or shared with other media outlets to help spread the word and provide more exposure!
Informational Interview Video Should Include the Following (click to enlarge):
Students are encouraged to use video editing software to enhance the presentation and incorporate photos, video from student fundraising, awareness projects, images or promotional created, and video from the interview with your charities spokesperson.
COY Submission Videos!
Warterford Mott
Regina High School
Waterford Mott High School
Salem High School