Welcome back to the Governor’s 3 Under 3 – your quick source for important updates and information to keep Michigan Optimists moving forward. In this edition, we’re diving into three key topics that are vital for our members and clubs. Let’s jump right in!
1. Club Officer Training Deadline
Attention all current Optimist Club officers! There’s an important deadline you need to meet. To fulfill the International, Club, and District Policy (ICD)-135 requirement for Honor Club status, all officers must complete their training by March 31, 2025. This is a critical step in ensuring your club remains in good standing and is eligible for all available benefits.
A monthly report is sent to both the Governor and the District Leadership Development Chair, so you’ll want to make sure you’re on the list of officers who have completed their training. Don’t wait—start today!
To get started, visit the Optimist Institute, where you can find all the required courses. If you need a guide, a step-by-step manual is available on the Michigan District website. Let’s make sure we’re all on track to meet the deadline!
2. Optimist International Foundation (OIF) Club Grant Program
Looking to make a meaningful impact in your community with a new project? The Optimist International Foundation’s Club Grant Program is here to help. If your Optimist Club has a fresh initiative in mind, this is your chance to apply for a grant to fund it!
Clubs are eligible to apply for grants between $250 and $1,000 to kickstart a project. The project must take place between April 2025 and March 2026 and meet the matching grant criteria—your club will need to match the grant funds and report on the project’s results.
Important Dates to Remember:
- Applications are open now: Apply online at oifoundation.org
- March 21, 2025: Applications must be received in the St. Louis office (NOT the PO Box!)
- May 16, 2025: Winners will be notified!
The Club Grant Program is a fantastic opportunity to fund a new program and bring positive change to your community. Need help raising matching funds? Consider the Pass-Through Program, which helps clubs secure donations from local businesses and foundations.
Don’t miss out on this chance to bring your vision to life—apply today!
3. Optimist Junior Golf Scholarship Competition
Exciting news for young golfers and Optimist clubs alike! The Optimist Junior Golf Scholarship Competition is returning to Forest Akers Golf Course on the Michigan State University campus from June 16 to 17, 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for young athletes to compete for scholarships and showcase their talents.
But we need your help! We are calling on Optimist clubs to host local qualifying tournaments to give young golfers the chance to qualify for the main event. What’s even more exciting is that for every dollar raised through club, corporate, or personal donations, the Michigan District will match it dollar for dollar—up to $2,000! Your donation can go twice as far in supporting the next generation of golfers.
Donations can be made by check (made out to Michigan District Optimists with “Junior Golf” in the memo) and mailed to the District Treasurer, or you can donate directly through the Michigan District website’s store page. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact on these young athletes’ futures.
Thank you for tuning in to another edition of Governor’s 3 Under 3. We hope these updates help guide you and your club toward success. Don’t forget to subscribe to our bi-weekly eBlasts and follow us on all our social media pages for the latest updates. Together, we can bring out the best in our youth, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves.
Stay inspired, and we look forward to seeing you in our next update!
