Here for
Michigan's
kids, forever.
2025 Annual Report
Impact – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come
Our 2025 Annual Report reflects the meaningful partnerships, shared progress, and lasting impact we’ve made together this year.
A Message From Our President & CEO
At the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, we are focused on one goal: ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, today and for generations to come.
In 2025, we sharpened how we fulfill that mission. As we looked closely at the evolving needs of Michigan’s children and families, one thing became clear: our greatest impact comes from connecting donors, communities, and opportunities in ways that create both immediate support and lasting change.
Throughout this report, you’ll see how that work comes to life—from strategic grantmaking to strengthening the long-term durability of youth-serving organizations. Across each of these efforts, our role is consistent: aligning community insight with philanthropic resources to expand what’s possible for children.
A defining theme of this year is long-term impact, which we are creating by building and growing our Endowment for Kids, a permanent source of support for Michigan’s children. This work ensures that the resources needed to support children will not only meet today’s needs but continue to grow and serve generations to come.
This year also marked an important leadership moment. In December, Peter Ginopolis was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. His deep commitment to our mission and long-standing connection to the Foundation will help guide our work in the years ahead.
We are grateful for the partners, donors, and community leaders who make this work possible. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Michigan.
Andrew Stein
President & CEO
A Message From Our Board Chair
Dear Friends,
The Children’s Foundation of Michigan has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my father serve this organization, and over time, that commitment became something our entire family embraced through service, support, and a shared belief in its mission. Today, it’s a legacy I am proud to carry forward.
Now, as Board Chair and as a parent, that connection has deepened and I am honored to help lead this work into its next chapter.
In March 2025, our daughter Sophia was diagnosed with cancer at just one year old. In this time, I have seen the challenges of the system up close, the unmet needs, and the essential support that help families navigate them. It reinforced to me how much organizations like this Foundation matter.
That perspective is what drives me as I step into this role: purpose, urgency, and responsibility for what comes next. Because every child deserves the chance to be healthy, supported, and to have a future, no matter the circumstances facing them.
Thank you for helping make that possible for Michigan’s families.
Peter Ginopolis
Board Chair
Intended Impact
Grantmaking
Partnerships to change lives
In 2025, our grantmaking reflected more than an understanding of community needs; it demonstrated how we connect insight, partnerships, and philanthropic resources to create lasting change for Michigan’s children and families. This also marked our first year organizing this work around five core focus areas:
Disorder
Hospital
Of Michigan
Initiatives
Throughout the year, we advanced community-driven solutions, supported innovative research, and strengthened organizations working closest to children and families.
When approaching our grantmaking, we use the following strategies to help us respond to urgent needs, support what works, and build long-term impact across Michigan.
Forward-thinking: We stay closely connected to communities to identify emerging needs and help bring promising solutions to life—supporting initiatives like Rx Kids from early implementation through expansion.
Responding in the moment: When rising costs and funding gaps put pressure on essential services, we directed funding to sustain food and nutrition and refugee support programs.
Supporting proven solutions: Our team identifies and supports programs grounded in proven models to improve children’s health and wellbeing, directing support toward approaches that deliver real results.
Extending the reach of every dollar: Through thoughtful grantmaking, we helped organizations unlock additional funding, which led to expanding access to care and supporting more families.
Working together: We bring funders, community partners, and leaders together to strengthen statewide efforts, including leadership in the Oral Health Collaborative and participation in the Leaders in Mental Health Collaborative.
GRANTMAKING PARTNERSHIPS
Our impact extends to young people in communities statewide, with deep roots in Southeast Michigan.
This map reflects our 2024 and 2025 grantmaking partnerships, which span fifteen counties throughout Michigan.
Counties:
Alcona
Bay
Eaton
Genesee
Houghton
Ingham
Isabella
Macomb
Mecosta
Midland
Oakland
Oscoda
Saginaw
Washtenaw
Wayne
Stories of Impact
We shape our work by listening to communities, using trusted data, and supporting practical solutions that fit each community. Our grantmaking is guided by five focus areas, including: Physical Health, Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Health Equity, and Children’s Hospital of Michigan Initiatives.
Empowering health care systems that last: $50,000
Physical Health
For many Detroit families, barriers like transportation, limited access, and navigating multiple providers make it difficult to prioritize physical health.
Our grant to Centers for Family Development supported the hiring of a Family Nurse Practitioner, allowing families already receiving trusted behavioral and family health services to also access primary care in the same setting.
More than 860 children under the age of 18 were served through this grant. Beyond that, this support was catalytic, unlocking additional resources by enabling the organization to bill insurance for service. This approach strengthens the sustainability of care and ensures the position continues supporting families long beyond our initial grant.
Supporting parent-child relationships to guide healthy development: $75,000
Health Equity
Strong parent-child relationships are critical to healthy development, yet many families lack access to support in the earliest years of a child’s life.
The Children’s Foundation of Michigan supported the expansion of the evidence-based Parents as Teachers (PAT) program through partners including Oakland Family Services (OFS) and Boldli. Through PAT, families with children from birth to age six receive in-home support, developmental screenings, and connections to community resources services that equip families with the support and resources needed to promote healthy child development.
In 2025, Oakland Family Services lost a key source of funding, putting PAT services at risk. The Foundation’s grant helped stabilize the program, maintain support for families, and position OFS to secure additional funding for long-term sustainability.
By focusing on early childhood and proven, community-based approaches, this work helps address root causes and build a strong foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
Changing how hospitalized children experience care:
$330,000 since 2023
CHM Initiatives
For children facing the stress and uncertainty of hospitalization, comfort can be just as important as treatment.
Recognizing the need for enhanced Child Life specialty approaches to care, the Children’s Foundation of Michigan helped bring this model into practice by supporting the education and long-term integration of Pumpkin, a facility dog at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Working alongside care teams, Pumpkin helps ease anxiety, support procedures, and improve communication with patients, enhancing both the clinical experience and emotional well-being of children and families.
This approach expands what care can look like, addressing gaps in traditional treatment and creating more comprehensive, patient-centered support for those navigating some of their most difficult moments.
2025 Grants
In 2025, we awarded $5.4 million through 120 grants, supporting 45 organizations that are working to improve the lives of children in Michigan.
Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative
Year One: Laying the groundwork for what lasts
In January 2025, the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, in partnership with Bill and Lisa Ford, announced the 11 organizations selected for the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative—grounded in the belief that Detroit’s youth-serving organizations are here to stay, just like the Station itself. Our work with these organizations has gone beyond funding. Alongside endowment funding and a match, we have equipped them with the tools, skills, and coaching to fundraise and manage their endowments over time — capacity they will carry forward, growing support for kids well beyond this campaign.
The graphic below illustrates how each organization’s initial $500,000 endowment gift grows to $1.5 million through dollar-for-dollar matching, plus additional grants and capacity-building support that sustain their work beyond the campaign.
Initial Gift
(Endowment)
An initial $500,000 permanent endowment established for each organization.
Fundraising
(Current Stage)
Actively fundraising to unlock the full $500,000 match.
Matching Commitment
Every dollar raised is matched dollar for dollar, up to $500,000.
Unrestricted Grants
2025: $50,000
2026: $50,000
Flexible funding that will mirror future endowment distribution.
Technical Assistance Funds
2025: $75,000
2026: $50,000
Support for fundraising, planning, and organizational growth.
Capacity-Building Support
Support for fundraising, planning, and organizational growth.
Beyond the Campaign
With new tools, training, and experience, this work continues beyond the campaign, sustaining Detroit’s children forever.
In the first year of a two-year cohort designed to build long-term impact, the Foundation worked closely with each organization to strengthen both fundraising and endowment strategy. Participants engaged in:
Monthly working sessions to build tools, strategy, and mindset for durability
Endowment and fundraising development aligned to long-term growth
One-on-one consulting with Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit advisory firm
Through this work, the Initiative reinforces that endowment is not just about dollars raised, but it is also about building the capacity and discipline to sustain impact over time.
This Initiative is possible thanks to the generosity of more than 300 donors who raised more than $19 million to support the 11 participating organizations—an extraordinary investment in ensuring they can serve Detroit’s young people for generations to come.
Our Strategic Direction
Here for Michigan's
kids, forever.
In 2025, we took a thoughtful look at our purpose, our impact, and the needs of children across Michigan—shaping a renewed strategy focused on connecting donors, communities, and solutions to create lasting change.
With statewide reach and deep local relationships, we are uniquely positioned to understand where needs are greatest and direct resources where they can make the most meaningful difference, now and for generations to come.
Why we evaluated our strategic direction.
As our work has grown, we’ve taken time to reflect on our role and the difference we want to make for Michigan’s children and families. Through recent times, we’ve seen how needs continue to evolve and how quickly new challenges can emerge.
To remain a consistent and reliable resource, we must continue to strengthen our foundation, ensuring we have the clarity, resources, and readiness to respond in the moment while building toward lasting solutions.
At the intersection of donors and community organizations, we are uniquely positioned to translate needs into funding, align resources with broader systems, and help ideas scale beyond a single community—allowing us to see both immediate needs and long-term gaps and connect resources in ways that address both.
What we learned
As we reflected on our work, and what we are seeing across communities throughout Michigan, three key insights emerged:
Long-term impact requires sustained resources
Long-term impact requires sustained resources
The needs of children are ever-changing, and they often persist far beyond a single grant cycle or moment of crisis. To create lasting change, support must be reliable over time. A strong and growing endowment is essential to provide a stable, long-term source of philanthropic support so we can respond to needs today as we identify and support solutions for generations to come.
Strong organizations are essential to serving children
Strong organizations are essential to serving children
Lasting impact depends on the strength and stability of the organizations closest to children and families. Youth-serving organizations deserve a variety of capital, including endowment—and they deserve a partner in starting, growing, and managing that endowment to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of their organization.
Donors are seeking meaningful, lasting ways to give
Donors are seeking meaningful, lasting ways to give
We continue to be inspired by the generosity of our community. Donors want to make a difference in ways that are both personal and enduring, and we help connect their goals with opportunities that create lasting impact for children across Michigan.
Long-term impact requires sustained resources
Long-term impact requires sustained resources
The needs of children are ever-changing, and they often persist far beyond a single grant cycle or moment of crisis. To create lasting change, support must be reliable over time. A strong and growing endowment is essential to provide a stable, long-term source of philanthropic support so we can respond to needs today as we identify and support solutions for generations to come.
Strong organizations are essential to serving children
Strong organizations are essential to serving children
Lasting impact depends on the strength and stability of the organizations closest to children and families. Youth-serving organizations deserve a variety of capital, including endowment—and they deserve a partner in starting, growing, and managing that endowment to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of their organization.
Donors are seeking meaningful, lasting ways to give
Donors are seeking meaningful, lasting ways to give
We continue to be inspired by the generosity of our community. Donors want to make a difference in ways that are both personal and enduring, and we help connect their goals with opportunities that create lasting impact for children across Michigan.
What's new
Our Strategic Priorities
Together, these priorities strengthen how we connect philanthropic resources with community needs—creating a continuous cycle of support, opportunity, and long-term impact.
1
Building lasting support for kids through endowment
We are growing our Endowment for Kids to provide lasting support for the programs and partnerships that matter most, and so we can reach more children, support more communities, and be ready to meet whatever challenges young people face. Donors can give to our Greatest Needs fund or to one of ten Field of Interest funds where they can choose a cause meaningful to them, including: Autism, Abuse & Neglect, Basic Needs, Childhood Cancer, Education, Maternal & Infant Health, Mental Health, Physical Health, Substance Use Disorder, or Suicide Prevention.
2
Strengthening youth-serving organizations
We are a partner to non-profit organizations, helping them build and grow their own endowments which strengthens their financial foundation and long-term ability to serve children. When youth-serving organizations are strong, so are the futures of the children they support.
3
Helping donors
align their
values with
impact
We work closely with donors to understand their goals and connect them with meaningful opportunities to make a difference, providing the guidance, structure, and flexibility needed to create lasting impact for Michigan’s children.
1
Building lasting support for kids through endowment
We are growing our Endowment for Kids to provide lasting support for the programs and partnerships that matter most, and so we can reach more children, support more communities, and be ready to meet whatever challenges young people face. Donors can give to our Greatest Needs fund or to one of ten Field of Interest funds where they can choose a cause meaningful to them, including: Autism, Abuse & Neglect, Basic Needs, Childhood Cancer, Education, Maternal & Infant Health, Mental Health, Physical Health, Substance Use Disorder, or Suicide Prevention.
2
Strengthening youth-serving organizations
We are a partner to non-profit organizations, helping them build and grow their own endowments which strengthens their financial foundation and long-term ability to serve children. When youth-serving organizations are strong, so are the futures of the children they support.
3
Helping donors
align their
values with
impact
We work closely with donors to understand their goals and connect them with meaningful opportunities to make a difference, providing the guidance, structure, and flexibility needed to create lasting impact for Michigan’s children.
What this means
This work strengthens our ability to connect resources with need in meaningful, lasting ways. It creates more sustainable support for programs, improves our ability to respond to challenges across Michigan, and deepens partnerships with both community organizations and donors, who are essential to advancing this work.
“This moment is not just about where we’re going, but why we exist. We’re strengthening who we are for the long-term, and that includes growing resources, deepening partnerships, and creating new pathways for impact, so every child in Michigan has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and thrive.”
Andrew Stein
President & CEO
Fundraising
The generosity of our donors is core to our work, giving millions each year to improve the lives of kids in Michigan.
Thank you to our fundraising partner, Spirit Halloween, for their annual support of Child Life Specialty programs at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
Why I have a fund at the Foundation
Our fundraising work is centered on one goal: helping donors turn their generosity into lasting impact. By providing the structure, insight, and partnerships needed to give effectively, we make it possible for every donor to contribute to lasting impact for Michigan’s children.
Gretchen Holloway: Creating a family legacy and lasting impact through Endowment for Kids
As a Trustee, I’ve seen how thoughtfully the Children’s Foundation of Michigan advances its mission, putting donor resources to work for children.
I’ve always believed that endowment is one of the most powerful ways to create stability and ensuring support is there not just for today’s needs, but for the challenges we can’t yet see.
When I decided to start a Greatest Needs Fund, I knew it would make a difference in the community. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was that it could also carry my family’s name—and take on a more personal meaning.
The Holloway Family Fund isn’t just something we give to each year, it’s a way to stay connected to a cause we care deeply about and to create something that extends beyond my lifetime.
My hope is that this fund will continue to support children and families for generations to come and that it will also serve as a point of connection for my children and grandchildren, inspiring them to stay engaged and carry this work forward.
Gretchen Holloway
Trustee
Senior Vice President & CFO
ITC Holdings Corp.
Gretchen Holloway and her family
Gretchen Holloway
Chaldean Community Foundation: Building long-term durability with nonprofit endowment
In 2025, we built strong momentum around our endowment fund, established in partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, as a cornerstone of our long-term sustainability strategy. With a goal of growing this fund to $10 million in the coming years, we are actively advancing our vision for an endowment that strengthens our ability to support new Americans—not only today, but for generations to come.
Over the past year, evolving community needs have reinforced the importance of a stable, lasting source of funding. Through our partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, we are strengthening our role—not only as a service provider, but as an enduring institution prepared to adapt, lead, and sustain impact over time.
Looking ahead, we will continue exploring strategic opportunities and future campaigns to expand our endowment and reinforce the financial foundation that allows our mission to thrive well into the future.
Martin Manna
President
Chaldean Community Foundation
Martin Manna
President
Chaldean Community Foundation
Ashok and Ingrid Sarnaik:
Fulfilling personal giving goals
Our endowment, Creating Ladders of Opportunity for Youth, reflects a deeply personal commitment to expanding opportunities for children in Detroit. With a fund now exceeding $1.2 million, our vision is both ambitious and intentional, focused on supporting programs that foster youth development, academic achievement, and overall well-being. In partnership with the Children’s Foundation of Michigan, we’re able to bring this vision to life with the expertise and flexibility needed to tailor an approach that aligns with our goals.
The central tenet of our philosophy is consistent with the principle of Ubuntu which can be briefly summarized as “I am because we all are”. For a Society to be successful, every one of its segments needs to be uplifted. Our endowment has been a hands-on and thoughtfully designed partnership with Children’s Foundation. We’ve remained actively engaged in shaping the fund, ensuring that each element—from scholarships to enrichment and wellness programming—works together to support the whole child. Through this partnership, we’re able to translate our vision into meaningful, lasting impact for children across Michigan.
Drs. Ashok and Ingrid (Sharada) Sarnaik
Drs. Ashok
and Ingrid (Sharada) Sarnaik
Join us in building a lasting impact
2025 Highlights
Council on Foundations Annual Conference | June 10, 2025
Crain’s Detroit’s Notable Leaders in Philanthropy | June 16, 2025
Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit Class XLVI | September 21, 2025
Council of Michigan Foundations’ 53rd Annual Conference in Kalamazoo | October 15, 2025
Peter Ginopolis was elected Chair | December 17, 2025
Leadership
Our Board
Officers
Peter Ginopolis, Chair
Cynthia Ford, Vice Chair
Fred Minturn, Vice Chair
Lizabeth Ardisana, Secretary
Andy Zaleski, Treasurer
Trustees
John D. Baker, M.D.
John Barker
Karl Bell
Michael Ben
Tom Berman
Steve J. Blahunka
Greg Bockart, Jr
Andrea Brimmer
James F. Carr, Jr.
Ajay Chawla
Dan Cornwell
Lauren Cotton
Robert O. Davies
Zenna Elhasan
Phillip Fisher
Terry Gardner
Rich Haddad
Gretchen Holloway
Lorron James
Steve Jbara
Mable V. Jones, Ph.D.
Laura Kowalchik
David Kwon, M.D.
Edward C. Levy, Jr.
Anita Masters Penta
Sarah McDade, M.D.
Erik Morganroth
Samuel Shaheen, M.D.
Rachel Stewart
Luanne Thomas Ewald
Erica Ward Gerson
Donnell White
Lyle M. Wolberg
Our financial statements are audited on an annual basis and are available below.