Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative

Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central

Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative

Building a Legacy Starts Today

Strengthening organizations to serve our kids for generations to come.

The Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative is a lasting commitment to Detroit-area children and their future, reflecting the community’s hope that 11 local youth-serving organizations will endure forever.

Just as Michigan Central Station forever stands as a symbol of strength and hope, this Initiative symbolizes a dedication to the potential of our young people. Powered by generous donors and guided by a diverse selection committee—including input from 44 youth advisors—the Initiative strengthens the organizations that uplift children every day, ensuring they—like the station itself, will be here forever.

Committee Members

A diverse group of local leaders, advised by 44 youth, followed a transparent, equity-driven process to select the organizations.

^$19

Million

Over 300 generous donors invested in a campaign to support Detroit area kids.

Organizations

These organizations will spend two years building durability so they can serve Detroit-area youth in perpetuity.

^$19

Million

Over 300 generous donors invested in a campaign to support Detroit area kids.

Committee Members

A diverse group of local leaders, advised by 44 youth, followed a transparent, equity-driven process to select the organizations.

Organizations

These organizations will spend two years building durability so they can serve Detroit-area youth in perpetuity.

Selected organizations

have embarked on a journey to forever.

Selected organizations

have embarked on a journey to forever.

The 11 selected organizations will receive a $500,000 permanent endowment at the Children’s Foundation. Additionally, they will take part in a two-year strategy consulting cohort to strengthen their long-term impact on young people where they will receive grant support in 2025 and 2026, along with capacity-building investments.

During this two-year process, each organization will work to fundraise $500,000, which will be matched by the Initiative, dollar-for-dollar. This means each organization has the potential to build a $1.5 million endowment by the end of 2026.

But they need your help.

We invite you to support these organizations in their fundraising efforts by making a gift today. Learn more about their important work and access their giving pages below.

The Story Continues

In 2025 and 2026, the Initiative and its 11 organizations will share their journeys of building long-term durability. We will capture the stories of these organizations as they strengthen their impact and will share these valuable insights for other nonprofits interested in building durability today and for the future.

Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central

Birth Detroit

Birth Detroit is a Black-led nonprofit that provides safe, quality, loving prenatal, birth and postpartum care and education to pregnant people and families in Detroit.

When babies are born, families are born, and so are opportunities and hope for a bright future. Birth Detroit opened Detroit’s first freestanding birth center in 2024. Our mission is to midwife safe, quality, loving care through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Safety, trust, love and justice are our values.

To learn more about Birth Detroit visit

birthdetroit.com

Brilliant Detroit

Brilliant Detroit is a neighborhood-powered model focused on building “kid success neighborhoods”—connected places where families with children 0-8 have everything needed to thrive.

We use an innovative, hyper-local approach: transforming vacant houses in under-resourced neighborhoods into vibrant community hubs offering evidence-based programming to families within a 20-minute walk. Working “with, for, and by” communities, we partner with 200+ local and national partners to offer support across our pillars: Education, Health, Family Support, and Community Building.

To learn more about Birth Detroit visit

brilliantcities.org/detroit/

Chaldean Community Foundation

CCF primarily serves new Americans, low-income families and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Here to provide services for the family as a whole: Preschool for ages 3-5, youth sports camps, GED and ESL classes, career services and workforce development. Specific services are dedicated to providing assistance and advocacy to individuals with special needs. Families and individuals seeking mental health services ages 13+ can find compassionate licensed bilingual therapists regardless of their insurance status.

To learn more about the Chaldean Community Foundation visit

chaldeanfoundation.org

The Children’s Center

Since 1929, The Children’s Center has been empowering children and families in Detroit and Wayne County by supporting vulnerable youth facing trauma, mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental disabilities, and experiences with foster care and adoption.

Annually, we serve nearly 3,500 children ages 0 to 24, offering specialized clinical services and integrated healthcare that address the whole child, helping to overcome challenges and foster positive outcomes.

To learn more about the Children’s Center visit

thechildrenscenter.com

InsideOut

Founded in 1995, InsideOut is the oldest and largest literary arts organization in Detroit.

Our mission is to inspire and equip students to think critically, create bravely, and share their voices with the world. Over its near 30-year history, InsideOut has cultivated the literary and academic skills of 75,000 students with transformative, life-affirming learning experiences delivered in partnership with schools, cultural institutions, and community-based organizations across metro-Detroit.

To learn more about Inside Out visit

insideoutdetroit.org

Judson Center

Judson Center, a nonprofit human service agency, provides compassionate, comprehensive programs to children and families throughout southeast Michigan.

We change fates and restore childhoods for children who have been abused and neglected or who are challenged by developmental disabilities, severe emotional impairments, autism spectrum disorder, or behavioral health challenges. Judson Center has remained responsive to children’s needs by providing a range of innovative and quality services empowering children to live the best lives possible.

To learn more about Judson Center visit

judsoncenter.org

LAHC

LAHC-Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities is a Michigan-based nonprofit empowering communities through education, workforce development, public health, and social services.

Serving over 56,000 income-eligible residents annually, LAHC offers programs in behavioral health, substance misuse prevention, nutrition, physical fitness, and economic well-being. LAHC aims to expand services by 15% annually and complete a workforce development hub by 2026, fostering lasting impact across southeast Michigan.

To learn more about LAHC visit

lahc.org

Midnight Golf Program

The Midnight Golf Program helps the Detroit area’s most driven students overcome barriers and develop the skills they need to achieve success in education, work and life.

Our mission doesn’t stop at college admissions. From mentorship, life skills training, and mindset coaching to admissions counseling, college tours, and financial aid, we do everything we can to help our students take their goals all the way to graduation, and beyond.

To learn more about the Midnight Golf Program visit

midnightgolf.org

Ruth Ellis Center

For 25 years, Ruth Ellis Center has empowered LGBTQ+ young people, especially Black, and youth of color, in a region historically underserved and marginalized.

Through four dedicated sites, the Center addresses systemic barriers faced by LGBTQ+ young people, providing critical support in housing, health, economic stability, and social connection. The Ruth Ellis Center serves as a beacon of safety and opportunity, ensuring that marginalized youth have the resources they need to thrive in their communities.

To learn more about the Ruth Ellis Center visit

ruthelliscenter.org

SER Metro-Detroit

SER Metro-Detroit (SER) was established in 1971 as a community resource to address the employment and economic inequities of Hispanic Detroit residents.

For the past 53 years, SER has established itself as a community leader serving all Detroiters through education, training, job placement, financial education and economic supports. In particular, SER has been known for its human-centered service delivery model to assist at-risk youth gradually regain footing in their lives.

To learn more about SER Metro-Detroit visit

sermetro.org

Starfish Family Services

Starfish Family Services is a human service agency recognized as a champion for children and families across metro Detroit who have limited access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

We provide integrated, high-quality programs and support services that focus on early childhood education and development, behavioral health wellness, and empowered parents. Our holistic approach ensures families thrive by addressing their unique needs and creating opportunities for growth, resilience, and long-term success.

To learn more about Starfish Family Services visit

starfishfamilyservices.org

The Story Continues

Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central

The Children’s Foundation Announces Recipients of Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

January 16, 2025

To celebrate the historic reopening of Michigan Central Station, Bill and Lisa Ford have established the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative in partnership with the Children's Foundation.

We’re helping 10 groups establish $1.5M endowments, Here’s why, and how to apply | Opinion

July 13, 2024

Just over a month ago, we witnessed the incredible reopening of Michigan Central Station...

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative Nearly Doubles Initial Goal, Raises Over $19M; Applications Now Open for Youth-Serving Organizations to Apply

July 1, 2024

As the splendor of the restored historic Michigan Central Station is celebrated, the equally grand goal of the MCS Children’s Endowment can be too thanks to the generosity of the community contributing more than $19 million, nearly double the $10 million the campaign hoped to raise. Now, local youth-serving organizations in the Detroit-area can begin applying as of today, to be selected for one of 10 available endowments. This philanthropic effort was created by Bill and Lisa Ford in honor of the reopening of the iconic station, working in partnership with Children’s Foundation, a leading children’s philanthropic organization in the region.

The Children’s Foundation Announces Recipients of Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

January 16, 2025

We’re helping 10 groups establish $1.5M endowments, Here’s why, and how to apply | Opinion

July 13, 2024

Just over a month ago, we witnessed the incredible reopening of Michigan Central Station...

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative Nearly Doubles Initial Goal, Raises Over $19M; Applications Now Open for Youth-Serving Organizations to Apply

July 1, 2024

OUR PILLARS

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

Building a Legacy Starts Today

Strengthening organizations to serve our kids for generations to come.

Selected organizations

have embarked on a journey to forever.

Selected organizations

have embarked on a journey to forever.

The Story Continues

Birth Detroit is a Black-led nonprofit that provides safe, quality, loving prenatal, birth and postpartum care and education to pregnant people and families in Detroit.

To learn more about Birth Detroit visit

Brilliant Detroit is a neighborhood-powered model focused on building “kid success neighborhoods”—connected places where families with children 0-8 have everything needed to thrive.

To learn more about Birth Detroit visit

CCF primarily serves new Americans, low-income families and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

To learn more about the Chaldean Community Foundation visit

Since 1929, The Children’s Center has been empowering children and families in Detroit and Wayne County by supporting vulnerable youth facing trauma, mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental disabilities, and experiences with foster care and adoption.

To learn more about the Children’s Center visit

Founded in 1995, InsideOut is the oldest and largest literary arts organization in Detroit.

To learn more about Inside Out visit

Judson Center, a nonprofit human service agency, provides compassionate, comprehensive programs to children and families throughout southeast Michigan.

To learn more about Judson Center visit

LAHC-Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities is a Michigan-based nonprofit empowering communities through education, workforce development, public health, and social services.

To learn more about LAHC visit

The Midnight Golf Program helps the Detroit area’s most driven students overcome barriers and develop the skills they need to achieve success in education, work and life.

To learn more about the Midnight Golf Program visit

For 25 years, Ruth Ellis Center has empowered LGBTQ+ young people, especially Black, and youth of color, in a region historically underserved and marginalized.

To learn more about the Ruth Ellis Center visit

SER Metro-Detroit (SER) was established in 1971 as a community resource to address the employment and economic inequities of Hispanic Detroit residents.

To learn more about SER Metro-Detroit visit

Starfish Family Services is a human service agency recognized as a champion for children and families across metro Detroit who have limited access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

To learn more about Starfish Family Services visit

The Story Continues

The Children’s Foundation Announces Recipients of Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

We’re helping 10 groups establish $1.5M endowments, Here’s why, and how to apply | Opinion

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative Nearly Doubles Initial Goal, Raises Over $19M; Applications Now Open for Youth-Serving Organizations to Apply

The Children’s Foundation Announces Recipients of Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

We’re helping 10 groups establish $1.5M endowments, Here’s why, and how to apply | Opinion

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative Nearly Doubles Initial Goal, Raises Over $19M; Applications Now Open for Youth-Serving Organizations to Apply

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Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative

Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative