News & Stories

The Yunion: Innovation in increasing access to mental health care for our youth

The Yunion expands mental health access in Detroit schools through a closed-loop referral system ensuring culturally responsive care for youth.

Collaboratives for kids: Maximizing impact through funding partnerships

For many nonprofits, establishing an agency endowment can feel like something to revisit later—when resources feel more abundant or fundraising pressures ease. But agency endowments aren’t about waiting for the perfect moment. They’re about making an intentional investment in your organization’s future, creating long-term stability and sustaining your mission for generations to come.

Building for Forever: What it takes to strengthen youth-serving organizations for the long term

What does it take to ensure Detroit’s youth-serving organizations are here for generations to come? Through the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative, 11 organizations are building permanent endowments—supported by matching funds, technical assistance, and hands-on coaching. The result is more than financial growth; it’s a shift from short-term survival to long-term strength for the children and families they serve.

Detroit Swims: Michigan youth float, paddle, and glide to confidence

Detroit Swims reaches deeper than basic swimming skills--it addresses issues of health, fitness, safety, self-esteem, and well-being that youth in Michigan need more than ever.

Detroit Cristo Rey High School: Free eyeglasses program increases equity in learning

Many of the students who attend Detroit Cristo Rey do not have access to regular eyecare, and vision impairments seriously disrupt their learning.

Entrepreneurs 4 Kids: High School students learn from innovators and thinkers at Ann Arbor’s Tech Trek

As a result of opportunities and experiences like Tech Trek, students believe in their ideas, themselves, and feel inspired to turn their entrepreneurial goals and visions into reality.

Root of the Issue Podcast: A Healthy Future Starts in Childhood featuring Larry Burns

Elijah Williams, two years old, happily gave Reem Siddiqui a hug and high-five after receiving treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM).

A letter from Larry – November 2022

I also want to welcome the incoming President & CEO of The Children’s Foundation Mr. Andrew Stein. Andrew has started his journey with The Foundation and will work with me side-by-side throughout the rest of this calendar year

AARC: Outpatient recovery center to support youth battling substance use disorder

AARC will specialize in treating severe cases of substance use disorder and dangerous substance use including opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids), benzodiazepines, alcohol, etc. The AARC is currently scheduling intakes for those under 18 years old.

Spirit of Children raises funds to ensure hospitalized kids feel safe and supported

Hospitalized children who might otherwise miss the treat of celebrating Halloween attended a special, not-so-spooky party enabled by Spirit of Children, the philanthropic arm of Spirit Halloween stores.

Foundation announces Andrew Stein as next President & Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Trustees of The Children’s Foundation announces it has named Andrew Stein as the Foundation’s next president and chief executive officer.

Detroit Philanthropic Youth Council: Empowering young philanthropists

Young Detroiters are passionate about creating change in their community. They are visionary, resilient, and driven. However, they often lack access to the resources and guidance necessary to turn their charitable objectives into reality.

Children’s Foundation provides grant support and relief throughout COVID-19 pandemic

Emergency funding for key safety net organizations has helped their immediate ability to serve families enduring economic hardships and support sustainability of these organizations.

Build a Legacy of Impact

Learn how starting a fund supports Michigan’s kids, forever