News & Stories

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.

Agency Endowments: Starting where you are, with intention

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.

Welcoming Peter Ginopolis as Chair of the Children’s Foundation of Michigan’s Board of Trustees

The Children’s Foundation of Michigan has named Peter Ginopolis as Chair of its Board of Trustees. His appointment reflects a strong alignment around leadership, continuity, and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of children across Michigan.

DEYA produces Youth Stage at Concert of Colors

On August 5, DEYA produced a youth stage at the Concert of Colors; the first ever in the Concert’s 29-year history.

A letter from Larry – September 2021

As summer comes to an end, I wanted to update you on a few exciting things involving The Children’s Foundation. We had a very successful inaugural Ben Hogan Championship of Michigan supporting our initiative, First Tee-Greater Detroit, fundraising a net result of over $140,000. This impressive amount was made possible by our many sponsors and supporters!

School gardens increase access to fresh foods, proving edible education

Did you know that if Americans ate one more serving of fruits and vegetables in a day, this would save more than 30,000 lives and $5 billion in medical spending, each year! If kids taste and eat fruits and vegetables early in life, their lifelong healthy eating habits can be positively influenced. But this can be easier said than done for some...

Amanda Hicks receives 2021 Behavioral Health Scholarship

With generous donations from several Children’s Foundation Trustees, The Foundation established a Behavioral Health Scholarship in 2019 to be awarded annually. The goal is to support a student in Michigan pursuing a doctoral degree in a mental health field, specifically focusing on a practice that will serve children and adolescents in behavioral health.

Kids On The Go: Helping kids with special needs to thrive

For children with special needs, when school ends for the summer, so does the access to specialized services that keep them abreast of their peers. As a result, the children lose precious ground during that time off and start school in the fall with diminished skills and less self-confidence. Parents are desperate for their child to hold on to the progress they made during the school year...

A letter from Larry – August 2021

The 18th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic recently was held and I am delighted to announce that it was a tremendous success. The event raised $455,789 for four worthy nonprofits including The Children’s Center, Detroit PAL, Variety Detroit and The Children’s Foundation.

Donors advance possibilities with a variety of approaches.

Donors who generously support The Children’s Foundation do so in many different ways and forms, but what they have in common is that they are vital to The Foundation’s growth and impact. From crowdfunding to corporate sponsorships, thank you to all those who help The Foundation advance the health and wellness of children and families.

Winning Futures: What it means to be a mentor

All his life, Benny Vann has been looking out for people. From tutoring classmates to helping junior employees navigate their careers, Benny has been coaching and mentoring for as long as he can remember. It is inherent of his identity – to help others.

A letter from Larry – July 2021

For the third year, we had a very successful partnership once again with the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Returning from 2019 was our sponsorship of the Youth Golf Clinic on the Monday of tournament week...

The Children’s Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Michigan name Executive Director of Development

DETROIT, July 8, 2021 – The Children’s Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Michigan, announced today that AJ Quackenbush will serve as the Executive Director of Development, Hospital-Based Charitable Strategies.

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