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.

Top priorities for Detroit teens: Mental health, open-mindedness, and acceptance

In March of 2020, people’s lives changed in the blink of an eye as COVID-19 surged through communities. For teens, the pandemic cut off ties to everything that was once familiar, such as being in a classroom, spending time with friends and extracurricular activities.

The Children’s Foundation awards 85 new grants totaling nearly $4 million

The Children’s Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded 85 new grants totaling nearly $4 million in the first round of two 2022 grant cycles. To date, the Foundation has granted nearly $75 million almost 140 community partners in Michigan and beyond.

A letter from Larry – December 2021

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to the New Year, I thought it would be important to look back on this year’s success. I’d like to call 2021 the “year of the new.” We’ve had many new initiatives this year that I’d like to share with you.

Festival of Trees brings sights and sounds of season to support children with cancer

For 37 years Festival of Trees has been the quintessential holiday event, bringing sights, sounds and warm feelings of the season - all while raising funds for children with cancer. In fact, over the years this tradition has become the largest special event fundraiser for Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, a Children’s Foundation initiative.

Car seat safety training helps save the lives of two young children

“If it wasn’t for KOHL’S Safe 4 Kids helping me get car seats for my children, I don’t think they would be here today.” – Brooke Hunt

A letter from Larry – November 2021

Hello, and welcome to November and the beginning of a very busy season not only for us, but our initiatives too.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz: Making sure all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood

In 2018, Free Bikes 4 Kidz began their mission in the Detroit area, collecting donated bikes, cleaning, and refurbishing them, to then give them away to kids.

Inclusively Fit: Improving health and providing hope to the special needs and disabled communities

For kids who are in the hospital, any positive interactions go a long way. When their life is consumed by tests, tubes, and healing, any chance to experience a normal childhood is essential to their positive mental state. That’s exactly what Buildup STEAM is set out to do: enable hospitalized kids to be kids.

A letter from Larry – October 2021

Our Board of Trustees recently elected Luanne Thomas Ewald as the new Chair of our board. Luanne is an exceptional leader.

The Children’s Foundation Announces New Board Leadership

Luanne Thomas Ewald to succeed Matt Friedman as Chair

Build a Legacy of Impact

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