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.

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.

The Children’s Foundation awards 57 new grants totalling $1.67M

DETROIT – July 6, 2021 – The Children’s Foundation announced that the organization is awarding 57 new grants which total $1.67 million. The grants fund projects in community benefit, research and educational initiatives. To date, the Foundation has granted nearly $70 million to nearly 130 community partners.

Prioritizing Children’s Mental Health

To support a better future for youth and families, The Children’s Foundation hosted its second Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Summit, but this time it was held in a virtual format. The Summit took place in April, postponed from 2020, but was well worth the wait. Advocates, service providers and health professionals gathered to learn and discuss how to improve the health of children today and into the future.

Fulfilling Entrepreneurs 4 Kids’ mission while building relationships

On June 9, Entrepreneurs 4 Kids (E4K) safely gathered 25 guests including its founding members at Tom and Stephanie Fraser’s home for motivational stories from youth, a speed-networking activity, and door prizes. A sunny evening with a shimmering lake in the background set the scene for a lively gathering of leaders.

DEYA announces Launch Awards

The DEYA Launch Awards of up to $250 are given to promising Detroit young people ages 14-19 to cover expenses needed for them to continue their artistic development in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

A Donor Story: Deena and Maia’s Lemonade Stand

As the weather turned warmer, Maia Mordovanaki and Deena Kamali, both 9 years old, were beginning to think about summer plans. Together, they came up with an idea to have a lemonade stand to raise funds for children struggling with their health.

A letter from Larry – June 2021

Just around the corner is the announcement of our second grant cycle for 2021. We are gearing up for several new partnerships throughout the state as well as renewing many of our partnerships that have been important to our evolution and growth.

Figure Skating in Detroit featured in IMPACT with Gal Gadot, National Geographic Docuseries

Two years ago, I received a call from a woman representing the world renown National Geographic team wanting to learn more about Figure Skating in Detroit (FSD). She had been following our story and was interested in meeting with me and interviewing our coaching staff of women for a possible docuseries. I was very intrigued.

Five Focus Areas help deepen impact and improve children’s health and wellness

In 2017, as The Foundation was broadening its scope of grant funding to improve the health of children and families, it wanted to deepen its overall impact and strengthen its approach to achieving its mission. To do this, it conducted a community needs assessment in pediatric health, evaluating the outcomes against social determinants of health.

Build a Legacy of Impact

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