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.

A letter from Larry – October 2020

Hello and welcome to fall and October. The Children’s Foundation is planning for a very busy fall as we get ready for the Jamie Daniels Foundation’s Second Annual Celebrity Roast. This year the virtual event will be celebrating the career of Hall of Fame NHL legend, Scotty Bowman.

Get to know: Cynthia Ford, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

What does it mean to you to be a Trustee at Children’s Foundation? It means I have the privilege of playing a leadership role among a team of exceptional colleagues...

Camp Catch A Rainbow provides colorful, virtual camp experience for kids with cancer

“I’m not sure if there is a way to put into words what Camp Catch A Rainbow has meant to our son..."

A letter from Larry – September 2020

Welcome to September and the end of summer. We recently held the Fourth Annual Derby for Kids on Saturday, September 5 at the fabulous Country Club of Detroit. As we all know, this normally takes place in early May but with the COVID-19 environment, the Kentucky Derby was postponed until September.

Giving Gardens provide healthy and nutritious produce to food insecure families

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a devastating impact on food insecurity and nutritious food access throughout the Metro Detroit region. In response, Big Green Detroit has adapted twenty-one school learning gardens into “giving gardens”, which was enabled through a $10,000 grant from Children’s Foundation.

Hurley Medical Center’s Food FARMacy improves health conditions and food insecurity

When living in poverty, like 60% of children in Flint, Mich., access to healthy food can be a challenge. As a result, poor diet and nutrition can lead to health and behavioral issues including obesity, diabetes, attention deficit disorder, and more.

Donor Story: Mable Jones establishes a lasting legacy

All her life, Mable Jones has felt compassion for children – that they should have opportunities to live healthy lives filled with opportunity, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Foundation grantee continues research with funding from National Institutes of Health

In 2017, with $75,000 from The Children’s Foundation, Arash Javanbakht, M.D., Psychiatrist and Director of Stress, Trauma and Anxiety Center at Wayne State University, launched an unprecedented study exploring the mental health impact of war trauma on Syrian children and families now living in Southeast Michigan.

A letter from Larry – August 2020

Hello, and welcome to August. These summer months certainly go by quickly. The Children’s Foundation continues to be extremely busy with several new initiatives over the last month.

New program protects teenage athletes from sexual abuse

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Adolescents in their teen years are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse. That is why Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center (TBCAC) introduced a new program to keep teenage athletes safe from abuse.

Build a Legacy of Impact

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