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.

Hamtramck SEES: Vision screenings help improve health and health equity for kids

Without basic healthcare – including eye care – the trajectory of a child’s life is impacted. Studies show that glasses correct much more than vision; in fact, glasses can improve children's psychological well-being, decreasing anxiety and increasing self-esteem.

We’re helping 10 groups establish $1.5M endowments, Here’s why, and how to apply | Opinion

Lisa Ford, co-chair of the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Campaign and Andrew Stein, president and CEO of the Children’s Foundation co-wrote an OpEd for the Detroit Free Press about the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

Behavioral Health Scholarship: A pipeline of professionals enables youth mental health care

In 2019, generous Trustees at The Children’s Foundation established the Behavioral Health Scholarship – a permanent endowed scholarship to address inadequacies in the mental health care system for kids in Michigan by creating a pipeline of professionals.

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative Nearly Doubles Initial Goal, Raises Over $19M; Applications Now Open for Youth-Serving Organizations to Apply

As the splendor of the restored historic Michigan Central Station is celebrated, the equally grand goal of the MCS Children’s Endowment can be too thanks to the generosity of the community contributing more than $19 million, nearly double the $10 million the campaign hoped to raise. Now, local youth-serving organizations in the Detroit-area can begin applying as of today, to be selected for one of 10 available endowments. This philanthropic effort was created by Bill and Lisa Ford in honor of the reopening of the iconic station, working in partnership with Children’s Foundation, a leading children’s philanthropic organization in the region.

Donor Story: 18-year-old raises $50,000 to save hundreds of children’s lives

Eighteen-year-old recent high school graduate, Reem Siddiqui, impressively continues her fundraising efforts in support of transportation for Sickle Cell Disease patients at Children's Hospital of Michigan.

Reducing unintentional injuries in children through prevention programming

Since 2022, The Children’s Foundation has awarded more than $280,000 to community partners that support programs that help reduce unintentional injuries and deaths in children.

Bill and Lisa Ford Launch $10 Million+ Endowment Campaign to Foster Brighter Futures for Detroit Region’s Youth

To celebrate the historic reopening of Michigan Central Station, Bill and Lisa Ford have established the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Campaign. The campaign aims to raise at least $10 million to establish permanent endowments for Detroit area youth-serving nonprofit organizations.

Donor Story: Community honors lifetime philanthropist John G. Levy through Child Life endowment

It was John’s lifetime commitment to supporting children that inspired John’s family to establish the John G. Levy Endowment at the Children’s Foundation in support of Child Life Services at Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Partner Highlight: Child Life Services and the importance of philanthropy

Child Life relies on philanthropy to provide care - and kids rely on Child Life for hope and healing.

Donor Story: For the Ginopolis family, philanthropy is a core value

Over the past 40 years, the Ginopolis family has raised more than $5 million through endowments, golfing outings, restaurant events, and more.

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