News & Stories

Hunger is a health issue: how 3 local solutions are feeding hope

In Southeast Michigan, 1 in 8 children faces hunger—but local partnerships are making a difference. Through grants to Hospitality House, Forgotten Harvest, and United Community Family Services, the Children’s Foundation is helping kids access nutritious, culturally familiar meals and the stability they need to thrive.

Donor Highlight: Marilyn Bartley’s legacy of generosity

For nearly a decade, volunteer leader and donor Marilyn Bartley has turned compassion into action through the Children’s Foundation. Her generosity and leadership—continue to create lasting impact for Michigan’s kids and families.

Parents as Teachers: Supporting families, shaping children’s youngest years

The Children’s Foundation is supporting programs like Parents as Teachers that equip Michigan families to nurture children’s health, growth, and potential.

TOP 10 MOMENTS OF 2022

Together, with donors and community organizations, The Foundation is finding new, significant opportunities to impact the health and wellness of children and families in Michigan not only today but for generations to come.

Snowpile delivers hope and joy to families of hospitalized children during the holidays

Snowpile provides gifts not only to children who are too sick to enjoy the holidays at home, but also for their siblings. The event brings joy to these children and their families, as well as alleviates the stress associated with holiday gift giving – including time spent shopping, cost, wrapping, and more!

DPYC: Empowering kids to give

The Detroit Philanthropic Youth Council (DPYC) launched in September 2022 as a collaboration between The Children’s Foundation, Catholic Foundation of Michigan and the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation. Their goal is to teach high school students about philanthropy and to create real, substantial community impact.

A letter from Larry – December 2022

This December also marks the end of my tenure at The Children’s Foundation.

Detroit Swims: Michigan youth float, paddle, and glide to confidence

Detroit Swims reaches deeper than basic swimming skills--it addresses issues of health, fitness, safety, self-esteem, and well-being that youth in Michigan need more than ever.

Detroit Cristo Rey High School: Free eyeglasses program increases equity in learning

Many of the students who attend Detroit Cristo Rey do not have access to regular eyecare, and vision impairments seriously disrupt their learning.

Entrepreneurs 4 Kids: High School students learn from innovators and thinkers at Ann Arbor’s Tech Trek

As a result of opportunities and experiences like Tech Trek, students believe in their ideas, themselves, and feel inspired to turn their entrepreneurial goals and visions into reality.

Root of the Issue Podcast: A Healthy Future Starts in Childhood featuring Larry Burns

Elijah Williams, two years old, happily gave Reem Siddiqui a hug and high-five after receiving treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM).

A letter from Larry – November 2022

I also want to welcome the incoming President & CEO of The Children’s Foundation Mr. Andrew Stein. Andrew has started his journey with The Foundation and will work with me side-by-side throughout the rest of this calendar year

AARC: Outpatient recovery center to support youth battling substance use disorder

AARC will specialize in treating severe cases of substance use disorder and dangerous substance use including opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids), benzodiazepines, alcohol, etc. The AARC is currently scheduling intakes for those under 18 years old.

Build a Legacy of Impact

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