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.

Donor Story: Derek Dickow fundraises on behalf of children at networking events

“I’ve always been a big supporter of The Foundation’s work,” said Dickow. “The goal with this was to not only raise funds, but awareness about what the Foundation is doing.

Fit Kids 360: Helping families create healthy lifestyles

As with many aspects of life, childhood is when foundational habits for nutrition and physical activity are established.

A childhood mental health crisis: Meeting kids where they are

For young people, over the past several years exponential stress, frustration, and harmful events beyond their control have led to a mental health crisis. But there are ways to ensure kids receive timely, equitable access to quality mental health care.

Ashok & Ingrid Sarnaik Endowed Scholarship Creates Opportunities for Fourth Graders at Detroit Public Schools

Through the Ashok & Ingrid Sarnaik Endowment to Create Ladders of Opportunity for Youth, Darius and Kourtney were presented with $2,500 scholarships which will be used toward future educational and vocational endeavors.

What to expect from The Children’s Foundation moving forward

Since starting as President & CEO in January, a question I have received often is: what can we expect from The Foundation moving forward?

Buildup STEAM: Enabling hospitalized kids to cope and create

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.

2023 grants announced, totalling more than $3.8 million

The Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded 89 grants in 2023. Combined, these awards total more than $3.8 million to support projects in the Community Benefit, Research, and Education pillars. Since 2011, the Foundation has granted $80 million to partners in our community.

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.

Build a Legacy of Impact

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