News & Stories

The Children’s Foundation Announces Recipients of Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative

To celebrate the historic reopening of Michigan Central Station, Bill and Lisa Ford have established the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative in partnership with the Children's Foundation. Today the 11 selected organizations have been announced that will benefit from this philanthropic effort.

The Children’s Center: Breaking barriers to kids’ health

In Detroit, transportation and language barriers prevent many children from accessing vital healthcare. This article explores how the Children’s Center of Wayne County is addressing these obstacles with its Equity Project, providing transportation and translation services to ensure children receive the care they need. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation, the initiative is improving attendance and empowering families, helping shape a healthier, more equitable future for Michigan's children.

Rx Kids: Helping families thrive from the start

The first year of life is essential for a child’s growth and future. Rx Kids, with the support of the Children’s Foundation, is investing in Flint’s families with prenatal and infant cash prescriptions, easing financial burdens so parents can focus on their babies’ health and well-being.

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.

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

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