Children’s Hospital of Michigan Legacy Initiatives

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF MICHIGAN INITIATIVES

Children’s Hospital of Michigan is the Detroit area’s only hospital dedicated to the care of children. As stewards of the philanthropic legacy from CHM, which dates back nearly 130 years, the Foundation continues to honor the donor intent of existing funds and raise funds in support of vital programs that rely on philanthropy to exist. 

THE PROBLEM

Many of the programs and services that improve the quality of life of children and families during their hospitalization are not reimbursable through insurance. 

Philanthropy powers essential support programs

Child life and family support programs help children and families cope with the emotional stress of illness and hospitalization. They provide comfort during hospital stays, meet urgent family needs, and offer ongoing support for children living with chronic conditions. Yet, these essential programs often receive little funding.

Pediatric research
funding needs more support

Pediatric research support has to be responsive to changes in pediatric disease rates and the needs of hospitalized children, but funds to support pediatric research continue to lag behind other research funding.

Supporting Solutions

Pediatric Research Support

The Foundation’s support of the Clinical Research Institute at Children’s Hospital of Michigan funds research that leads to a better understanding of childhood diseases, illnesses, and conditions, helping to improve treatments and outcomes.

Child Life Special Programs

Child Life programs at CHM help kids understand their condition, cope with uncertainty and discomfort, and allow them to feel safe and supported during hospital stays. Our support at the hospital includes:

  • Art, Music, Yoga, and Pet therapies
  • In-patient Schoolteacher


Child Life and Family Support programs help families whose lives are disrupted by their child’s illness and hospitalization, such as missed work time and extra expenses, and help families find support from other families with the same diagnoses and to celebrate milestones.