Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative
Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central
Michigan Central
Station Children’s
Endowment Initiative
Building a Legacy Starts Today
Strengthening organizations to serve our kids for generations to come.
The Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative is a lasting commitment to Detroit-area children and their future, reflecting the community’s hope that 11 local youth-serving organizations will endure forever.
Just as Michigan Central Station forever stands as a symbol of strength and hope, this Initiative symbolizes a dedication to the potential of our young people. Powered by generous donors and guided by a diverse selection committee—including input from 44 youth advisors—the Initiative strengthens the organizations that uplift children every day, ensuring they—like the station itself, will be here forever.
A diverse group of local leaders, advised by 44 youth, followed a transparent, equity-driven process to select the organizations.
Over 300 generous donors invested in a campaign to support Detroit area kids.
These organizations will spend two years building durability so they can serve Detroit-area youth in perpetuity.
Over 300 generous donors invested in a campaign to support Detroit area kids.
A diverse group of local leaders, advised by 44 youth, followed a transparent, equity-driven process to select the organizations.
These organizations will spend two years building durability so they can serve Detroit-area youth in perpetuity.
Selected organizations
have embarked on a journey to forever.
Selected organizations
have embarked on a journey to forever.
The 11 selected organizations will receive a $500,000 permanent endowment at the Children’s Foundation of Michigan. Additionally, they will take part in a two-year strategy consulting cohort to strengthen their long-term impact on young people where they will receive grant support in 2025 and 2026, along with capacity-building investments.
During this two-year process, each organization will work to fundraise $500,000, which will be matched by the Initiative, dollar-for-dollar. This means each organization has the potential to build a $1.5 million endowment by the end of 2026.
We invite you to support these organizations in their fundraising efforts by making a gift today. Learn more about their important work and access their giving pages below.
The Story Continues
In 2025 and 2026, the Initiative and its 11 organizations will share their journeys of building long-term durability. We will capture the stories of these organizations as they strengthen their impact and will share these valuable insights for other nonprofits interested in building durability today and for the future.
Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central
Birth Detroit
Birth Detroit is a Black-led nonprofit that provides safe, quality, loving prenatal, birth and postpartum care and education to pregnant people and families in Detroit.
To learn more about Birth Detroit visit
Brilliant Detroit
Brilliant Detroit is a neighborhood-powered model focused on building “kid success neighborhoods”—connected places where families with children 0-8 have everything needed to thrive.
To learn more about Brilliant Detroit visit
Chaldean Community Foundation
CCF primarily serves new Americans, low-income families and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
To learn more about the Chaldean Community Foundation visit
The Children’s Center
Since 1929, The Children’s Center has been empowering children and families in Detroit and Wayne County by supporting vulnerable youth facing trauma, mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental disabilities, and experiences with foster care and adoption.
To learn more about the Children’s Center visit
College Career & Beyond
The College Career & Beyond program helps the Detroit area’s most driven students overcome barriers and develop the skills they need to achieve success in education, work and life.
To learn more about College Career & Beyond visit
InsideOut Literary Arts
Founded in 1995, InsideOut is the oldest and largest literary arts organization in Detroit.
To learn more about Inside Out visit
Judson Center
Judson Center, a nonprofit human service agency, provides compassionate, comprehensive programs to children and families throughout southeast Michigan.
To learn more about Judson Center visit
LAHC
LAHC-Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities is a Michigan-based nonprofit empowering communities through education, workforce development, public health, and social services.
To learn more about LAHC visit
Ruth Ellis Center
For 25 years, Ruth Ellis Center has empowered LGBTQ+ young people, especially Black, and youth of color, in a region historically underserved and marginalized.
To learn more about the Ruth Ellis Center visit
SER Metro-Detroit
SER Metro-Detroit (SER) was established in 1971 as a community resource to address the employment and economic inequities of Hispanic Detroit residents.
To learn more about SER Metro-Detroit visit
Starfish Family Services
Starfish Family Services is a human service agency recognized as a champion for children and families across metro Detroit who have limited access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
To learn more about Starfish Family Services visit
The Story Continues
In 2025 and 2026, the Initiative and its 11 organizations will share their journeys of building long-term durability. We will capture the stories of these organizations as they strengthen their impact and will share these valuable insights for other nonprofits interested in building durability today and for the future.
Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central
