2024 Annual Report

As the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan celebrates 40 years of impact, we’re sharing stories and data that highlight how we’ve invested in our values so everyone in our region can thrive.

Read the full report here

our timeline

40 Years of Impact

Since 1984, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has been a trusted source of support for our region. We’ve consistently lived our values and, thanks to the generosity of our donors and funders, we’ve granted $1.4 billion via 91,000 grants to thousands of nonprofits working to improve the quality of life throughout the seven counties we serve.

1984

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan launches after two years of community conversation and planning, spearheaded by businessman and civic leader Joseph L. Hudson, Jr.

1991

The Van Dusen Endowment Challenge begins, in partnership with The Kresge Foundation, raising nearly $50 million in new endowments to support regional nonprofits in perpetuity.

1994

The HOPE Fund becomes the first partnership of its kind in Michigan between the LGBTQ+ community and a community foundation. The fund strengthens organizations and projects that meet the evolving, essential needs of southeast Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community.

2006

The Community Foundation earns Community Foundations National Standards accreditation, the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. It has held the distinction ever since.

2007

The New Economy Initiative launches, providing direct assistance to regional small businesses. The initiative continues to grow an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in southeast Michigan that benefits all residents and strengthens the regional economy.

2013

The Community Foundation convenes regional and national foundation leaders to help create the “Grand Bargain,” allowing Detroit retirees to retain pensions and health care benefits amidst the largest city bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.

2019

The Community Foundation surpasses $1 billion in assets and $1 billion in grants, while pursuing continuous business practices that have resulted in clean audits for its entire history.

2024

The Community Foundation embarks on a 10-year strategic vision called “Thriving Together.” The framework was created with input from our Board, donors, funders, professional advisors, community partners and staff.

our impact

2023 By The Numbers

Thanks to our generous donors and funders, we were able to continue supporting the vital work of community partners that make southeast Michigan a desirable place to live, work and play for all people, today and tomorrow.

$120 million

distributed in grants

$117 million

in new gifts

5,000 grants

made to community partners

$1.3 billion

in total assets

message from our chair and president

Leadership:
Past, Present & Future

Our 40th anniversary marks an inflection point in the Community Foundation’s history.

In this year’s annual report letter, Chair David Provost and President and CEO Richard (Ric) DeVore reflect on what it was like to create a 10-year strategic vision that builds on our first president’s rich legacy.

They also share why Chief Operating Officer Nicole Sherard-Freeman, who will take over as president when DeVore retires in 2025, has the depth and commitment to lead the organization into the future.

Read the letter here

impact stories

Investing in Our Values

Explore how we’ve invested in the values outlined in “Thriving Together,” our 2024-2034 strategic vision, via grantmaking, building community capital and serving as a trusted steward of philanthropic resources.

Plus, READ OUR Q&A with Community Foundation Trustee Maria Thompson, who believes our values of Innovation and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion benefit everyone in southeast Michigan.

Innovation

NEI puts imagination to work

A startup entrepreneur launches pioneering medical equipment products with support from the New Economy Initiative at the Community Foundation.

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Leading change

Preparing for an aging population

Two human services agencies unite to expand free or low-cost services for older adults in our region, with support from the Community Foundation.

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Operational excellence

Making ‘the ultimate gift’

The Community Foundation helps nonprofits, like Alternatives For Girls, create a sustainable funding source through agency endowment.

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Supporting human potential

The Community Foundation honors Freedom House Detroit, a nonprofit that supports people seeking humanitarian protection or asylum in the U.S. or Canada.

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Collaboration

Convening to create change

The Michigan Justice Fund fosters welcoming spaces where stakeholders can share ideas and experiences to build a criminal legal reform movement.

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Trust and integrity

Creating a legacy of generosity

A beloved southeast Michigan philanthropist works with his estate planning attorney to support the causes he cared about in perpetuity.

Read More

2023 Foundation Info

Donors List

view donors pdf

Funds List

view funds pdf

Grants List

view grants pdf