Message from President and Chair
During times of change and uncertainty, it’s comforting to know there are some things you can depend on.
Since 1984, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has been a trusted source of support for our region. We’ve granted $1.4 billion via 91,000 grants to thousands of nonprofits working to benefit the well-being of communities in the seven counties we serve. Thanks to our funders and generous donors, we’ve also grown our asset pool to $1.3 billion, enabling us to continue this work in perpetuity.
Our 2023 financial year continued our history as a vital community partner. We distributed $120 million via 5,000 grants to support economic development, health and human services, children and youth, and much more. In this annual report, you’ll read stories that bring this impact to life and demonstrate how we’ve invested in the values outlined in our new strategic vision, “Thriving Together.”
We developed this strategic vision to build on the legacy of the Community Foundation’s first president — Mariam Noland, who led the organization for 36 years — and to meet evolving community needs, align with advances in technology, and integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into all of our work.
Charting this vital road map for our future and creating a rigorous succession plan for our staff and board was a top priority when Richard (Ric) DeVore took over as a transformational president in 2022. We are confident that when he retires in 2025 to enjoy more time with his wife and family after a vaunted career in banking and philanthropy, the Community Foundation will be in good hands because of the plans he has put in place.
We are delighted to share that Chief Operating Officer Nicole Sherard-Freeman, who has been a key partner in creating “Thriving Together,” will become the Community Foundation’s third president, beginning in January. She brings an extensive business, government and nonprofit background to the role. She also has deep roots in the community and a commitment to the well-being of the people we serve. Her expertise, lived experience and expansive network make her uniquely positioned to lead the Community Foundation into the future.
We’re also pleased that Ric will stay on in an advisory role, beginning in January, to provide continuity during the leadership transition and to steward the Detroit riverfront fund. The $35 million pooled fund was created in 2024 after a fiscal crisis at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. It is because of the trust the Community Foundation has earned and the relationships we’ve built over the past 40 years that we’re in a position to ensure the work on this jewel of southeast Michigan is completed.
We’re grateful that Chair David Provost – a veteran business and civic leader who has served on the Community Foundation board since 2011 and worked closely with Mariam, Ric and Nicole – will continue to serve as chair, acting as a bridge between our past, present and future.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year and embark on our 10-year strategic vision, with capable leadership in place and in collaboration with thousands of engaged community partners, our request to you is twofold.
First, we invite you to renew and revitalize your connection with the Community Foundation and our work. As you read about our vision, mission and values in our annual report, please consider how they connect with your own.
We’re also asking you to support our Now and Forever Fund, an essential resource for powering the day-to-day operations that make our work possible. By supporting this fund, you enable us to continue making a meaningful impact, while maintaining the flexibility to meet challenges head-on, as our community counts on us to do. Please reach out to our Donor Services team at donorservices@cfsem.org or call 313-961-6675 to make a donation.
Thank you, again, for your unwavering partnership and commitment to ensuring southeast Michigan is a place where everyone thrives, now and forever.