A donor’s story of lasting generosity
Brad Simmons
Longtime Ford Motor Co. executive Brad Simmons was a beloved figure in southeast Michigan. He was known as a kind, thoughtful, generous man of deep faith — a servant leader who prioritized the well-being of people in our region.
Simmons inspired others by giving freely of his talent, time and treasure to support the causes he cared about, including his alma mater, Brother Rice High School, and HAVEN, a nonprofit that works to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to support survivors. He also supported the National Eagle Scout Association, which established the Brad Simmons Eagle of Extraordinary Service Scout Award in his honor.
Simmons, who passed away in September, even planned his giving to ensure nonprofits throughout southeast Michigan would continue to receive his support in perpetuity.
Longtime Community Foundation supporter
In 1996, Simmons began making annual donations to the Community Foundation’s Southeast Michigan Forever Fund, which enables us to respond to emerging needs in the region. Then, in 2007, he established a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation that allowed him to take an active role in his philanthropic giving.
Throughout his lifetime, Simmons worked with his estate planning attorney to ensure that his charitable giving would continue after his passing. He named the Community Foundation as a charitable beneficiary of two trusts, creating lasting impact and a legacy that reflects his values.
Trusted philanthropic partners who care
Community Foundation Vice President and General Counsel Laura Brownfield, who partnered with Simmons and his legal advisor to administer Simmons’ bequests, says it was a privilege to work with Simmons during his lifetime and to honor him on his passing by carrying out his donor intent.
“I had the pleasure to call Brad a friend for over 40 years and to work with him professionally,” Brownfield says. “When I joined the Community Foundation, he reached out to inform me he had previously established a fund with us, sharing this sentiment via email: ‘I have always been an admirer of the unique and important services the Community Foundation (all of YOU!) provide to our community.’
“Brad certainly made a difference in the region where he worked and lived,” she says. “Through his fund at the Community Foundation, we are privileged to continue making grants in his name, in perpetuity, to support nonprofits throughout southeast Michigan.”
This story originally appeared in the 2023-2024 Annual Report