We are pleased to share the news of $3.8 million in new and continuing grants approved at our June board meeting. Six grants totaling nearly $500,000 will continue Detroit’s strong jazz tradition by educating the next generation of jazz musicians. The funding will: Continue intensive jazz education programming at the Carr Center, Detroit Jazz Festival,Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and MSU...
The Foundation’s Investment Committee recently voted to invest a portion of our $300 million endowment in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) funds to begin to better align our investments with our programmatic mission and values. As family business owners concerned with the environment, Fred and Barbara Erb believed that sustainability – the harmonizing of economic,...
Toxic green slime is growing in lakes all over the country, including Lake Erie. It prevents us from recreational activities like swimming and fishing, and in some cases, contaminates our drinking water supply. Polluted runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas fuels the growth of these harmful algal blooms. Our foundation has supported over $14 million...
A key component of sustainability is equity. In addition to the redevelopment of policies and programs, seeking equity calls for diverse voices forging solutions that benefit all. The University of Michigan Environmental Fellows Program diversifies environmental and conservation philanthropy by supporting the career aspirations of graduate students from traditionally underrepresented populations. On May 23, the Foundation hosted this...
We are pleased to share our foundation’s 2017 annual report. Covering one year and $11.3 million in grantmaking, the report showcases people and organizations who are advancing sustainability through work in the environment and the arts. We hope that you share our excitement about their efforts and enjoy viewing the short videos embedded throughout the report. The report’s...
The Foundation is pleased to welcome Lawrence Garcia and Rhonda Welburn to our board! A graduate of the U-M Law School and Duke University, Lawrence Garcia founded his own law firm, the Garcia Law Group, to fulfill his personal mission of creating Michigan’s first Latino law firm. He is the president of the Cesar Chavez Academy and...