Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Professional Advisors and Charitable Planning: A Springboard for Starting Philanthropic Conversations Incorporating charitable planning into their financial discussions with clients can pave the way for more meaningful and impactful conversations. Our latest blog highlights best practices and the importance of addressing philanthropy in every planning discussion. Dive into the insights and learn how to make philanthropy a core part of your client's financial strategy. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gB5zAkr8 #Philanthropy #CharitablePlanning #CFSEM #FinancialPlanning #GivingBack

Our #endowment funds provide a source of ongoing annual financial support to local nonprofits – which can be invaluable when other support may no longer be available. In addition, the Community Foundation offers resources and support to help organizations manage and fundraise for endowment building – available to any 501(c)(3) public charity within southeast Michigan. Learn how building an endowment with the Community Fund can benefit your organization and your supporters today: https://lnkd.in/gr8Y2PYa #nonprofitfunding

Inclusive Arts Fund hosts Community Conversation Series Starts Tomorrow! Tomorrow, July 18, begins our series of conversations that will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the incredible work we support led by our grantee partners through the Inclusion in the Arts Fund. Each conversation will uplift the importance of increasing access and inclusion to arts through an engaging panel of creatives and community organizers. This year, we are planning both virtual and in-person conversations to ensure we are connecting in digital and physical spaces with partners across the southeast Michigan region. Join us for the first virtual conversation on Thursday, July 18 at 1 p.m. for a conversation centering stories of impact. This panel will be moderated by senior program officer Leah Counts that includes: Billy Mark, Neighborhood Art School Miah Davis, Detroit Artist Market Dwayne Hayes, KickstART Farmington Register here: https://lnkd.in/gPy9BtvU

🚀 The New Economy Initiative is making waves in Detroit! By providing early-stage capital, this initiative is empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities. These investments aim to build wealth among entrepreneurs of color and women, improving the overall economy and revitalizing neighborhoods. Discover how this initiative is fostering innovation and growth in Detroit: https://lnkd.in/e4EkzzMP #DetroitBusiness #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveGrowth #EconomicDevelopment

Congratulations to our local partners who were awarded Council of Michigan Foundations / Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark grants to ensure parks and recreation opportunities are accessible to all area residents. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is excited about these transformational projects, and is grateful to Council of Michigan Foundations and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for their leadership on this effort. Learn more about the grants: https://lnkd.in/gAifKpYC #CMFDNRsparkgrant #MichiganSparkGrant THE MICHIGAN CITY OF CENTER LINE City of Hamtramck City of Royal Oak, MI City of Pontiac, Michigan USA - Government City of Inkster City of Hazel Park City of Highland Park City Of River Rouge CITY OF MELVINDALE City Of Ecorse

Getting up close and personal with our COO Nicole Sherard-Freeman! From her childhood dreams of being a neurosurgeon to her fascinating favorites in film and music, learn more about her story and what drives her as she creates lasting change in southeast Michigan. You can read her full interview and answers at: https://lnkd.in/gZcV_vrK Q: Where did you grow up? A: I am a daughter of 48214. Growing up, I split my time pretty evenly between Northwest Detroit (7 Mile and Southfield) and the East Side (Mack Ave and East Grand Blvd.) I was an only child until I was 12, so by experience, I spent a lot of my time (nearly every day during the summer) at my local library or learning to build and take things apart with my grandfather in his garage. Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: Before high school, I wanted to be a neurosurgeon. I remember making a sign for my bedroom door when I was 9 or so. I’ve always been fascinated with brain science, and I loved the way the word neurosurgeon looked and sounded. That was before I got hit squarely in the face by my 9th grade biology class. Q: What is your favorite movie? A: Right now, Oppenheimer. The cinematography and writing was jaw-dropping. I enjoy boning up on history through film and art. The question I also want to answer here is ‘What is your favorite musical’. Hamilton. I knew all the lyrics 2 years before I saw it. In its genre, it’s among the most brilliant pieces ever. It never gets old. My favorite tracks are Cabinet Battle #1 and Cabinet Battle #2. Q: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be? “Neurobiology and Biopsychology. I’m fascinated by the gut-brain axis—-and not just the connections between the microbiome and behavior. We’re learning so much about the structure and systems that make up the gut—-there are hundreds of millions of neurons inside, and we’re just learning about how and when those neurons communicate…how they adapt to our environment, modulate what we consume, and lead to health conditions that stem from those interactions. Q: Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? A: Without question, Mayor Mike Duggan. I’m far more thoughtful, direct, political, strategic, and paranoid about details than I was 10 years ago. Being cold-called (or at-risk of being cold-called) nearly every Wednesday for 6.5 years (at a minimum) can only lead to obsessive-paranoia about details. Q: How do you define success? A: Deliberately doing whatever you do for the benefit of someone other than yourself. Q: What is your favorite quote? A: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist. 1901-1978.

With input from local residents, community members, and leaders, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is supporting vital services and enriching experiences to residents of the vibrant neighborhoods of Corktown, North Corktown, and Hubbard Richard through the Michigan Central Church Street Fund. From community and economic development to arts and culture, environmental and public space, social and human services, and public health, over $100,00 in grants from the fund have been enhancing the quality of life for everyone in these communities since 2022. Learn more about how the Community Foundation is making an impact in these neighborhoods on our site: Michigan Central Church Street Fund: https://lnkd.in/gfgHyUhf

Are you passionate about data and strategy? Do you want that passion to make a long-lasting impact on our community? We're looking for a Director of Data Strategy at the Community Foundation! It's an an opportunity to collaborate with our Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership leadership team, formulating strategies to harness data. You'll help to identify vital data sources, manage relationships, and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders. Ensuring data governance and quality while informing regional workforce development strategies will be vital. #JobOpening #DataStrategist #JoinOurTeam More info at: https://lnkd.in/gwNr-M_R Let's harness the power of data to enhance community impact together!

As June comes to a close, we’re reflecting on all we have to be proud of – in our communities, in our leaders and in our work. Check out some of the Community Foundation’s highlights from June 2024!

As a result of the Project Play Southeast Michigan Coaches Training Working Group, community leaders, youth sports coaches and difference makers gathered at DBG Detroit (Downtown Boxing Gym) Official recently to participate in a training that was geared towards how to better engage with parents in the youth sports space - facilitated by Dr. Zeljka Vidic from WMU College of Education and Human Development - in effort to make the youth sporting experience better for all! A special THANK YOU goes out to: DBG for hosting, Dr. Vidic for facilitating and the many community partners for their commitment to making a positive impact on the youth in their communities! YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, The Monroe Family YMCA, YMCA of the Blue Water Area, PeacePlayers International, Leveling the Playing Field, Inc., The Mac Parkman Foundation, City of Detroit, Detroit PAL, Oakland County Sheriff PAL Program