Foundations

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Foundations dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs play a critical role in fostering innovation, economic development, and social change. These organizations provide a range of resources, including funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, aimed at helping entrepreneurs succeed in various sectors. 

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Location: Detroit

Url: https://cfsem.org/

Description:  The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, established in 1984, supports residents in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston, and St. Clair counties through grantmaking and partnerships. It has distributed over $1.4 billion in grants across areas like arts, youth, health, economic stability, and the environment. As one of the top 25 U.S. community foundations, it collaborates with regional partners to tackle challenges and advises donors to drive positive impact. Through its Catapult initiative, launched in 2015, it fosters civic engagement among young entrepreneurs, offering grants and mentoring to emerging nonprofits and hosting pitch competitions for innovative solutions. 

Kresge Foundation

Location: Troy

Url: https://kresge.org/

Description: The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation that works to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. In collaboration with our partners, we help create pathways for people with low incomes to improve their life circumstances and join the economic mainstream.

New Economy Initiative

Location: Detroit

Url: https://neweconomyinitiative.org/

Description: The New Economy Initiative (NEI) is a philanthropic collaboration and special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, working to build a regional network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Its mission is to foster an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in southeast Michigan that benefits all residents and strengthens the regional economy.

Skillman Foundation

Location: Detroit

Url: https://www.skillman.org

Description: The Skillman Foundation partners with individuals to transform the education system and nurture the brilliance of Detroit youth, promoting a concept called People Powered Education. They invest in the capacity of Detroiters to create an exceptional education system, support equitable education policy advocacy, and connect students’ expertise with policymakers statewide. Established in 1960 by Rose Skillman, the foundation has granted approximately $750 million throughout its history while advocating for K-12 public education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice.