Current Strategies

The goal of the Good Opportunities program area is to respond to special needs and opportunities that have great return for children or further the Foundation’s education and neighborhood strategies, continue the long-time interests of Rose Skillman, support change making and policy strategies, or support evaluation and learning activities.  Grantmaking and changemaking is designed to leverage investments in schools and neighborhoods, create citywide infrastructure and champions for the Foundation’s work and strengthen policy and advocacy efforts.

Changemaking

Recognizing that its grantmaking resources are inadequate to reach the ambitious goal of community transformation and education reform, the Foundation also pursues an aggressive changemaking strategy. Changemaking in this case refers to non-grantmaking practices and roles through which the Foundation serves as convener, broker, public educator, problem-solver, and/or advocate to advance an agenda for Detroit children. The Foundation works — formally and informally — to align diverse interests and players around a common agenda; ensure that those typically excluded have a seat at the civic table; draw attention to needs and opportunities for investment; insert new ideas and knowledge into the civic discussion; develop support for change and mobilize political will; and wield influence with key leaders and institutions.