The Skillman Foundation

Every day, education nonprofits solve critical issues in their communities–but they can’t do it alone. Nonprofits are turning to nontraditional grantmaking and capacity building resources like Catchafire.

At Catchafire, we believe that all communities deserve equitable access to resources. Over the last 14 years, we have seen the community impact made possible when nonprofits and their leaders receive the resources they need to thrive.

Equity is at the core of what we do. With the generous support of grantmakers and companies, we provide nonprofits with access to Catchafire at no cost to them. Regardless of a nonprofit’s size, budget, or location, they will have access to the staffing infrastructure and capacity building tools they need to drive measurable outcomes that foster healthier, more resilient communities. Our collaborative work shifts resources and power to over 14,000 nonprofits, creating lasting community impact. 

Our work in Detroit

Education and youth are a core focus of our work in Detroit. Catchafire goes beyond the grant by filling resourcing gaps, providing back office and strategy support so nonprofit staff can focus on advancing education outcomes for youth in their communities. 

Over the last four years, funding from The Skillman Foundation helped us scale our support of nonprofits in Detroit and advance educational outcomes for youth across the city. Together, we’ve helped education nonprofits maintain and expand the skills, infrastructure, and resources to advance their mission. We’ve supported nonprofits that are on the frontlines filling gaps in the public education system, like Kids First Initiative, Class Act Detroit, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. The list of providers has been extensive and has included: 

• Afterschool and summer programs
• College preparation
• Youth employment and career readiness
• Classroom instruction and interventions; student attendance efforts
• Literacy programming

Our volunteers also get a lot of reward from these experiences. In fact, education is the top cause volunteers on Catchafire lend their time and expertise to.

“If it hadn’t been for Catchafire, we wouldn’t exist. Catchafire has impacted our operational tasks and has allowed us to rally support to help push our mission. Since completing our projects, we are more organized and now run like a well-oiled machine,” says Rashard Dobbins, executive director and co-founder of Class Act Detroit.

Bridging paths to stronger communities

Catchafire is a place for people to come together to do good. Our work in Detroit has brought together grantmakers, nonprofits, and volunteers in support of educational programming and creating even more advancement opportunities for youth. 

“Our role at The Skillman Foundation is one of being a conduit, a connector, a liaison, and a lifter of all the brilliant ideas around us. We work arm in arm with the private sector, as well as with community organizers; whether you’re a nonprofit, university, or a foundation, we need each other to be successful,” says Angelique Power, president & CEO of The Skillman Foundation.

Our work in Detroit is a powerful testament to what happens when we come together across sectors to uplift our communities and support the next generation. Catchafire’s approach is rooted in centering trust and putting nonprofits in the driver’s seat to tell us what they need. Our collaborative work in Detroit includes these principles:

1. Listen and learn

Engaging in open dialogue and actively listening to nonprofit leaders allows us to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their specific challenges, goals, and perspectives. This approach moves beyond the standard, one-size-fits-all support model, ensuring that our collaboration is responsive and relevant. By fostering open communication, we can adapt our assistance to align with the real-time needs of nonprofits, helping them achieve their missions in ways that are both meaningful and impactful. Our project menu empowers nonprofits to post projects and find on-demand support for what they need, eliminating restrictions around programming that is tied to a specific grant. 

2. Focus on relationship-building and ongoing collaboration

Creating meaningful systems change begins with nurturing strong, lasting relationships and maintaining open lines of communication with nonprofit leaders who have a deep understanding of their communities. By focusing on relationship-building and ongoing collaboration, we establish a foundation of trust that goes beyond transactional support, allowing nonprofits to feel genuinely valued and supported. When nonprofits know they can rely on consistent, reliable partnerships, they are empowered to pursue ambitious, long-term goals with confidence, knowing they have both financial backing and operational support. This level of partnership demonstrates our commitment to their success, helping them to sustain and grow their impact over time. 

With over 10 years of experience each, our nonprofit advisors are on-demand for advice, feedback, and decision-making support for all of our nonprofit partners.

3. Support organizations with capacity building; invest in community-rooted strategic planning

Capacity building is essential for amplifying our impact, enabling us to support a broader range of nonprofits and reach more communities effectively. Capacity building goes beyond financial support; it encompasses strengthening the skills, resources, and networks that empower organizations to operate sustainably and adapt to changing needs.

Resources like Catchafire provide nonprofits and declined grantees with access to skills-based volunteers, specialized training, and organizational development tools that enhance their overall effectiveness. Involving community members directly in the strategic planning and decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, allowing them to articulate their needs and priorities. By embracing a flexible approach that extends beyond traditional grantmaking, we can create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges each nonprofit faces, providing them with the stability and agility they need to respond to emerging opportunities.

“Catchafire is a liaison and a bridge to so many critical nonprofit organizations we could never reach on our own. Catchafire is in deep relationship to understand what nonprofits need, and then give to them customized, to be successful,” said Angelique Power, president & CEO of The Skillman Foundation.

Learn more 

Visit catchafire.org to learn more about our nonprofit capacity building program and our work in Detroit.