Category Archives: Blog
Capacity constraints? Call on Catchafire
by: Catchafire | Nov. 15th, 2024 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 […]
Read more »People Powered Change: The How and Why of Individual Award Programs
by: Tyler Parlor | Nov. 14th, 2024 The Skillman Visionary Awards, launched earlier this year, are a celebration of education visionaries who nurture the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. The annual program recognizes up to 10 individuals who are transforming the education system into a more equitable model for all, tying directly to the […]
Read more »“New Strategy?” What does that mean?
by: The Skillman Foundation | Nov. 12th, 2024 Strategies are the roadmaps that guide how we organize our efforts and resources to achieve our goals. For a philanthropic institution like The Skillman Foundation, it means defining how we will use our resources—grantmaking and otherwise– to partner with people to transform the education system and nurture […]
Read more »Because we get to, because we got to
by: Angelique Power | Nov. 7th, 2024 We wake this morning with news of a nation in the midst of change. There are uncertainties in the air and a wealth of emotions on all sides. Sitting at my kitchen table I suddenly started writing a note. To you. To others. To me. Here it is. […]
Read more »Make after-school programs a reality for all students
by: Angelique Power | Nov. 4th, 2024 This op-ed originally ran in The Detroit News and was co-authored by Angelique Power, Ridgway White, and David Egner. Angelique Power is President and CEO at The Skillman Foundation, Ridgway White is CEO at the Mott Foundation, and David Egner is CEO at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. […]
Read more »How philanthropy can support policy advocacy
by: Tyler Parlor | Oct. 28th, 2024 Angelique Power shared the stage with Monica Moser, president & CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation, at the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) Annual Conference this October to discuss why and how philanthropy can engage in policy advocacy. The session explored ways foundations can contribute time, talent, and […]
Read more »Launch Michigan advocates for public education funding transparency and accountability with Grants Clock
by: Launch Michigan | Oct. 25th, 2024 Launch Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to reinventing Michigan’s public education system, announced the Grants Clock, a new tool designed to provide transparency regarding the public school grant distribution process and hold the state accountable for the efficient distribution of funds for classrooms. Each year, the Michigan Legislature and […]
Read more »Detroit students, design our next parade float!
by: The Skillman Foundation | Sep. 23rd, 2024 The Skillman Foundation is proud to partner with The Parade Company for the 98th annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White. For 33 years and counting, the Foundation has sponsored the creation of a float designed by a Detroit student. This year’s design contest centers around […]
Read more »Things to know about education systems change
by: Punita Dani Thurman | Sep. 16th, 2024 Detroit youth are optimistic about their future, but feel unprepared In a 2020 survey of Detroit middle and high school-aged youth, 9 in 10 (92%) reported high levels of optimism about their future. But fewer than half (45%) felt confident that they would be prepared for what’s […]
Read more »Mechanical Bulls, Election Cycles & Systems Change
by: Angelique Power | Sep. 11th, 2024 This summer at a birthday party, I stumbled upon a new phenomenon. It was a mechanical bull set in an open inflatable ring. People of all walks of life and ages were climbing on this red-eyed, saddled-up bull that would then start to slowly move, then sway, and […]
Read more »Education in Black American cities with Andre M. Perry
by: The Skillman Foundation | Aug. 27th, 2024 In his book, Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities, Andre M. Perry explains “there is nothing wrong with Black people that ending racism can’t solve.” People have the tendency to think about education in personal terms. A student’s personal effort. A […]
Read more »Let’s Talk: Detroit’s Vision for Education
by: The Skillman Foundation | Aug. 13th, 2024 The school year is just beginning… and it is a big year for education policy. While education advocates continue to beat the drum on pressing issues, local, state, and national elections are underway that can shift the tides of decision making. What are the top issues for […]
Read more »People power the education system
by: Punita Dani Thurman | Aug. 12th, 2024 People power the education system. People in the classrooms and school buildings, in the community and neighborhoods, in district offices and at school board meetings, in the capital and legislative chambers, and in corporate and philanthropic board rooms. Across multiple roles, institutions, and approaches, people are working […]
Read more »The Skillman Foundation names Sarida Scott as Vice President, Program
by: The Skillman Foundation | Jul. 18th, 2024 Today we announce the hiring of Sarida Scott as Vice President, Program. In this role, Scott will provide both strategic and operational leadership to the Foundation’s program team, guiding and implementing grantmaking totaling more than $20 million annually in alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and newly […]
Read more »President’s Youth Council: Youth Leadership Grant Application
by: The Skillman Foundation | Jul. 18th, 2024 The insights of Detroit youth guide The Skillman Foundation’s priorities and strategies. While we solicit youth input and insights in many ways, our President’s Youth Council is a formal structure to do so. Our youth council serves as advisers and grantmakers. Each year, they have the opportunity […]
Read more »Upgrade Public Education from PreK to 14 for all of Michigan’s Children
by: Angelique Power | Jun. 18th, 2024 This opinion piece was originally published by the Detroit Free Press. Recently, I met a sixteen-year-old junior named Layla. She was a combination of slightly shy and remarkably self-possessed. She talked about how college had always been a dream and a source of worry due to the high […]
Read more »President’s Letter: The Skillman Visionary Awards
by: Angelique Power | May. 15th, 2024 Today, we launch the Skillman Visionary Awards, recognizing 10 education changemakers with a $50,000 individual award and celebrating the future they’re building for students of today and tomorrow. Who is a Skillman Visionary?At The Skillman Foundation, we say there is the job and then there is the work. […]
Read more »Launching the Skillman Visionary Awards
by: The Skillman Foundation | May. 15th, 2024 Today, The Skillman Foundation launches the Skillman Visionary Awards program to recognize Detroit education changemakers. This award program underscores the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting visionary leaders who are transforming the education system to better prepare students to navigate and shape the future. Through the Skillman […]
Read more »Understanding Gen Z’s Political Sway
by: The Skillman Foundation | May. 13th, 2024 This panel discussion took place at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Wednesday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. Gen Z adults account for about one in six Americans eligible to vote, and they’re turning up at the polls more than any other youth cohort in history. This panel […]
Read more »What is systems change?
by: Laila Bell | May. 3rd, 2024 How can foundations effectively contribute to changing complex systems, like Detroit’s education system? The team at The Skillman Foundation is on a journey to deepen our understanding of how we can best leverage our organization’s resources to improve education in Detroit. The following blog shares practical insights from […]
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