We are a private philanthropy that has invested in the needs of children and the aspirations of young people for 62 years, each year striving to make the biggest impact possible through our grantmaking (currently around $22M annually), our influence, and the efforts of our staff.

A year-long Listening Tour with Detroit youth and community and a 40-year history walk of our past work in education systems change directed where we must head and who we must become to support Detroit youth to design bold destinies.

The shorthand: we’re about people & systems. We partner with people, investing in the power of Detroit youth, educators, and residents who support young people to design and influence change. We call this our Ground Building work. And we advocate for education systems change that is designed for students, by students, educators, and other Detroiters who are in closest proximity to children and youth. This our Policy & Systems work.

We are youth driven. Racial equity and justice focused. Accountable to each other. Greater than grants. Listeners and learners. Read about our values here.