Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Exceeds Its Original Funding Goal
The Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Campaign, established earlier this year by Bill and Lisa Ford, has raised nearly twice its funding goal in support of youth-serving organizations in the Detroit area. The application process is now open for organizations seeking to take advantage of the funding.
Michigan Central Station opened with a bang last month. So, too, has an endowment fund created by Bill and Lisa Ford in honor of the iconic former station’s reopening as the centerpiece of the Michigan Central innovation ecosystem. The Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Campaign has raised more than $19 million to support youth-serving organizations in the Detroit area – nearly double its original goal.
Now accepting applications
The philanthropic effort will directly assist selected organizations with permanently endowed funding, as well as two years of support. The application process has begun for Michigan-based nonprofit organizations whose services are offered predominately within a 15-mile radius of Michigan Central Station. Ten organizations will be selected by a committee consisting of more than a dozen individuals who have experience with youth-serving organizations. They will also engage with local youth councils throughout the selection process to ensure youth voice is captured.
Michigan-based nonprofit organizations can apply for the endowment beginning today. The deadline for applications is Aug. 1.
“The official reopening of Michigan Central Station has been an incredible undertaking, and we were honored to celebrate this moment and showcase our commitment to innovation and community with Detroit and the world,” said Bill and Lisa Ford, chairs, Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative. “The opening of The Station is also a declaration of its permanence. And we believe the children of Metro Detroit deserve the same substantial investment in their future, which is why we established this initiative in partnership with the Children’s Foundation.”
Children’s Foundation, a leading children’s philanthropic organization in the Detroit area and Michigan Central’s partner in the campaign, will facilitate the short- and long-term opportunities, which include a $500,000 permanent endowment and a match of as much as $500,000, as well as access to drop-in collaboration space at Michigan Central Station.
How to apply
Interested organizations can find the application, which will be part of a two-phase process, on the Children’s Foundation website. The deadline for first-phase applications is Aug. 1. Selected organizations will be announced in January. For complete details regarding the initiative’s eligibility criteria and selection process, and to apply, visit YourChildrensFoundation.org.