MEET THE OFL STAFF

Karen Aldridge-Eason, a loaned executive from the C.S. Mott Foundation, serves as Foundation Liaison. She previously worked as a budget director in both local and state government, and a legislative assistant in the Michigan State Senate.


Maura Dewan serves as program associate for OFL. Previously, she worked with the Michigan Nonprofit Association, Public Sector Consultants, and the Executive Office.
Alyson Mihlfeld serves as administrative assistant for OFL.

CONTACT THE OFL

Office of Foundation Liaison
P O Box 30013
111 South Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48909
P 517.241-5882
F 517.335.7899
 

Office of Foundation Liaison

Purpose & Impact

Michigan's non-partisan Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) was created in 2003 at the suggestion Michigan philanthropic leaders. It currently operates with the support of Governor Rick Snyder and is located in the Governor's administrative offices. This cabinet level position - unique in the nation - helps to identify and broker strategic partnerships between the state and foundations likely to result in policy reforms that would improve the lives of children and families in Michigan.

The OFL is funded by 13 foundations and supported by the state government.

OFL's Objectives

  • Educate state officials about foundations
  • Forge relationships and support the development of partnerships between the state and foundations
  • Attract new national grant dollars to Michigan
  • Respond to opportunities for new local and regional public/private partnerships to serve people and the implementation of government programs

Accomplishments

Since its inception, the OFL has brokered over $100 million in foundation investment in initiatives designed to help increase Michigan's economic competitiveness through reforms in

  • K-16 Education
  • Economic Development, including Workforce Development
  • Health
  • Early Childhood
  • Land Use

Michigan’s OFL has also inspired similar liaison positions around the U.S. in Newark, NJ and in New Mexico.  

Governance

The OFL is governed by an Advisory Committee of contributing funders; the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), its fiscal agent; and a member of the governor’s executive staff.

In This Area

Background & Supporting Materials