Affinity Groups & Funder Networks

Affinity Groups

In support of its goal to lead and support collaborative philanthropic responses to critical needs, CMF supports the work of Affinity Groups. Affinity Groups strive to achieve policy reforms that will advance their respective missions and enhance quality of life in Michigan.

Contact LaToya Morgan, CMF's Public Policy Fellow, for more information.  

Emerging Affinity Groups

(Groups that are intent on, but have not yet, adopted a public policy agenda.)

• Arts Affinity Group
• Funders on Michigan’s Economy
• K-16 Education Affinity Group

Active Affinity Groups

(Groups that have been actively pursuing a public policy goal.)

• Michigan Land Use Funders Group
  The Michigan Land Use Funders Group activated policy, nonprofit and business leaders to convene the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council. They are now intent on bringing about the policy changes recommended by the Council in 2003.
• Michigan Grantmakers for Women & Girls
  Michigan Grantmakers for Women & Girls seeks to increase funding for programs that promote equity for women and girls and believes that effective solutions to critical problems cannot be developed without consideration of the needs of all women.

Inactive Affinity Groups

(Groups that have completed their missions and meet as needed to address policy concerns.)

• Early Matters
  The Early Matters group was active from 2003-2005. Their mission was to establish a state umbrella organization for early childhood in Michigan to ensure that every child has parental support and is mentally, physically and socially ready to succeed in school. The Early Matters group fulfilled their mission in 2005 when the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) was launched. The ECIC Board of Trustees is now chaired by and mostly composed of Early Matters members.

Funder Networks

In support of its goal to network grantmakers with each other and with grantseekers, CMF supports the work of Funder Networks. Funder Networks are peer-learning networks that keep members connected, current and equipped with best practices.

• Be Ready By Five
  Be Ready By Five meets twice annually to learn about and share early childhood funding strategies for family foundations. Contact Susan Howbert for more information and/or to join.
• Michigan Grantmakers in Aging
  Michigan Grantmakers in Aging meet occasionally to learn about and share grantmaking strategies in the field of aging. Michigan Grantmakers in Aging are currently implementing the EngAGEment Initiative. Contact LaToya Morgan for more information.