Michigan EngAGEment Initiative

In 2005, the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) received a $20,000 match grant through Grantmakers in Aging by Atlantic Philanthropies to conduct the EngAGEment Initiative in Michigan in order to engage new foundations and funders in the field of aging.

Under the guidance of an advisory committee, CMF also received matching grants from the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation and from community foundations in Ann Arbor, Flint, Fremont, Grand Rapids, Holland and Southeast Michigan.

Michigan’s age 65+ population is growing, and as Baby Boomers increasingly turn 60, this growth promises only to escalate. By 2030, it is estimated that one-in-five Americans will be over 65; however, some communities in Michigan can expect one quarter of their population to fall in this age cohort. This demographic shift presents significant challenges and tremendous opportunities.

The Michigan EngAGEment Initiative seeks to inform CMF members of the many needs of our aging population and to help foundations and communities recognize older adults’ ability to affect social change with contributions of time, talent and resources.

Efforts to Date

Regional Briefing Meetings
Several briefings have been held around the state to network local foundations, nonprofits and agencies in order to identify community priorities and collaboratively serve and engage local aging populations.

The first, held in Escanaba in October 2007, gathered foundations from across the Upper Peninsula to meet with their area agency on aging and discuss the state of the aging population and strategies for older adult engagement.

The second, held in southeast Michigan in March 2008, brought together more than 200 staff and trustees from foundations and nonprofits and private citizens for a feature presentation by Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, and panel discussion on civic engagement among older adults.

Marketing Tools & Resources
Working with the Williams Group, a universal, customizable marketing presentation and resource guide on how to develop field of interest funds in aging were created.