New partnerships and strategies to help our most vulnerable communities continue to emerge from within our community of philanthropy. We’re highlighting a few examples of how CMF corporate members are taking the lead as they work to meet the growing needs of Michiganders and communities across the country.

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced last week it has provided over $1 million to nonprofits, including $600,000 to protect and support healthcare workers and $500,000 to nonprofits across the state.

“It’s inspirational to see how Michiganders are stepping up to fight the COVID-19 virus,” Brandon Hofmeister, president, Consumers Energy Foundation said in a press release. “As our company continues to provide critical energy to Michigan’s homes and hospitals, our foundation is honored to support the front line of this war against COVID – through providing additional protective equipment for doctors and nurses, helping our senior citizens stay safe in isolation and ensuring everyone in Michigan has access to food.”

Grants totaling $300,000 will be distributed to 30 community foundations supporting 45 counties across Consumers Energy’s service territory

“Consumers Energy Foundation’s latest commitment to address the challenges of the coronavirus is an investment in local problem solving,” Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO of CMF said. “Michigan’s community foundations are connected to the issues and nonprofits that are most relevant during this crisis. This latest grantmaking will go a long way in supporting local partnerships, front line nonprofits, United Ways and others helping Michiganders’ resilience.”

The DTE Foundation has partnered with the Michigan Association of United Ways and Michigan Community Action for a matching donation program.

“Our foundation has funded 1 million meals; provided 100,000 families with basic needs; and shored up nearly 400 small businesses so they can survive this crisis,” Jerry Norcia, president, DTE wrote in an email to customers. “We’ve committed to donating 2 million KN95 respiratory masks and have already delivered thousands to the Detroit Police Department and area hospitals to keep our first responders safe.”

Foundations with statewide, national and international footprints are finding unique challenges and innovative opportunities as they provide crisis relief.

The Bosch Community Fund provided grants for food relief to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Feeding America, both working to provide food to families in need.

“The opportunity and the privilege, really, is that we can help support many communities where Bosch associates, customers and partners live and work,” Kathleen Owsley, president, Bosch Community Fund and CMF Board of Trustees vice chair said. “The challenge, as with all foundations, is making those dollars stretch across as many areas and topics as possible, so it’s important we pick strong partners that share that goal.”

The Steelcase Foundation—an independent 501I(3) which functions as a hybrid of a family foundation and a corporate foundation—named The Center for Disaster Philanthropy as one of the first organizations funded through its disaster relief fund.

“The Center for Disaster Philanthropy was one of the first responders selected because of our admiration for the thoughtful, longer-term approach that organization takes to relief,” Julie Ridenour, president, The Steelcase Foundation said. “That was a niche that the Center for Disaster Philanthropy solely occupied.”

Additionally, Steelcase has expanded its program providing matching funding for U.S. employees and retirees of Steelcase Inc. to include disaster relief organizations.

“These matches recognize the generosity of the company’s employees and retirees, and all of the good work and organizations they support,” Ridenour said. “It reflects their benevolence as well as that of their employer, Steelcase, Inc., and helps to elevate the Steelcase name.”

Auto manufacturers such as General Motors (GM) and Ford, who are also CMF corporate members, are stepping in to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) for health care workers.

GM has partnered with Ventec Life Systems to support the production of VOCSN critical care ventilators. GM is also manufacturing surgical masks at its plant in Warren.

“We are proud to stand with other American companies and our skilled employees to meet the needs of this global pandemic,” Mary Barra, chairwoman and CEO, GM said in a press release.

Ford has created partnerships with 3M, GE Health and the United Auto Workers (UAW) to produce PPE. The auto manufacturer is working with 3M and GE Health to redesign and produce PPE and partnering with the UAW to support the manufacturing of such devices.

“This is such a critical time for America and the world. It is a time for action and cooperation,” Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford said in a press release.

The Council on Foundations (COF) published a joint letter from COF, the Association of American Citizenship Professionals, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose and Points of Light to highlight the importance of collaboration among corporate foundations and giving programs during this time.

Many corporate funders agree collaboration and partnership is critical, especially in a crisis.

“I am grateful to my fellow corporate funders who are always quick to galvanize and share information,” Owsley said. “They have been so helpful as information sources during this crisis.”

Want more?

Read COF’s joint letter