The Skillman Foundation not only supports Detroit youth but also empowers them to make grantmaking decisions through the foundation’s President’s Youth Council. The insights of the council members help guide the foundation’s priorities and strategies. 

Skillman’s first-ever President’s Youth Council is led by 13 Detroit youth members. The council recently announced $105,000 in grants to several Detroit nonprofits, which were chosen based on the members own research.

“We did not do this to teach them how to make grants. We did this to learn from them,” Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation recently shared. 

The Skillman Foundation set aside $100,000 for the council to direct to organizations of their choice, and ultimately council members advocated for $5,000 more in grants. 

“Ask young people for their thoughts, and they will let you know some things. They will tell you they are ready. Ready to do more than talk, they want to act. Ready to do more than listen and learn how it has been done. They want to roll up their sleeves, put in the hours and re-create what might even be possible,” Power said.  

The council was launched in early 2021. Council members work with foundation leadership to discuss issues that are important to them and advise how the foundation and its partners can better support the needs and aspirations of Detroit youth.

Each member serves a two-year term and is compensated for their time and reimbursed for any transportation expenses incurred during their service to the foundation.

Council members surprised organizational leaders by calling them directly to inform them of their awards.

Bringing Hope Back Home, an educational organization that aims to provide a smooth transition to college for high school students in Detroit, was awarded a grant. 

“Bringing Hope Back Home is completely student run and led; we are dedicated to bringing public high school students the resources necessary to succeed in college,” Mosammad Jahan, member, President’s Youth Council said. 

Another organization, Covenant House Michigan, provides shelter and resources to youth who are unhoused.

“I think Covenant House Michigan is important to Detroit’s young people because it just shows that there is still hope and that nothing is impossible,” Timarra Davis, member, President’s Youth Council said. 

A sampling of organizations that were selected by council members for funding include:

•    Detroit Heals Detroit fosters healing justice for Detroit youth with a goal to combat trauma and work to dismantle oppressive systems for marginalized Detroit youth.

•    SDM2 Project Education cultivates educational development in the community through utilizing outdoor recreational activities.

•    Warrior Women Against Poverty transforms the lives of women and their children through mentorship, resources and educational experiences. 

•    Afrofuture Youth is a Detroit-based, Black youth-led organization using Black Futurist and healing-centered frameworks to co-create equitable and pleasurable futures.

•    Alternatives for Girls helps girls and young women who are or may experience homelessness avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, through support, resources and opportunities.

You can view the full list of selected organizations via The Skillman Foundation’s announcement.

Want more?

Read The Skillman Foundation’s full announcement.

Learn more about the President’s Youth Council.