Ford Foundation President Darren Walker recently spoke to the board of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan about the Ford Foundation’s work in the region, including their support of Michigan’s Nonprofit Complete Count Campaign for Census 2020 and their investment in The Henry Ford.
Ford Foundation President Darren Walker recently spoke to the board of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan about the Ford Foundation’s work in the region, including their support of Michigan’s Nonprofit Complete Count Campaign for Census 2020 and their investment in The Henry Ford. Walker also shared his new book and related invitation to dialogue entitled, “From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth” that focuses on philanthropy in America and builds on Andrew Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” that has described the responsibility of philanthropy and our sector. Bringing forward that 1889 article, Walker highlights a new vision for our sector that explores the growth of prosperity our community of philanthropy is built upon, sharing that we have not only an opportunity, but a responsibility, to address inequity.
As I sat in the audience listening to his remarks, I reflected on my own exploration of a new world of philanthropy and on the work of CMF and our Michigan community of philanthropy. I left that program with a clear thought in my mind, that while there may be tensions in the work and a myriad of challenges to face, there are exciting and bold steps we are taking together to build a better future.
The Issues We Explore
To say that we are in interesting times seems to be an understatement. Michigan is uniquely positioned at an inflection point with a still-evolving economy working to diversify, an education system seeking to meet the new demands of society, a rapidly changing and uncertain environment and pressures on our governing institutions during social change. Our community of philanthropy stands at the center of these issues, seeking to understand root causes and explore saleable solutions, and deeply rooted in community problem solving. There are so many examples of this work among our membership:
The impact investment in the East Jefferson Development Corporation.
Leadership in Launch Michigan’s new vision for education to serve the needs of children and families.
The deeper understanding of the effects of PFAS contamination in our land and water.
The basin-wide approach to water infrastructure community foundations are leading through the Great Lakes One Water Partnership.
Our work to engage policymakers in a deeper understanding of partnership with philanthropy through the Office of Foundation Liaison.
The New Way Forward We Will Chart
At the center of all this exploration – whether explicitly stated or implied – is the issue of equity. The investment in East Jefferson is one example of the economic revitalization of Detroit that has been led by philanthropy and seeks to support the neighborhoods surrounding the downtown economic turnaround. Education is the single largest investment area for Michigan philanthropy and yet the challenges in our public education system and the need for more equitable funding models are being exposed through philanthropy’s leadership. Our Great Lakes and surrounding communities are a vital resource for our health and well-being and yet their exploitation over the century of rapid economic expansion and decline leave consequences in their wake that philanthropy is seeking to mitigate. These and many other examples are the ways CMF members are charting a new way forward for Michigan philanthropy and the communities we serve, a way forward that embraces and exemplifies what Carnegie and Walker are defining as the imperatives (both traditional and new) for philanthropy.
To ensure CMF is leading this new way forward with you and for you, we will be focused on two important questions throughout 2020. First, we will continually ask the question that was shared during our 47th Annual Conference: “What does equity mean to our community of philanthropy in Michigan?” Throughout our programming, convening, communications and thought leadership, we want to advance a deeper understanding of this important issue and use our learning to inform not only our work but that of members and partners. Second, we will engage in a deep dive into our priorities and focus through a year-long comprehensive strategic planning process that we hope will guide the evolution of CMF to the next level of leadership that our community will need to grow the impact of Michigan philanthropy. With that in mind, our second question for 2020: “What do you envision for the future of your work, for CMF and for our sector?”
As 2019 comes to a close, all of us at CMF wish to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and serve beside you. CMF is made strong because of your engagement and support and is the premiere regional philanthropy serving organization in the country as a result. We are excited to continue the high-quality programming and services you have come to expect while leading the way toward a more equitable Michigan now and into the future.
Thank you for your leadership!
Kyle Caldwell
