Hundreds of CMF members, community and state leaders joined together in celebrating Rob Collier, president and CEO of CMF, his career and dedication to Michigan philanthropy last week at the Grand Rapids Public Museum as part of CMF’s 46^th Annual Conference.

As CMF has shared on social media there were many special guests and surprises for Rob, including a tribute video featuring CMF members and partners, a one of a kind video from the Blue Man Group and proclamations from Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, Governor Rick Snyder and the state Legislature.

At the celebration, Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and outgoing chair of CMF’s Board of Trustees, announced the establishment of the Robert S. Collier Public Policy Endowment Fund in honor of Rob’s service to CMF and Michigan philanthropy.

“From its earliest days, CMF has been a powerful advocate on the public policy issues that impact philanthropy. During Rob’s tenure as president and CEO, CMF’s reputation continued to grow as one of the leading voices, not just in Michigan, but nationally, on public policy issues of vital importance to foundations and the communities that they serve,” Hegarty said. “There is no better way to honor a man who has played such a leadership role in our sector than by permanently endowing a fund to support CMF’s future policy activities.This fund will allow CMF to build upon Rob’s amazing legacy.”

Thanks to the generous contributions from more than 100 CMF members, partner organizations, colleagues and Rob's personal friends, the fund launched with $1.35 million in assets. 

“The Robert S. Collier Public Policy Endowment Fund is a perfect tribute for an individual who has devoted the past 30 years of his life tirelessly advocating on behalf of philanthropy for common sense public policy,” David Jones, executive director, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and new chair, CMF’s Board of Trustees said. “Rob’s legacy of public policy work is now permanently endowed and will continue in his name, as it should.”

The Robert S. Collier Public Policy Endowment Fund will support public policy work in Lansing and Washington as it aligns with CMF's annual Government Relations and public policy goals, addressing critical policy issues facing the field of philanthropy and our Michigan communities.

Rob will as he says, “graduate” from his position on October 31 but will remain engaged with CMF through December 31 to assist Kyle Caldwell, CMF’s new president, with transition activities. He and his wife Diane, will continue a more than 37-year affiliation with CMF in 2019 as volunteers and members of CMF through their donor advised fund at the Shiawassee Community Foundation.

Want more?

If you would like to contribute to the Robert S. Collier Public Policy Endowment Fund please contact Dave Lindberg, CFO of CMF.

Watch the special video tribute.

Check out the photos from Rob’s celebration at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

View the Blue Man Group video.