The William Davidson Foundation, a CMF member, announced two grants totaling over $1 million to two Detroit-based organizations in honor of its late founder, William “Bill” Davidson, on what would’ve been his 100th birthday. The grants are focused on sports, youth fitness and competition in Detroit.
The William Davidson Foundation, a CMF member, announced two one-time grants totaling over $1 million to two Detroit-based organizations in honor of its late founder, William “Bill” Davidson.
The grants were awarded to Project Play and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
Project Play, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Aspen Institute, serves to provide children in Southeast Michigan with access to equitable sports programs and safe spaces for recreation and play.
The William Davidson Foundation developed two complementary grant concepts to celebrate its founder. Funds to Project Play launches “A Season of Youth Fitness” and supports 18 of the area’s top performing youth-fitness nonprofits for various sports, leagues, tournaments and other youth fitness efforts.
According to a press release, the funds to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will go toward a weekend of events that include: a Detroit showcase concert that celebrates Detroit’s rich musical history, a “Detroit’s Got Talent” style competition featuring musical acts, a three-on-three basketball tournament, and a fun, barrier-free 5k walk/bike/roll along the Riverwalk.
The activities supported by the William Davidson Foundation through Project Play will span 2023. The weekend of events at the Detroit Riverfront will take place in a single mid-August weekend.
On what would have been Davidson’s 100th birthday, the grants were announced during Jewish Heritage Night at the Detroit Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena, where Davidson’s birthday was recognized. He owned the Pistons from 1974 to 2009.
“Mr. Davidson was passionate about many things, including the city of Detroit, sports and fitness, and of course, the Pistons,” Darin McKeever, president and CEO of the William Davidson Foundation and CMF trustee, said. “It is such an honor and privilege to recognize our founder on his centennial birthday and do so alongside the Detroit Pistons, the NBA and in collaboration with tremendous organizations like the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and some of the area’s top youth fitness non-profits.”
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Read the full press release.
