“We each have a responsibility to do
all we can to provide
a better world for
future generations.”

“We each have a responsibility to do
all we can to provide
a better world for
future generations.”

“We each have a responsibility to do all we can to provide a better world for future generations.”

About The Foundation

The William Davidson Foundation is a private family foundation that honors its founder and continues his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, advancing for future generations the economic, cultural and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community.

Our focus areas

We invest in the artists and educators, entrepreneurs and innovative leaders who are shaping the future of Southeast Michigan, Israel, and the Jewish community.

Southeast Michigan

In Detroit and across Southeast Michigan, the William Davidson Foundation is working with our grantees and other partners to expand the number of good jobs and enhance our collection of great places. Together we see these as essential ingredients for a growing, connected community.

Jewish Life

The William Davidson Foundation is working with our grantees and other partners to educate and empower Jews in ways that will help them build meaningful lives infused with Jewish values and a deep sense of belonging and commitment to Jewish peoplehood and Israel. 

Israel

Israel is the spiritual and cultural home for the Jewish people worldwide, and the William Davidson Foundation is committed to promoting Israel’s security, prosperity, and vibrancy as a Jewish and democratic state with meaningful ties to the diaspora. 

In The News

Featured News | Partner News

Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival Memorial Comes to Detroit

A compelling memorial to Israel’s tragic Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival comes to Detroit Nov. 17-24. Thousands of music

Featured News | Partner News

Michigan lags nearby states in public funds for startups. There’s a push to change that

Detroit — Civilized Cycles relocated from Brooklyn to Detroit last year to expand the light electric mobility venture, and it

Featured News | Foundation News

The Davidson Digest – 2024 Q3 Newsletter

NEWS, HIGHLIGHTS, & EVENTS Motown Museum’s Highly Awaited Expansion to Open Summer 2026 During a recent celebratory media event, the Motown Museum shared updates

Suzanne Perreault

Program Officer

Suzanne Perreault is a Program Officer at the William Davidson Foundation and part of the Southeast Michigan Economic & Cultural Vitality team, leading the Foundation’s Good Jobs portfolio.  Suzanne is a highly accomplished leader in economic development with a distinguished career focused on fostering inclusive entrepreneurship across Michigan. She plays a key role in the development, refinement, and stewardship of grants and related strategies that support entrepreneurs and stimulates the creation, growth, and retention of new businesses in metropolitan Detroit. Suzanne excels in building collaborative partnerships and is committed to driving good jobs and promoting growth in vital industries to improve the livelihoods of individuals and families throughout the region.

Prior to joining the William Davidson Foundation, Suzanne served as the Director of Small Business Services at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she was instrumental in developing and managing innovative programming, overseeing an $80 million portfolio of small business support contracts, and leveraged data-driven insights to support the launch, stabilization, and growth of microenterprises, place-based and early-stage businesses statewide.  

Suzanne brings small business and community development experience to her role at WDF having held other key roles including Vice President at Mercantile Events & Marketing, an industry leader in retail and consumer-based events, where she led implementation of the business’s strategic plan – achieving growth and enhancing profitability.  She served as Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority in both Lake Orion, MI and Holly, MI, and led downtown revitalization efforts, managing a variety of initiatives including capital improvements, real estate development, and placemaking projects.  Suzanne is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.