Our Approach

We are helping to secure a bright future for communities that
have inspired our founder’s family for generations.

As Mr. Davidson did in his lifetime, we invest in transformative ideas, institutions, and initiatives that aim to deliver lasting value. Along the way, we build meaningful relationships with others who share our sense of optimism and obligation about Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people.

We are helping to secure a bright future for communities that have inspired our founder’s family for generations.

As Mr. Davidson did in his lifetime, we invest in transformative ideas, institutions, and initiatives that aim to deliver lasting value. Along the way, we build meaningful relationships with others who share our sense of optimism and obligation about Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people.

Our Philosophy

We believe that for Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people to remain secure and thriving, these communities must embrace entrepreneurship and creativity, enhance the gathering spaces that help define them, and elevate leaders who educate and promote understanding.

Our Strategies for Impact

Entrepreneurship and Creativity

Great communities are dynamic and innovative. They possess a healthy share of well-supported visionaries and risk-takers who are ready to respond creatively to any given generation’s challenges and opportunities.

Gathering Spaces

Thriving communities are defined by the places where large numbers of people gather, learn, and play together. Thoughtfully designed parks, plazas, museums, schools, and other communal institutions instill a sense of pride, strengthen civic bonds, and help welcome others who bring new strengths to  the community.

Leaders Who Educate and
Promote Understanding

Enduring communities celebrate and support the individuals who pass on inherited wisdom to future generations and can teach people of different backgrounds and perspectives about the community.

Our focus areas

Together with our partners, we invest in organizations where entrepreneurs and innovative leaders, artists and educators are shaping the future of Southeast Michigan, Israel, and the Jewish community.

“ I look for organizations with a clear mission and a capable team who will use the tools we give them to build something of lasting value and substance.”

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.