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We are a family foundation dedicated to advancing the economic, cultural, and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community.

In The News

Gretchen Whitmer Off to Israel on 1st Trade Mission as Michigan Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer embarked on a five-day trip to Israel and will visit General Motor’s Advanced Technical Center for an understanding of GM’s role in Israel’s Start Up Nation, as well as Ford Motor Co.’s New Regional Research Center in the country, and a stop at the William Davidson Archaeological Park.

Detroit Free Press
17 Nov 2019

WSU Innovation Studio Set to Spark Students’ Entrepreneurial Journeys

The new Wayne State University Innovation Studio will provide students with a space for brainstorming and collaboration in addition to one-on-one coaching, educational programming, and mentorship opportunities.

Today@Wayne
29 Oct 2019

Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition Selects 24 Semifinalists

The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition will celebrate its tenth anniversary on November 13, 2019. Two dozen companies will compete for a share of more than $1 million in prizes.

Crain's Detroit
14 Oct 2019

Hank Greenberg Headlines First ‘Walk Of Heroes’ Class at Old Tiger Stadium Site

Detroit Police Athletic League will unveil the “Hank Greenberg Walk of Heroes,” an educational exhibit set up throughout the concourse at The Corner Ballpark. Among first honorees is Will Robinson, an American college basketball coach and long-time scout for the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions.

The Detroit News
23 Sep 2019

‘Great Moment In History’: Motown Museum Breaks Ground On Expansion In Festive Event

Motown Museum broke ground on the first phase of a planned expansion. Hitsville Next will be home to the museum’s growing series of youth and community programs and link three houses east of the building that served as Motown’s original headquarters and studio.

Detroit Free Press
22 Sep 2019

Ancient Afghan Geniza Documents To Go On Display For First Time

A collection of rare artifacts acquired by the National Library of Israel will be on display to the public for the first time at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.  The exhibition helps tell the story of a once-thriving Jewish community on the Silk Road.

The Jerusalem Post
9 Sep 2019

Hillel Day School Opens Expanded Early Childhood Center

Hillel Day School held a dedication ceremony for an expansion and renovation of its Early Childhood Center. The ECC will have more space to fill the needs of more families in the community.

The Oakland Press
29 Aug 2019

With Rabbis’ Blessing, Women-for-Tech Program Creates ‘Ripples’ in Haredi World

Led by Start-Up Nation, the Adva pilot project aims to educate young, ultra Orthodox, Israeli women pursuing software engineering jobs.

Times of Israel
28 Aug 2019

Major Improvements in Store for Spirit Plaza in Detroit

The City of Detroit announces upgrades to the newly-permanent downtown public space, Spirit Plaza. The Foundation provided initial resources to Downtown Detroit Partnership to support the design and pilot launch of the plaza in 2017.

The Detroit News
28 Aug 2019

Detroit ‘Month of Design’ to Highlight Inclusivity for 2019

‘Month of Design’ kicks off September 5th to showcase Detroit’s design legacy with events throughout the city.

Curbed Detroit
27 Aug 2019

Venture for America’s Program for Entrepreneurship Taking Root in Detroit

Venture for America dispatched over two hundred new fellows this month to companies in Detroit and four other U.S. cities. 2019 fellows spent the month of July training at Wayne State University to prepare for their two-year assignments.

Crain's Detroit
18 Aug 2019

Atwater Beach Opening Soon, Extending Detroit’s Network of Family Friendly Public Spaces

More than another new attraction in Detroit: Atwater Beach aims to add to the growing number of public spaces in the city. A dream for a greener, walkable Detroit is becoming a reality as plans and planning unfold.

Detroit Free Press
16 Aug 2019

Wayne State’s Urban Innovation District Near New Center Takes Shape

Started in 2014 as a dream for an Innovation District, Wayne State University shows sign of a reality coming to fruition. Leveraging technology to promise an emerging smart city, plans of a refresh for a gathering space will be unveiled in September.

Curbed Detroit
13 Aug 2019

City Leaders Work to Attract and Retain Foreign-Born Entrepreneurs

Detroit seeks to attract and retain foreign-born entrepreneurs through the Global Entrepreneur In Residence (Global EIR) program, working with city leaders in partnership with local universities to connect international student entrepreneurs with visas.

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
8 Aug 2019

Placemaking on a Mission: How Public Space Supports Mission-Driven Organizations in Southeast Michigan

Project for Public Spaces writes on how the Southeast Michigan Placemaking Pilot Initiative is  helping four Detroit area grantees spark new uses of underutilized space.

Project for Public Spaces
8 Aug 2019