Since the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan was established in 1984, we have always prioritized equity — whether it’s our support for early childhood education, creating accessible greenways and blueways, or driving inclusive small business development. In this yearbook, which documents our 2022 fiscal year results and provides a current snapshot of the Community Foundation, you’ll read stories about our equity-building in action, from a barrier-busting street hockey league to an innovative, community-driven criminal legal reform initiative.

Besides our commitment to equity throughout the rural, suburban and urban areas we serve, another thing that hasn’t changed during the past 39 years is the need for philanthropy in our region.

Why is that? In many cases, the need for philanthropy stems from centuries of systemic racism and disinvestment, which still impact people in southeast Michigan today. The effects can be seen in unequal access to employment, affordable housing, health care, education, transportation and outdoor spaces. The resulting disparities aren’t only unjust, but also fail to recognize the full potential of all residents in our region, and make it harder to retain and attract talent. As Michigan’s population stagnates and we fall behind other states on key quality-of-life indicators, it’s critical that we take action.

If we want to break this intergenerational cycle, we must communicate with courage and honesty. We must speak frankly about our commitment to equity and how it guides our philanthropy. Equity acknowledges that not everyone enjoys the same advantages — nor do we all face the same challenges. Promoting equity means providing the specific resources required to close opportunity gaps and ensure everyone in our region can thrive without factors such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or geography serving as barriers.

To achieve this vision, the Community Foundation will need talented people, up-to-date technology and other necessary tools. That’s why I’m inviting you to participate in our Voices of Change campaign, which encourages generous donors to help build our operating endowment and ensure our organization can continue this crucial, equity-building work for generations. We can’t do it without you.

A final thought: There are many ways to contribute toward fulfilling the Community Foundation’s mission. Later in this publication, you’ll read about Community Foundation donor and Trustee Dr. Glenda Price, who encourages aspiring philanthropists to give what they can — whether it’s their talent, time or treasure. We think her words are words to live by: “Simply think of what you care about and start giving.”

Richard L. DeVore, President

I can still remember licking envelopes and stamps as a boy in Korea, where my parents worked as missionaries. At the time, junior and senior high schools there charged tuition that many students in the countryside couldn’t afford. So, my parents established a school and raised funds to ensure education was accessible for everyone. Our family helped by mailing sponsorship requests to the United States. The ask? Twelve dollars per year to sponsor a student. Eventually, the school grew from 30 to 3,000 students who were determined to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

That experience taught me how philanthropy can close opportunity gaps and ensure everyone has a chance to succeed. It also instilled my lifelong passion for promoting education. Today, halfway around the world and after a successful career in the banking sector, it’s part of what drives me to give back to my community and serve on the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Board of Trustees.

I am honored to take over as Board chair from Jim Nicholson, whose steady leadership since 2014 enabled the Community Foundation’s Board and staff to create opportunities that have positively impacted our region — from the Grand Bargain, to the evolution of the New Economy Initiative, to becoming one of the top 25 community foundations in the country.

I would be remiss if I didn’t use this message to recognize the service of venerable Board members who have passed away since our last annual report was published, including Alan Schwartz, Rick Scofield and Joan Warren. The impact of their generosity and commitment will live on for generations throughout southeast Michigan.

As the Community Foundation develops a strategic plan that will help it successfully springboard from its first 40 years into the future, I look forward to being a sounding board for President Ric DeVore and supporting his commitment to closing opportunity gaps in our region, the same way my parents taught me to do back in Korea. I hope you will join us.

David T. Provost, Chair

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