The Skillman Foundation

At The Skillman Foundation, we are embedded in community, actively convening with peers and partners near and far while cataloging ideas to find ways to ride the tsunami wave of federal policy orders while actively protecting those around us. ? Our President & CEO Angelique Power shares how the Foundation is responding and continuing to build anew with young people, community members, and policy movers of all stripes.

Black authors have shaped history and inspired generations. This Black History Month, we are highlighting books by Black authors that have moved our staff and trustees. Amidst debate on education policies challenging the teaching of Black history, it is crucial that we defend the representation of diverse perspectives in the classroom and ensure these voices are heard for generations. Join in recognizing the immense contributions Black authors have made by sharing a book by a Black author that made a big impact on you in the comments! #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #books #education #detroit #michigan

Welcome to our newest fellow, Christina Bennett, who has joined our team as a Skillman Foundation and Council of Michigan Foundations Communications Fellow! In this role, Tina is using her visual storytelling and copywriting skills to support internal and external communications. Originally from Philadelphia, Tina fell in love with the mitten state while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and never looked back! She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art & Design, focusing on graphic design, illustration, and visual storytelling. Tina has called the Metro Detroit area home ever since. Prior to joining the Foundation, Tina worked as a graphic designer and creative client lead for a Detroit-based agency while simultaneously providing freelance creative services to organizations based in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and education sectors. Working with these types of clients over the years, combined with spending seven straight summers as a camp counselor, fueled her passion for helping create real change for youth. We are so excited that Tina has joined our team! ?? #team #staff #detroit #youth #education #philanthropy #fellow #communications #design #storytelling

Giving flowers to our wonderful leader Angelique Power who is being recognized as one of Michigan Chronicle’s Standout Non-Profit Leaders in Southeast Michigan! ??

Federal executive orders are challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, but there are legal protections in place to protect public school districts. Learn more about these moves and other changes afoot in K-12 education policy at skillman.org/policyupdate. #detroit #michigan #dei #education #schools #policy #edpolicy

From executive orders attempting to eliminate DEI in schools to pushing for public funds to be directed towards private schools under the guise of "parent choice," our #education system is in a critical moment. Here's what you need to know, how it impacts Detroit and Michigan, and what community-informed research shows. https://bit.ly/4gIeQW6

Titus Scott, data fellow for The Skillman Foundation and Council of Michigan Foundations, shares key insights from one of his first fellowship projects: conducting a landscape analysis to understand the role of #data in Detroit's K-12 education ecosystem.

Data is essential to philanthropy’s ability to understand its impact, advance equity and ensure resources reach the communities they aim to serve. Tune in to this virtual conversation hosted by Council of Michigan Foundations featuring Laila A. Bell, vice president of Learning & Impact at The Skillman Foundation, and Huilan Krenn and Icela Pelayo, PhD from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation exploring the critical role of data in philanthropy. ?? Thurs, Jan 30, 2:00-3:30 EST ??

"Focusing on public education is by far the fastest way to invest in ideas, innovation, civic pride, and self-determination." says President and CEO, Angelique Power, in her op-ed published in Crain's Detroit Business.

Meet Ashlee Schmidt and Tara Cooper who make up our Grantmaking Operations team! This team is dedicated to ensuring the Foundation’s grantmaking is executed efficiently and effectively. They support organizations through the grant application process and throughout the grant lifecycle. They are passionate about finding ways to decrease barriers to grant funding and move grants efficiently to fuel the work of serving Detroit youth. Current and prospective grant partners can look to this team for logistical support around the Foundation’s grantmaking process. #philanthropy #nonprofit #grant #detroit #michigan #team