What is the Southfield Community Foundation?
When and why was the Foundation created?
What is the Foundation's Mission?
What is the Foundation's focus for its grant programs?
How is the work of the Foundation financed?

Q. What is the Southfield Community Foundation?

The Southfield Community Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the IRS (EIN 38-291-8048) and as a tax-exempt charitable corporation by the State of Michigan. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and assisted in its work by several volunteer committees.

Q. When and why was the Foundation created?

The Foundation was organized in 1989 by local business, civic and community leaders to provide a vehicle for long-term community development. It was designed, in particular, to help meet community needs not traditionally funded by local, state, or federal governments.

Q. What is the Foundation's Mission?

The Foundation's mission is to enhance the lives of those who work and live in the Southfield and Lathrup Village communities. To accomplish this mission, the Foundation focuses on four areas: Service to Donors, Grants to the Community, Community Building Activities and the Promotion of Philanthropy.

Q. What is the Foundation's focus for its grant programs?

The Foundation focuses its grant programs on the following areas:

Community Building
Youth Development
Senior Adults
The Southfield Public Schools
Arts & Culture
Celebrating our Diversity

Q. How is the work of the Foundation financed?

The Foundation's primary objective is to create and build permanent or endowment funds. Investment income from these funds is used in three ways:

1. To fund grants back into the community
2. Reinvested to maintain the fund's value against inflation
3. To fund the Foundation's annual operations

The Foundation also raises funds for current operations through donations from individuals, corporations, private foundations, and special events.