2024 Annual Report
People
CMF seeks to foster the growth and development of current and future philanthropy leaders.
CMF is committed to cultivating and celebrating the leadership of all those who power our sector, across the entire continuum of their engagement in philanthropy – including trustees, youth, emerging practitioners, mid-career staff and the most tenured leaders in our field.
Peer Communities
Our peer communities connect CMF members across shared interests, roles, issue areas and identities to network, build relationships, collaborate and learn from one another and together. Each of our peer communities hosts online conversations via a listserv – a resource to learn from one another, sharing timely questions, relevant updates and upcoming event information.
CMF’s Latinx Affinity Network statewide gathering with nonprofit leaders.
CMF’s Michigan Forum for African Americans in Philanthropy Affinity Group gathering with BasBlue
Philanthropy Awards
Our community of philanthropy celebrated the exceptional service and outstanding leadership of four changemakers during the CMF 52nd Annual Conference in Traverse City in October 2024. Learn more about our philanthropy award honorees here! Our 2025 call for nominations is open now through June 30!
The Karen Aldridge-Eason Innovations for Equity Philanthropy Award: Karen Aldridge-Eason, Founding Foundation Liaison of the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison and Former Trustee at Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award: Tryphena Clarke, Community Engagement Officer at Ruth Mott Foundation
Dr. Gerald K. Smith Award for Philanthropy: Dr. Shakiyla Smith-Sengu, Vice President of Organizational Culture at Fetzer Institute
Dr. Russell G. Mawby Award for Philanthropy: Rob Collier, Immediate Past President & CEO of CMF and DAF Holder with his wife Diane at Shiawassee Community Foundation
Peer Ambassador Program
In 2024, we launched our Peer Ambassador program, a new offering created for our Annual Conference attendees to foster connections between emerging and experienced leaders and to enhance the conference experience for those newer to the field looking to grow their networks. We look forward to continuing to create spaces for you to gather and connect with your philanthropy peers!
Youth Philanthropy
Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) and YAC advisors from around the state gathered in June 2024 for the 32nd Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference. Through three days of engaging programming centered around the theme Orbit: Many Planets, One Solar System, attendees explored the importance of community and collaboration, strengthening their bonds with one another in support of their communities.
MCFYP Committee and YAC members pictured at the 2024 Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference
Youth Landscape Assessment
In 2024, 200 individuals including youth, CMF members and national philanthropic leaders participated in CMF’s youth landscape assessment. Together with our research partners, we gathered and analyzed focus group feedback, interview and survey data that will shape our supports and resources to equip and empower Michigan philanthropy youth and continue encouraging foundations’ authentic youth engagement. We look forward to sharing more with you as these efforts take shape in 2025 and beyond!
Learning to Give
Learning to Give, a program of CMF, serves youth leaders, philanthropic organizations, educators, families and other partners to educate, equip and empower all Michigan youth with philanthropy knowledge, skills and experience.
An Intergenerational Journey
Betsy Peterson “graduated” from her role in December 2024 after 20 years of leadership with Learning to Give, an endowed program of CMF. In this installment of Community Voices, Betsy shares her reflections on the value of empowering youth with the knowledge and skills of philanthropy and how the sector can continue to invite youth input now and into the future.
Leadership Development & Mentoring Program
We are proud to recognize the emerging and experienced leaders who engaged in our 2024 Leadership Development & Mentoring Program!
This six-month program features one-to-one customized coaching, leadership style and 360-degree leadership assessments and a curriculum that centers on principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), exploring topics such as emotional intelligence, personal values and career development.
2024 Leadership Development & Mentoring program gatherings
2024 Leadership Development & Mentoring program gatherings
2024 Emerging Leaders
Meredith Bradford
Scholarships Officer, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Gwen Gell
Program Manager, Rocket Community Fund
Veronica Gonzales
Philanthropic Project Manager, Rocket Community Fund
Jeremy Heinlein
Development Director, Annual Giving, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor
Lauren Plawecki
Community & Social Engagement Partner, Masco Corporation
Brianna Rimmer
Finance & Accounting Analyst, Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Liliana E. Salas
Community Investment Officer, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Megan Schreier
Program Officer, Delta Dental Foundation
Andrea Tucker
Executive Director, Michigan Credit Union Foundation
LaToya Turner
Community Investment Associate, Capital Region Community Foundation
Cassidy Uchman
2024 Public Policy Fellow, CMF
Chakara Wheeler
Program Officer, YAC Advisor, Community Foundation of Greater Flint
2024 Mentors
Lindsey Barrett
Senior Consultant, Public Sector Consultants
Carolyn Cassin
President & CEO, Michigan Women Forward
Tryphena Clarke
Community Engagement Officer, Ruth Mott Foundation
Matt Cook
Vice President of Community Relations, Lake Michigan Credit Union
Bonnie Gettys
President and CEO, Barry Community Foundation
Maria Gonzalez
Director of Affiliates and Supporting Organizations, Fremont Area Community Foundation
Jackie Hanton
Vice President, Community Foundation of St. Clair County
DJ Jones
Executive Director, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
Ruth Kaleniecki
Director of Administration in Community Health, Equity, Wellness/Diversity, Henry Ford Health
Sonia Plata
(Formerly) Foundation Director, Flagstar Bank
Nellie Tsai
Social Innovation Officer, Michigan Nonprofit Association
Maria Woodruff-Wright
Vice President, Operations & CFO, The Skillman Foundation
Foundation Leaders Cohort
The Foundation Leaders Cohort is an opportunity for CMF member foundation CEOs and executive directors who began their current role within the last 2-5 years to deepen their leadership practices through facilitated learning, grow their toolbox of high-quality resources and connect with Michigan philanthropy peers.
Our 2025 Foundation Leaders Cohort
2024 Cohort
Bronna Kahle
President & CEO, Lenawee Community Foundation
Dr. Grace Lubwama
President & CEO, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Chelsea Holmes Matz
Executive Director, Gratiot County Community Foundation
Robin Meneguzzo
Executive Director, Keweenaw Community Foundation
Joshua Robinson
Executive Director, Sanilac County Community Foundation
Sara Ward
President, Charlevoix County Community Foundation
Shane Williamson
Executive Director, Albion Community Foundation
CMF Community Voices
CMF Community Voices features a series of conversations and insights from leaders across our community of philanthropy. This curated collection of blogs and Q&As lifts up inspiring voices from changemakers providing reflections in the areas of Equity, People, Practice and Policy, with equity at the center.
"The [Foundation Leaders Cohort] Program was a transformative experience. Engaging with fellow nonprofit leaders in this invaluable opportunity allowed us to share and learn together, gaining insights into critical areas of executive leadership. The program not only provided real-time solutions to strengthen our leadership but also fostered a network of strong, supportive relationships with both participants and facilitators alike. Grateful for this enriching journey that has undoubtedly elevated my perspective and approach as a CEO."
Zosia Eppensteiner
CEO
Community Foundation of Marquette County
Foundation Leaders Cohort Participant
CMF Trustee
“Our fellowship has provided us many opportunities to understand how philanthropy touches different communities and sectors. Through one-on-one coaching, networking and participating in a cohort of other emerging leaders, we get to explore the world of philanthropy all while getting hands on experience at our home foundation. CMF facilitating the fellowship provides a unique and necessary opportunity for young and emerging leaders looking to make philanthropy a part of their career journey.”
Taylor Williams and Katie Ferriby
Erb Family Foundation & CMF Philanthropy Fellows
