Council of Michigan Foundations

Founded in 1975 as the nation’s second regional association of grantmakers, the Council of Michigan Foundations emerged in the wake of the 1969 tax hearings to help shape state and federal policy affecting philanthropy. Over time, CMF grew in mission, service, and membership and today supports a talented, diverse, and highly connected community that includes independent, family, community, corporate, and private foundations, public charities, intermediaries, corporate giving programs, and individual donors connected in purpose to support the well-being of communities in Michigan and beyond. CMF’s convenings, peer communities, trainings, tools, services, and advocacy efforts increase the impact of philanthropic activities across Michigan’s rural, urban, and suburban communities and nurture career pathways in the field. Through its work, CMF has transformed the social sector in important ways— defining effective youth engagement in philanthropy for the country, launching innovative enterprises, extending critical infrastructure, inspiring public-private partnerships, and championing effective policy nationally and regionally on behalf of its members. Michigan is known for deep, often multigenerational relationships in the mission‑driven sector that are cultivated through CMF and are reflected in landmark innovations with historic impact like the development of Michigan’s first AIDS Fund, the creation of the Governor's Office of Foundation Liaison, and the Statewide Equity Fund created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, just to name a few.