Michigan Nonprofit Builds Support Network For Startup Founders With Focus On Philanthropy


Foundation: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

If you're a startup founder in Michigan, you're in luck: A new nonprofit aims to connect you with other like-minded entrepreneurs across the state, the Detroit Free Press reports.

"Our mission is pretty simple: We exist to grow the presence of diverse-led and successful high-growth ventures and advance civic leadership in Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem," says Trista Van Tine, executive director and co-founder of the Michigan Founders Fund.

The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit, which received federal designation as a 501(c)(3) organization in December, has more than 40 members consisting of startup founders and venture capitalists, and Van Tine says it wants to reach across the state to create a "founders-for-founders culture."

"For us to really help move Michigan forward, let's talk about Michigan being a place for tech to thrive and grow," says Erika Block, a tech entrepreneur who's now principal at Ann Arbor-based business coaching and consulting firm StickyLab.

Van Tine, who returned to the state after 14 years away, says Michigan is "at an inflection point for high-growth entrepreneurship and its long-term impact in our state."

Founders Fund plans to invest in causes including equity and inclusion, STEM education, and entrepreneurship.

Read the Entire Article


Selected Foundation News

A customized collection of news from foundations from around the Web.

Tampa Bay Innovation Center Names Startups for Spring Accelerator Program

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center is kicking off its spring accelerator program, and it's got eight startups on its list. Among them: AgWise, which focuses on the climate impact of agriculture's...more

Rome'S Affordable Housing Project Gets Grant Funding

An 11-acre plot of vacant land in Rome, NY, will soon be transformed into 250 affordable housing units and a community center for veterans and their families. Thanks to a $2.5 million grant from...more

Impact Pioneers Network Accelerates Growth for Filipino Impact Enterprises

A "first-of-its-kind impact investing network" in the Philippines is putting its money where its mouth is, in the form of collateral-free loans to women-led social and environmental...more

Ai for Ias: How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Investment Advisers

"It is simply not good enough that, for many advisers, their understanding of AI is that information goes into a black box,'magic happens' and something comes out." So said the outgoing director...more

Impact Investment Strategies Unveiled in New Genconnectu Course by Vegtech ...

"The future is green, and it's ours to invest in." That's the takeaway from Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest, who is offering an online course on "Impact Investing with Plant-based...more

Women of Impact: Alba Forns and Solar-Financing Platform Climatize

"Without actively looking for it, I came across a problem to solve, a powerhouse co-founder and an idea worth pursuing, so I decided to go for it," Alba Forns tellsEquities News. Forns is the...more

Positioning Kenyan Livestock Sector for Impact Investment

It's no secret that Africa's livestock industry plays a big role in the region's economy. In fact, the demand for livestock products is expected to grow by 50% by 2030, notes Business...more

Sustainable Finance Initiative and Ubs Join Forces to Illuminate How Asian Impact Investors ...

One of the world's richest men is putting his money where his mouth is. At least, that's the hope of the Sustainable Finance Initiative, a group that aims to encourage wealthy families in Asia...more

Provost Impact Award Supports More Contextualized, Inclusive Education in Social Entrepreneurship

"In the creative economy, arts administration research and teaching are heavily practice-focused and deeply contextualized," Rachel Shane says. "However, generalized entrepreneurship education...more

Grants Database
Foundation: MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation has released its annual list of "genius" grants, and this year's winners have a lot in common with previous winners: They're all men. Among them: Mark Zuckerberg: The...more






It’s time once again for social enterprises to bring and brandish their products and services at the FarmFest 2014, to be held at the Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok this Lunar New Year shopping season.




Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs



Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2024 Copyright Michael Saunders