FundersMichigan

The Skillman Foundation

Detroit, MI · EIN 38-1675780. Reported 1,407 grants totalling $82.0M to 531 organizations across tax years 2021-2024. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.

Yesaccepts unsolicited requests
$11,625median grant
$82.0Mgranted, 2021-2024
531organizations funded
62%of grantees funded again the next year
$601.6Massets, latest filing

Does this foundation accept applications?

Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. The Skillman Foundation did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.

This is the foundation's own statement to the IRS, not our judgement, and it says nothing about whether they have a form, a deadline, or an appetite for new grantees. Treat it as the reason this foundation is worth your research time, not as an invitation. Many small foundations of this kind have no website and no application process -- a letter of inquiry is the normal first step.

How big are its grants?

The median grant is $11,625. Half of everything it gave fell between $5,000 and $90,000; the smallest was $50 and the largest $800,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.

Under $1,000
145 grants
$1,000 - $5,000
166 grants
$5,000 - $10,000
219 grants
$10,000 - $25,000
357 grants
$25,000 - $50,000
65 grants
$50,000 - $100,000
107 grants
$100,000 and Up
348 grants

Every organization it funded

All 531 recipients appear in its filings; the 250 largest are listed here. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which this organization received money -- the clearest signal of who this foundation actually has a relationship with.

OrganizationLocationTotal receivedGrantsYears fundedLast
Detroit Children's FundDetroit, MI$2,617,4221942024
Council of Michigan Foundations IncDetroit, MI$2,060,9052042024
Allied Media Projects IncDetroit, MI$1,941,3752242024
Urban Neighborhood Initiatives IncDetroit, MI$1,785,2001042024
Metro Solutions IncSouthfield, MI$1,762,2501442024
Teach for America IncNew York, NY$1,655,200942024
Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI$1,520,6311132023
Detroit Public Schools FoundationDetroit, MI$1,475,5001132023
Detroit Employment Solutions CorporationDetroit, MI$1,451,000432023
United Way for Southeastern MichiganDetroit, MI$1,431,7682142024
Brilliant DetroitDetroit, MI$1,373,2701142024
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of DetroitDetroit, MI$1,287,000732023
482FORWARDDetroit, MI$1,281,2501942024
Community Development Advocates of DetroitDetroit, MI$1,267,000642024
Invest Detroit FoundationDetroit, MI$1,250,000332024
Warren Conner Development Coalition Inc Dba Eastside Community NetworkDetroit, MI$1,224,8501342024
New Paradigm for EducationDetroit, MI$1,128,000942024
Black Male Educators AllianceDetroit, MI$1,085,000532024
Developing Kingdoms in Different StagesDetroit, MI$1,064,1582142024
Michigan Association of United WaysLansing, MI$996,000642024
Central Detroit Christian Community Development CorporationDetroit, MI$919,5001042024
The Forum for Youth InvestmentWashington, DC$910,000332023
Ser Metro Detroit-Jobs for Progress IncDetroit, MI$864,734842024
Bme NetworksHollywood, FL$850,000332023
Detroit Parent NetworkDetroit, MI$811,570842024
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern MichiganFarmington Hills, MI$809,191842024
Downtown Boxing Gym Youth ProgramDetroit, MI$791,238742024
Data Driven Detroit L3CDetroit, MI$790,000542024
Give Merit IncDetroit, MI$789,2001042024
Michigan's Thanksgiving ParadeDetroit, MI$755,000432024
Bfdi Educational Services IncDetroit, MI$750,000332024
Detroit 9090Detroit, MI$750,000332024
Detroit Academy of Arts and SciencesDetroit, MI$750,000332024
Atlantic ImpactDetroit, MI$747,075742024
WellspringDetroit, MI$741,600842024
Detroit Hispanic Development CorporationDetroit, MI$727,5001042024
Catchafire FoundationSan Francisco, CA$700,000442024
Foundation for Detroit's FutureDetroit, MI$700,000442024
New Detroit IncDetroit, MI$700,000432024
Center for Success NetworkDetroit, MI$686,050842024
Michigan College Access NetworkLansing, MI$645,000542024
Urban Alliance Foundation IncWashington, DC$642,000742024
Detroit Food & Entrepreneurship AcademyDetroit, MI$634,975942024
Autism Alliance of MichiganSouthfield, MI$615,000742024
City Year IncBoston, MA$610,000542024
Soar DetroitDetroit, MI$610,000442024
Tides CenterSan Francisco, CA$606,021642024
The YunionDetroit, MI$601,625942024
Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance IncDetroit, MI$601,575942024
The Michigan Hispanic CollaborativeDetroit, MI$595,000742024
Michigan's ChildrenLansing, MI$585,000542024
Athlete Transition Services CorpCanton, MI$563,500532024
Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund IncNew York, NY$535,000432023
Michigan Future IncAnn Arbor, MI$525,000442024
Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation IncDetroit, MI$514,000842024
Hope NetworkGrand Rapids, MI$510,000332023
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy IncDetroit, MI$500,000112023
Detroit Police Athletic League IncDetroit, MI$499,225632024
Midnight Golf ProgramBingham Farms, MI$488,000842024
Strategic Community PartnersDetroit, MI$487,1401122023
Institute for AfrourbanismDetroit, MI$467,500532024
Henry Ford Learning InstituteDearborn, MI$450,600442024
Calebs KidsSouthfield, MI$448,875632024
Southwest Economic SolutionsDetroit, MI$436,375632024
Insideout Literary Arts ProjectDetroit, MI$435,200842024
Education Trust IncWashington, DC$435,000332024
Detroit Public Schools Community DistrictDetroit, MI$432,000332024
Michigan League for Public PolicyLansing, MI$430,000442024
College for Creative StudiesDetroit, MI$425,900842024
Say DetroitSouthfield, MI$420,625532024
Collegespring IncWalnut Creek, CA$412,500332023
Greenlight Fund IncBoston, MA$410,000542024
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI$400,200532024
Congress of CommunitiesDetroit, MI$398,500842024
Bend the Arc-a Jewish Partnership for JusticeNew York, NY$390,000322023
YMCA of Metropolitan DetroitDetroit, MI$390,000632024
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan IncDetroit, MI$385,750532024
Student Advocacy Center of Michigan IncYpsilanti, MI$360,706742024
Grace in Action CollectivesDetroit, MI$355,000742024
Alkebu-Lan VillageDetroit, MI$348,2001042024
Racquet Up DetroitDetroit, MI$336,575632024
The Children's FoundationDetroit, MI$326,500542024
Detroit Phoenix CenterDetroit, MI$320,000432024
826 MichiganAnn Arbor, MI$314,350332024
Detroit Future CityDetroit, MI$312,000422024
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale, MI$312,000542024
The Center for Michigan IncYpsilanti, MI$310,056542024
Lafrance Associates LLCSan Francisco, CA$309,955432023
Outlier MediaDetroit, MI$300,080322024
Teen HypeDetroit, MI$300,000222024
The Institute for College Access and Success IncOakland, CA$300,000332024
Heritage WorksDetroit, MI$276,250632024
Diversified Community ServicesDetroit, MI$266,250532024
Detroit Horse PowerDetroit, MI$262,000532024
Special Olympics Michigan IncGrand Rapids, MI$255,053632024
Michigan Nonprofit AssociationLansing, MI$253,300532024
Civic News CompanyNew York, NY$250,000332024
Force DetroitDetroit, MI$250,000222024
Association of Black Foundation Executives IncNew York, NY$240,3201242024
Citizens Research Council of Michigan IncLivonia, MI$235,000632024
Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency Dba Michigan Center for Youth JuAnn Arbor, MI$220,000222023
Wayne County Community College DistrictDetroit, MI$220,000212021
National Parents Union IncMalden, MA$212,500422024
Mothering JusticeDetroit, MI$200,100532023
Africa-America InstituteNew York, NY$200,000222022
KIPP Detroit Imani AcademyDetroit, MI$200,000112023
Launch MichiganLansing, MI$200,000112024
Muckrock Foundation IncorporatedSomerville, MA$200,000112022
Teach Plus IncorporatedBoston, MA$200,000112024
Vision to LearnLos Angeles, CA$200,000222022
University of Detroit MercyDetroit, MI$192,500112022
Life Remodeled - a Nonprofit CorporationDetroit, MI$177,500332024
Marygrove ConservancyDetroit, MI$175,000112023
Mack Avenue Community Church Community Development CorporationDetroit, MI$166,250522023
Michigan Roundtable for Just CommunitiesDetroit, MI$151,000212024
Afterschool AllianceWashington, DC$150,000112024
CandidNew York, NY$150,000112023
Downtown Detroit Partnership IncDetroit, MI$150,000432024
Eastern Michigan University FoundationYpsilanti, MI$150,000112021
Last Mile Education FundLafayette, CO$150,000222024
Springboard CollaborativePhiladelphia, PA$150,000112021
Detroit Heals DetroitEastpointe, MI$133,000532024
Heat and Warmth FundDetroit, MI$132,307742024
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan DetroitDetroit, MI$130,000112022
Poise FoundationPittsburgh, PA$128,000422024
Learn Fresh Education CoDenver, CO$125,000112021
We the People - MiDetroit, MI$125,000212023
Detroit Crime CommissionDetroit, MI$120,000312022
Playworks Education EnergizedDetroit, MI$120,000332024
Basblue IncDetroit, MI$102,000522024
Center for Black Educator DevelopmentElkins Park, PA$100,000222024
Fii-National Dba UptogetherOakland, CA$100,000112021
Inner Explorer IncFranklin, MA$100,000112021
Michigan Afterschool PartnershipLansing, MI$100,000112024
Michigan Center for Youth JusticeAnn Arbor, MI$100,000112024
Neutral ZoneAnn Arbor, MI$100,000112022
The Institute for College Access and Success IncWashington, DC$100,000112021
Life Church SouthfieldSouthfield, MI$91,6601142024
Global Philanthropy PartnershipChicago, IL$90,000222024
Joe Louis Greenway PartnershipDetroit, MI$90,000112024
Council on Foundations IncWashington, DC$86,000442024
Center for Evaluation Innovation IncWashington, DC$85,000112024
Michigan Education Excellence FoundationDetroit, MI$85,000332023
Spelman CollegeAtlanta, GA$80,000442024
Chalkbeat IncNew York, NY$75,000112021
Detroit Community SchoolsDetroit, MI$75,000112022
Friends of the Children-DetroitDetroit, MI$75,000112022
Michigan Central Center for Mobility and SocietyDetroit, MI$75,000112024
Grantmakers for Effective OrganizationsWashington, DC$71,780542024
Tides FoundationLos Angeles, CA$71,000442024
Art of Culture IncChicago, IL$65,000212022
Black Leaders DetroitDetroit, MI$63,086532024
Local CirclesDetroit, MI$61,800222023
Detroit OperaDetroit, MI$60,000212022
The Center for Effective PhilanthropyCambridge, MA$60,000112024
University Musical SocietyAnn Arbor, MI$60,000222024
Nw Goldberg CaresDetroit, MI$55,500422023
Detroit Public Schools Community District FoundationDetroit, MI$55,000112024
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors IncNew York, NY$55,000222024
Yeshivath Beth YehudahSouthfield, MI$51,500542024
Surge InstituteChicago, IL$50,500222024
Economic Justice Alliance of MichiganDetroit, MI$50,000112024
Independent SectorWashington, DC$50,000442024
Metro Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation Dba Michigan Black BusinDetroit, MI$50,000112024
Motown Historical Museum IncDetroit, MI$50,000112024
Southwest Solutions Inc Dba MisideDetroit, MI$50,000322024
Lfe Leaders IncNew York, NY$49,125632024
Peak Grantmaking IncWashington, DC$49,000542024
CulturesourceDetroit, MI$47,000432023
Chapel Vision Community Development CorporationDetroit, MI$45,200532024
Hartford Memorial Baptist ChurchDetroit, MI$43,900322024
Grantmakers for EducationPortland, OR$41,800642024
Be-Moor Radio InstituteDetroit, MI$41,000222023
Planned Parenthood of Michigan IncAnn Arbor, MI$40,777532023
America's Promise - the Alliance for YouthWashington, DC$40,000112024
Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganDetroit, MI$40,000112021
Michigan Science CenterDetroit, MI$40,000222024
Schott Foundation for Public EducationCambridge, MA$40,000112022
The Avalon Village IncHighland Park, MI$40,000112022
Timbuktu Community ServicesDetroit, MI$40,000112021
Women of BanglatownDetroit, MI$39,125422024
Association for the Advancement of Deaf-Hard of HearingDetroit, MI$38,750332024
Dr Gary Burnstein Community Health ClinicPontiac, MI$38,750212024
1 Michigan for the Global Majority IncDetroit, MI$35,250332024
Alumni Association of the University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI$35,000222024
Metropolitan Affairs CoalitionDetroit, MI$34,500542024
Black United Fund of Michigan IncDetroit, MI$32,500442024
Metro Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation Dba Metro Detroit BlackDetroit, MI$30,500212022
Sugar Honey Iced TeaDetroit, MI$30,325222024
Caught UpDetroit, MI$30,000112024
Community PartnersLos Angeles, CA$30,000222024
National Constitution CenterPhiladelphia, PA$30,000322024
Public CounselLos Angeles, CA$30,000112021
Class Act DetroitDetroit, MI$29,250322023
Detroit Public Safety FoundationDetroit, MI$28,200322024
Mint Artists GuildDetroit, MI$26,900422024
East Warren BillsDetroit, MI$25,625212022
Whoh Community Sports Complex IncDetroit, MI$25,250222024
Baltimore Museum of Art IncBaltimore, MD$25,000112024
Brightmoor ConnectionDetroit, MI$25,000112024
Charity for People Powered DemocracySouthfield, MI$25,000222024
Connect DetroitDetroit, MI$25,000112023
Detroit Urban League IncDetroit, MI$25,000332024
Elle Reve Non ProfitRichmond, CA$25,000112024
New Bethel Baptist ChurchDetroit, MI$25,000112024
New Hampshire Charitable FoundationConcord, NH$25,000112022
North End Woodward Community CoalitionDetroit, MI$25,000112024
Talent 2025 IncGrand Rapids, MI$25,000112022
Third Sector New England IncBoston, MA$25,000112024
We the People of DetroitDetroit, MI$25,000112024
Bringing Hope Back HomeWarren, MI$24,125212022
Rttm Community CenterDetroit, MI$24,075322024
Covenant House MichiganDetroit, MI$24,028432024
The KonnectionDetroit, MI$23,200532024
Rosedale Grandmont Little LeagueDetroit, MI$22,625222023
Color of Autism Foundation IncorporatedBeverly Hills, MI$22,500222024
Museum of African American HistoryDetroit, MI$22,500532024
Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MI$22,000322023
Lwsc Community CircleEastpointe, MI$21,850422024
Clark Park CoalitionDetroit, MI$21,625212022
One Love Global IncLansing, MI$21,575222024
Children's Center of Wayne County IncDetroit, MI$21,000212022
Motor City Chiefs Youth SportsDetroit, MI$20,625112022
Focus HopeDetroit, MI$20,200332024
Bailey Park Project Dba Bailey Park Neighborhood CorporationDetroit, MI$20,000212022
Center for Community Based Enterprise IncDetroit, MI$20,000112024
Coalition for Juvenile JusticeWashington, DC$20,000112022
Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program IncDetroit, MI$20,000112024
Legal Aid and Defenders Association IncDetroit, MI$20,000112021
LIVE6 AllianceDetroit, MI$20,000112024
Make a Wish Foundation of MichiganBrighton, MI$20,000112021
Michigan Colleges AllianceSouthfield, MI$20,000332024
Michigan Department of Civil RightsLansing, MI$20,000222024
MultiplierSan Francisco, CA$20,000112022
The Arts League of Michigan IncDetroit, MI$20,000112024
The Funders' Network IncCoral Gables, FL$20,000442024
We Are the Culture Creators NonprofitDetroit, MI$20,000112022
Coalition on Temporary ShelterDetroit, MI$19,500432024
Franklin-Wright Settlements IncDetroit, MI$19,500632024
Michigan Student Power AllianceEast Lansing, MI$17,750222024
American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation InstituteDetroit, MI$17,710112021
AccessDearborn, MI$17,500322024
Umoja Debate TeamDetroit, MI$17,500222024
Living ArtsDetroit, MI$16,250222024
Triumph Missionary Baptist ChurchDetroit, MI$15,750222024
The Better Men Outreach ProgramDetroit, MI$15,250212024
Friends of the RougePlymouth, MI$15,206332023
American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeastern Mi IncDetroit, MI$15,000332024
Bfdi International Training InstituteWest Bloomfield, MI$15,000212024
CODE313 IncDetroit, MI$15,000112024

216 of 531 (41%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.

Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 62%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is about typical. A high number means its list is close to settled and a newcomer has to displace someone; a low one means it is still moving money around, which is where an opening is.

Plus 10 grants to individuals totalling $500,000 -- scholarships, hardship and emergency assistance. We deliberately do not publish the names of people who received them, even though the filings do.

What the money was for

Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.

What kind of organizations it funds

By the recipient's own IRS classification, for the 1,134 grants where we could identify the organization. These are assigned categories, not our guesses.

Education
199 grants
Community Improvement
136 grants
Human Services
134 grants
Arts & Culture
124 grants
Youth Development
114 grants
Philanthropy & Grantmaking
99 grants
Crime & Legal
33 grants
Health Care
33 grants

Giving by year

Tax yearGrantsTotalMedian grant
2021245$18.4M$20,000
2022397$22.4M$12,500
2023359$23.8M$12,500
2024406$17.3M$10,000

Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.

Where its money goes

Foundations concentrate geographically far more than their mission statements suggest. 84% of this one's giving went to organizations in Michigan. If you are outside its footprint, that matters more than how well your programme fits.

Michigan
$68.8M
New York
$3.6M
California
$2.8M
District of Columbia
$2.7M
Massachusetts
$1.9M
Florida
$870K
Pennsylvania
$410K
Colorado
$275K

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Funders that support the same organizations

These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are the strongest available signal that two funders have overlapping priorities, and a funder already backing your peers is a far warmer prospect than one that merely lists your cause.

Community Foundation for Southeast189 shared recipientsFidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund172 shared recipientsDonor Advised Charitable Giving Inc132 shared recipientsThe Kresge Foundation129 shared recipientsAmerican Online Giving Foundation Inc128 shared recipientsUnited Way for Southeastern Michigan121 shared recipients

How to approach this foundation

  1. Check you are its size. The median grant is $11,625. Asking for ten times that is the most common way small organizations waste a submission.
  2. Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in Michigan.
  3. Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
  4. Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.

Related guides

Foundations funding education in MichiganEvery funder in this group, ranked

Where these numbers come from

Everything above is taken from The Skillman Foundation's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2021-2024). Nothing here is scraped, inferred, or estimated.

Address of record on the latest return: 100 Talon Centre Dr 100, Detroit, MI, 48207. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.

EIN 38-1675780 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this

This is history, not an open call. Foundation returns are published about a year after the tax year ends. Nothing on this page is a deadline. It is a record of who this foundation has actually funded, which is the best available predictor of who it will fund next -- and a much better basis for deciding whether to write to them than a mission statement.

Is something here wrong about your foundation? Email hello@funderscope.com and we will correct it.