Skillman Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Skillman Foundation supports education and economic wellbeing in Detroit, Michigan.
IP TAKE: This is a youth-focused foundation that supports the needs of young people in Detroit. It is an accessible foundation that is open to new ideas and organizations. The Skillman Foundation accepts unsolicited pre-applications throughout the year.
PROFILE: Established in 1960, the Skillman Foundation is a private foundation based in Detroit, Michigan. This the foundation of Rose Skillman, who was married to Robert Skillman, an early pioneer of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M). During her lifetime, Rose Skillman was passionate about supporting children, appreciating the arts and loving animals. The foundation aims to "ensure Detroit youth achieve their highest aspirations by strengthening K-12 public education, after-school learning opportunities, and college and career pathways.” It funds local efforts for education and economic wellbeing.
The Skillman Foundation supports education both inside and outside the classroom, often through collaborative relationships with nonprofits and schools. Past education grants have worked to improve student attendance, boost third-grade reading levels, recruit quality teachers and keep families and communities involved with local education. Skillman’s economic grants expand opportunities high school graduates through college and career pathways and leadership development. The foundation also adheres to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. This funder does not provide scholarships, fund capital costs, or pay for political activities.
Grants range between about $30,000 and $300,000. Grantmaking focuses specifically on the city of Detroit. Past local grantees include Data Driven Detroit, Mission Throttle and the City of Detroit. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.
This foundation accepts unsolicited pre-applications from nonprofits throughout the year. Its board of directors meets in March, June, September and December to review applications, and it takes about two to three months to approve inquiries and request full applications. The application process is conducted online. Direct general questions to the staff at grants@skillman.org or 313-393-1185.
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