Foundation News
Staff Q&A: Meredith Freeman, Director of Alignment and Impact Investing
Why did you choose to work in philanthropy? I am convinced that the resources needed to address the many issues communities face are available and abundant. I chose impact investing because it is an approach that allows funds to be used creatively, and funds are available to those who are unable to access capital through traditional means. How does working in philanthropy impact you personally?…
Staff Q&A: Lisa Soble Siegmann
Why did you choose to work in philanthropy? My strong commitment and passion to work in the Jewish community began after volunteering for a year in Israel, on Project Otzma. After that life changing experience, my trajectory changed. I knew that I had to work with and on behalf of the Jewish people. Period. It's where I fit in and where my heart is. Whether…
Staff Q&A: Douglas Bitonti Stewart
Why did you choose to work in philanthropy? To be fair and honest, I think philanthropy chose me at first. After dealing with the blow of not succeeding early in my pre-med program in college, a job in the development office found me through a friend. It was there I found a way to fuel social impact through raising funds and to become a member…
Staff Q&A: Jennifer Riker Fahnestock
Why did you choose to work in philanthropy? I actually did not plan to work in philanthropy specifically. I was admin support for Julie Cumming's husband Peter and in 2006, Peter's operations were moving to Florida and I was going to be out of work. Fortunately I was connected to the Fisher family who I have witnessed, on more than one occasion, go above and…
Staff Q&A: Cindy Rowell
Why did you choose your area of practice? Prior to joining the team at the Fisher Foundation, I spent more than two decades serving the Children's Hospital of Michigan in the Office of Development. Children who come through those hospital doors know they will receive the highest quality of health care, regardless of their ability to pay, as it should be. Yet many of those…
Brightmoor Leaders Gather to Explore Mindfulness
On June 17, the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation's "Supporting Brightmoor Leaders" (SBL) cohort came together to discuss and explore methods for prioritizing mental health and positive well-being during a 3-hour convening -- “Your Leadership Is Only as Healthy as You Are.” The event explored methods for integrating mindfulness practices into their organizations and programs in order to foster personal growth and success.…
Fisher Foundation’s Chelsea Landry to Co-Chair Arts Education Impact Group at the Grantmakers for Education
Chelsea Landry, program partner at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, has been selected to Co-Chair a group of arts education funders, known as the Arts Education Impact Group within the Grantmakers for Education (GFE). GFE states it is “the largest forum in education philanthropy, with nearly 300 strong and diverse organizations introducing bold thinking and brave ideas to learners across America.” In…
Fisher Foundation’s Camarrah Morgan Honored by Commonwealth Church
Figure 1 From left to right: Lisa Soble-Siegmann, Camarrah Morgan, Meredith Freeman and Cynthia Rowell at the prayer breakfast on February 25. Camarrah Morgan, Program Partner at the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, was honored in February at Commonwealth Church’s Climbing Higher Mountains Prayer Brunch in Redford. Camarrah was nominated by Beverly Jones at Greater Ebenezer Child Care Center, a…
Philanthropy steps up to help as crisis hits nonprofits hard
Among larger family foundations, Kyle Caldwell, CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations, said the Southfield-based Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation has shared publicly that it has committed funds beyond its 2020 program grantmaking budget in light of COVID-19. “That’s one example. We know family foundations have been engaging in deep listening with their nonprofit and community partners to understand their challenges and needs throughout this…
Cynthia Muller Joins the Fisher Foundation Impact Investing Committee
The Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation is pleased to welcome Cynthia Muller to their Impact Investing Committee, effective June 2020 for a three-year term. The Fisher Foundation stewards a $10M commitment through Program Related Investments (PRIs) and Mission-Related Investments (MRIs). Cynthia, Director of Mission Investment at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), joins the Fisher Foundation as its first-ever non-family volunteer. Prior to…