Foundation News
David Sherman Named Chair of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (M&MFF)
We are pleased to announce David F. Sherman as the new Chair of the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation. This leadership change comes at a pivotal and exciting time for our Foundation. As the first third generation Fisher family member to lead M&MFF, David's visionary leadership is grounded in compassion and humility. As always, we remain committed to the belief that life's purpose…
Collaboration by Design: When Art Meets Industrial Sewing
In the midst of busy summer days, the Foundation's Arts & Culture grant partners are hard at work delivering world-class arts education. One program in particular, the 2025 Summer Youth Conservatory at Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD), featured a unique student experience overlapping two Foundation portfolios. On July 16, SiD students visited the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a social impact organization in Detroit and…
Fisher Foundation Promotes Jenn Fahnestock to Director of Operations & Grants Management
The Foundation is pleased to announce that Jenn Fahnestock has been promoted after nearly 18 years of service. Effective this January, Jenn will move from Grants and Operations Manager to Director of Operations and Grants Management. “During her nearly 18 years with the Foundation, Jenn has consistently proven herself and grown professionally into this role that officially recognizes the contributions she has been making for…
Empowering Educator Growth in Brightmoor
By Camarrah Morgan, Program Partner Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation After 15 years of working together, directors and owners of the Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative (BQI) joined their teachers in a day-long In-Service Event on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The theme was “Empowering Growth: Building Stronger Futures with Strong Educators” to emphasize empowerment, growth, and collaboration. Jaime Odister led the MiSide coordination team in…
Spotlight on Opera: Celebrating M&MFF and Detroit Opera
By Chelsea Landry, Program Partner Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation On October 16th, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (M&MFF) Program Partner Chelsea Landry presented with long-time grant partner Detroit Opera (DO) at the Grantmakers for Education conference. The conference, which gathered more than 800 sector employees, featured a theme of “Education for a Thriving Democracy: Truth, Discourse and Transformation” and explored…
Coming Together to Support Leaders in Brightmoor
By Kourtney Neloms, Network Partner Supporting Brightmoor Leaders On September 14, 2024, the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (M&MFF) hosted the third annual Supporting Brightmoor Leaders (SBL) Convening at the North Rosedale Park Community House, located near Brightmoor. This event, designed by the SBL Advisory Committee, consisting of SBL grant partners and Brightmoor organizations, focused on the theme: “We Need You! Prioritizing Self-Care…
Introducing Our Early Childhood 15-Year Lookback Report
By Camarrah Morgan, Program Partner Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation Believing in the endless potential of young children, twenty-three early learning leaders were unselfishly devoted to ensuring the healthy development of young children in one of the lowest median income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan – Brightmoor. Since 2008, they trusted Development Centers, Inc (DCI dba MiSide) and the Max M. & Marjorie S.…
Fisher Foundation Promotes Connor McLaughlin to Program Partner
After more than five years working at the Fisher Foundation, Connor McLaughlin has been promoted from Program Associate to Program Partner. His promotion comes as recognition of his hard work and growing expertise in philanthropy. “I have learned so much from my time at Fisher, and I am excited to continue to develop and grow in this new role,” Connor said. “I especially look forward…
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…
