Judson Center is honored to be one of the eleven youth-serving organizations selected to receive funding through the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative. This initiative, established by Bill and Lisa Ford in partnership with The Children’s Foundation, aims to create lasting change for children in Detroit by providing long-term financial sustainability for organizations dedicated to their well-being.
About the Initiative
For decades, Michigan Central Station stood as a symbol of Detroit’s struggles, but with its grand reopening in June 2024 after an extensive renovation by Ford Motor Company, it now represents the city’s resurgence and bright future. Alongside this historic reopening, a fundraising campaign was launched with an initial goal of $10 million—nearly doubling expectations by raising over $19 million. This extraordinary generosity has allowed for expanded support to organizations committed to making a lasting impact in the community.
Double Your Impact – Every Dollar Matched!
As part of the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative, every donation made toward our endowment will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. This means your generosity goes twice as far in ensuring Judson Center’s programs continue to serve children and families for generations to come.
We invite you to take part in this historic moment by making a donation inspired by 1924 – the year Judson Center was founded.
- Give $19.24 – A small gift with a big impact when matched!
- Give $1,924 – A legacy-building contribution that helps secure our future.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us build a stronger, more sustainable future for the children and families we serve. Join us in making a lasting difference!
What this Means for the Judson Center
As a recipient of this initiative, Judson Center will receive:
- A $500,000 permanent endowment established for our benefit through The Children’s Foundation.
- The opportunity to secure an additional $500,000 in matching funds, enabling us to build a $1.5 million endowment by 2026.
- Unrestricted grants in 2025 and 2026, along with capacity-building and technical assistance for long-term sustainability.
- Access to drop-in collaboration space at Michigan Central Station, integrating us into a network of innovative organizations dedicated to community impact.
Why Endowments Matter
An endowment is a perpetual fund that generates annual income, ensuring financial stability for organizations like Judson Center. This initiative is a powerful example of equitable philanthropy, shifting resources to organizations that serve children and families in need today and for generations to come.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of this initiative and the generosity of the 300+ donors who made it possible. To learn more about the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative and view the full list of selected organizations, visit the MCSCEI website.