News

Growing older impacts all of us, and we can influence that process to be about healthy and fulfilling aging. We commissioned original research to explore this concept, the AAACF Washtenaw County Healthy & Fulfilling Aging Systems Research Report. We contracted with Root Cause, a national research firm specializing in community development and systems change, to learn from older adults and caregivers in Washtenaw County what matters most to those aged 55+ and potential community-driven solutions.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation recognizes the inequitable hardships that exist in Washtenaw County and that were made more apparent due to the pandemic. The inequities in our communities related to education, criminal justice, housing, health are only some examples of areas that require institutional and systemic change. AAACF’s COVID Relief and Recovery funding will prioritize efforts that advance social justice in our communities.

Join your community foundation for Washtenaw County on Monday, September 27 from 4-5:00pm.

Last week, we announced that Neel Hajra, who has been part of AAACF for 11 years—6 years as its chief executive officer (CEO), has been named CEO of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Neel was actively recruited for this rare opportunity to remain in his hometown of Ann Arbor while leading a large private foundation with a statewide service area.

AAACF invites you to attend two virtual community gatherings this month: Farewell to Neel Hajra, CEO on 9/10/21 and The Concept of Community: A Washtenaw County Virtual Conversation on 9/27/21.

AAACF is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications! This grant program will support planning grants of community driven solutions that result in the creation of aging-friendly and/or aging-centered community connections and spaces.

AAACF’s Neel Hajra, who has been part of the Community Foundation for 11 years—the last 6 years as its chief executive officer (CEO), has just been announced by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (the Health Fund) as its new CEO. Neel was actively recruited for this rare opportunity to remain in his hometown of Ann Arbor while leading a large private foundation with a statewide service area.

We celebrate the summer season of traditions, celebrations, and transitions in this issue including: Trustee Transitions & Leadership, Audited Financials & Save the Date, CSP Graduates & Neel's Blog on Outcomes, Youth Council Graduates and 2021 Grants, Spring 2021 Grants: YACF, COVID-19, Arts, and Community, Volunteer Recognition: Norman Herbert, Buhr Foundation Celebration Video, and 2021 Young Citizens of the Year

The EmpowerMENt Fund, seeded with $1M by an anonymous donor, supports efforts that uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County while promoting their educational success. The EmpowerMENt Fund recently made grants to Mentor2Youth and Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper (WMBK).

This spring, AAACF is sharing fresh ideas for Washtenaw County and a focus on the future during this season of blooming and renewal. In this issue learn about Forging New Paths: Impact Investing Blog by Jillian Rosen, Empowering Young Black Men: WMBK & Mentor2Youth Grants, The Value of Sharing Knowledge: The Free College Movement, and Buhr Foundation Transition Continues Philanthropy for Community.