October 27, 2026
Investing in Child Care Means Investing in Michigan’s Future
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. For families, having access to reliable, high-quality child care can make that opportunity possible, while also giving parents and caregivers the ability to work, pursue education, and build financial stability.
That is why the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is proud to be recognized as one of the 2026 Child Care Champions of Michigan.
This recognition celebrates organizations across the state that are finding creative, community-driven ways to expand access to child care and strengthen support for working families. This year, nine businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations were honored for their work.
AAACF Impact Investing Manager, Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, attended the September 24 celebration in East Lansing, accepting the award on behalf of AAACF.
Turning Investment Into Opportunity
AAACF was recognized specifically for its partnership with Apple Playschools, an Ann Arbor early childhood education nonprofit organization.
Through a $775,000 loan and $100,000 in development grants, AAACF supported Apple Playschools in expanding its operations, creating 47 additional child care spaces and 12 new jobs.
The investment demonstrates how impact investing can help address a critical community need while creating lasting local opportunity. Rather than simply responding to the immediate need for child care, the partnership helped build capacity that will serve children and families for years to come.
The investment came to life in September 2025, when Apple Playschools welcomed families, community members, and supporters to a block party celebrating its expanded center. The project reflected a simple but powerful idea: when communities invest in children and the infrastructure that supports them, the benefits extend far beyond a single classroom or organization.
“This recognition highlights what impact investing can make possible when we connect our financial resources with the needs and opportunities we see in our community. Our investment in Apple Playschools was about more than expanding child care capacity - it was about strengthening the infrastructure families rely on, creating local jobs, and investing in an organization positioned to serve children and families for years to come.” - Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, AAACF Impact Investing Manager
Supporting Children From the Start
This Child Care Champions recognition also reflects an important connection to AAACF’s commitment to the S.E.E.D.S. initiative, Developing Youth.
Supporting young people begins long before they enter a classroom, apply for a scholarship, or begin preparing for a career. It begins with strong foundations: safe and nurturing environments, opportunities to learn through play, supportive families, and communities willing to invest in children from the earliest years.
“Investing in our youngest residents is an investment in the future of Washtenaw County. Through S.E.E.D.S., we are intentional about Developing Youth and creating the conditions for young people and their families to thrive. Our partnership with Apple Playschools reflects how philanthropy can bring people, resources, and ideas together to create opportunity today while strengthening our community for generations to come.” - Shannon Polk, AAACF President & CEO
Across Michigan, this year’s Child Care Champions are demonstrating that there is no single solution to the child care challenge. Some are creating new spaces, others are supporting providers and employees, and others are bringing community partners together around local needs. Together, their work shows what is possible when communities use their resources creatively and collaboratively.
For AAACF, the Apple Playschools investment is one example of how philanthropy can go beyond traditional grantmaking. By pairing capital with partnership and a long-term vision, impact investing can help build the systems and opportunities that children and families need to thrive.
Being named a 2026 Child Care Champion of Michigan is an honor, and a reminder of what can happen when a community chooses to invest in its youngest members.
When we invest in children, we invest in families. When we invest in families, we strengthen communities. And when communities create pathways for children to thrive, we help build a stronger Michigan for generations to come.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Named 2026 Child Care Champion of Michigan
Check out the full press release about this recognition HERE. To share this press release through your publication channels, please access any of the following: