The Skillman Foundation
The Skillman Foundation is a Detroit-based private foundation, founded in 1960, that partners with people to transform the education system and nurture the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. Its People Powered Education strategy connects students, parents, educators, community members, and policymakers to shape education change.
The Skillman Foundation at a glance
In short: The Skillman Foundation gave $17.8M across 416 grants in 2024 (avg $43K), mostly in Michigan. 40% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $17,840,860
- -25.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 416
- +15.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $42,887
- -35.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $418,504,721
- +3.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (125 of 309, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (85% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Skillman Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation generally invites partnership applications but welcomes connections with organizations supporting Detroit youth. Applications are submitted through its grants management system; the Foundation’s filing says applications must be submitted three weeks before an investment review meeting.
- Review Cycle
- Applications must be submitted three weeks before the investment review meeting.
- Deadline
- Applications must be submitted three weeks before the investment review meeting.
- Contact
Application contact: The Skillman Foundation
Mailing address: 100 Talon Centre Drive Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 393-1185
Website: https://skillman.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Skillman Foundation
Who The Skillman Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Warren Conner Development Coalition Inc DBA Eastside Community Network ($660K across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $4.9M.
Organizations only. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($500,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,624 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,076 grants of 1,624 (66%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s strategy centers on Detroit youth and education, and its partnership grants also support statewide policy advocacy benefiting Michigan students. In 2024, 85% of grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan; other recipient-state shares were New York, 4%; Washington, D.C., 3%; Massachusetts, 3%; and California, 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 416 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Skillman Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 125 of 309 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $18K; repeat grants $82K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−3%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 87% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $17.0M (2020) to $23.8M (2023). In 2024 it made 416 grants totaling $17.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Children's Fund Detroit, MI | DCF Investment Strategy | $500,000 |
| Michigan's Thanksgiving Parade Detroit, MI | The Parade Company | $500,000 |
| Warren Conner Development Coalition Inc DBA Eastside Community Network Detroit, MI | The Marlowe Stoudamire Wellness Center | $500,000 |
| Community Development Advocates of Detroit Detroit, MI | Building Neighborhood Power Through Youth and Neighborhood Voice | $405,000 |
| Allied Media Projects Inc Detroit, MI | Support for Detroit Youth Development Resource Center (Ydrc) | $375,000 |
| Black Male Educators Alliance Detroit, MI | Activate: Transforming Education Through Collective Action | $375,000 |
| Teach for America Inc New York, NY | TFA Detroit Teachmichigan, General Operating Support | $360,000 |
| Michigan Association of United Ways Lansing, MI | Michigan After School Partnership | $300,000 |
| The Children's Foundation Detroit, MI | Michigan Central Station Childrens Endowment Campaign | $300,000 |
| Metro Solutions Inc Southfield, MI | Youth Power Pooled Fund | $278,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Skillman Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $418,504,721 | $40,133,774 | $32,119,964 | $17,840,860 | 416 | $24,878,441 | $33,169,905 | $28,550,466 |
| 2023 | $406,218,537 | $21,945,374 | $29,699,000 | $23,772,506 | 359 | $30,709,109 | $15,244,834 | $27,691,692 |
| 2022 | $416,635,221 | $34,435,700 | $34,605,490 | $22,416,757 | 397 | $28,291,476 | $14,922,052 | $28,579,549 |
| 2021 | $412,503,854 | $53,699,386 | $30,748,381 | $18,442,475 | 245 | $23,790,974 | $51,232,380 | $28,152,001 |
| 2020 | $386,381,297 | $20,289,972 | $21,392,380 | $17,042,873 | 207 | — | $3,659,024 | $23,791,513 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Skillman Foundation reported a distributable amount of $28.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to partner with people to transform the education system, nurturing the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. Its stated goals are to amplify Detroiters’ power, advance education policy and systems change, build common ground, and practice accountable and racially equitable grantmaking.
The Foundation’s 2024 filing describes direct activities including youth council learning, evaluation and learning support for charities serving children and youth, and capacity building for charitable organizations. It reported that its youth council engaged 14 Detroit youth to explore education issues and solutions and learn about grantmaking and philanthropy.
Its grants include support for organizations working in education, youth development, and community services. For example, Detroit Children’s Fund says its mission is to expand successful schools, improve lower-performing schools, and develop educators so Detroit children can access excellent education. Black Male Educators Alliance says it develops culturally responsive educators who cultivate learning partnerships and support young people as community change agents. Allied Media Projects says it cultivates media strategies for a more just, creative, and collaborative world.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation made 416 grants totaling $17,840,860. Grant amounts ranged from $50 to $500,000, with a median of $10,000. The Foundation also describes its annual grantmaking as approximately $20 million.
Among the largest 2024 awards were $500,000 to Detroit Children’s Fund, $500,000 to Michigan’s Thanksgiving Parade, and $500,000 to Warren Conner Development Coalition Inc. dba Eastside Community Network. Other notable awards included $405,000 to Community Development Advocates of Detroit, $375,000 each to Allied Media Projects and Black Male Educators Alliance, and $360,000 to Teach for America Inc.
The Foundation makes single- and multi-year partnership grants for general operating support or specific projects. It generally proactively invites applications, while also expressing interest in connecting with organizations that support Detroit youth. Applications are submitted through its grants management system. Partnership applications may require a project’s strategic alignment, goals and activities, monitoring and evaluation plans, collaborative funding, challenges and risks, and—if the request is for a project—a budget. Applicants are also asked for organizational documents, including a board list, interim and audited or reviewed financial statements, a tax return, and an organizational budget.
The President’s Discretionary Fund is a $1 million annual fund for one-time grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Detroit youth whose work falls outside the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities. The stated award range is $2,500–$10,000. The fund is currently open for applications.
The Foundation’s website lists eligibility for partnership grants as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits or government and public agencies, publicly supported charities, and organizations that offer opportunities and services without discrimination. The Foundation says it may also fund non-501(c)(3) organizations for direct charitable activities through an expenditure-responsibility process. It does not fund for-profit institutions, endowments, building campaigns or capital costs, political campaigns or activities, or lobbying for or against legislation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Angelique Power as President, Secretary, and CEO; Maria Woodruff-Wright as Treasurer, VP of Operations, and CFO; Punita Dani Thurman as VP, Program and Strategy; Laila Bell as VP, Learning and Impact; and Natalie Fotias as VP, Communications. It also lists Lauren Hawkins as Assistant Treasurer and Denise Ilitch, Ron Hall, Suzanne Shank, and Bill Emerson as trustees.
The Skillman Foundation is led by Angelique Power, President, Secretary & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2021); 17 of 28 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Angelique Power
President, Secretary & CEO
President, Secretary & CEO → President, Secretary & COO, 2022
President, Secretary & COO → President, Secretary & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$234K (2021) → $545K (2024)
Denise Ilitch
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$28K (2022) → $0 (2024)
Ron Hall
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$23K (2020) → $30K (2024)
Soloman Kinloch
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
$20K (2022) → $0 (2024)
Elizabeth Morales-Saucedo
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$25K (2023) → $25K (2024)
Jeremiah Steen
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
$20K (2023) → $20K (2024)
Mohammad Muntakim
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
$20K (2024)
Bill Emerson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Shank
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Torgow
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Derrick Roman
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linh Song
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joi Harris
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eddie Munson
Advisory Member
Trustee → Advisory Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$33K (2020) → $8K (2024)
Herman Gray
Advisory Member
Trustee → Advisory Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Lauren Hawkins
Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$135K (2020) → $157K (2024)
Lizabeth Ardisana
Advisory Member
Trustee → Advisory Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$25K (2021) → $0 (2024)
Maria Woodruff-Wright
Treasurer, Vice President of Operations & CFO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$258K (2020) → $311K (2024)
Nick Khouri
Advisory Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$5K (2021) → $5K (2024)
Punita Dani Thurman
Vice President, Program & Strategy
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$216K (2020) → $264K (2024)
Ashley M. Williams
Advisory Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$5K (2023) → $5K (2024)
Chase L. Cantrell
Advisory Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$5K (2023) → $5K (2024)
Lyle Logan
Advisory Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$5K (2024)
Natalie Fotias
Vice President & Communications
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$140K (2023) → $161K (2024)
Venus Phillips
Advisory Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$5K (2023) → $5K (2024)
Laila Bell
Vice President, Learning & Impact
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$226K (2024)
Erik Lundberg
Advisory Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas H. Castro
Advisory Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Gerardo Norcia (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: David McGhee (2020–2022) — Vice President, Org. Excellence & Impact
- Former: Eric Thomas (2020–2022) — Advisory Member
- Former: Mary Kramer (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Elizabeth Morales (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Reuss (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Tonya Allen (2020–2021) — President, Secretary & CEO
- Former: Amyre Makeupson (2020) — Advisory Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $545K, to Angelique Power (President, Secretary & CEO). 17 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Skillman Foundation
How much does The Skillman Foundation give each year?
The Skillman Foundation gave $17.8M across 416 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $23.8M across 359 grants.
What is The Skillman Foundation's typical grant size?
The Skillman Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $42,887, across 416 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Skillman Foundation that year got $18K on average.
Where does The Skillman Foundation give grants?
The Skillman Foundation gives mostly in Michigan: 85% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (234 grants), Southfield, MI (15 grants), Washington, DC (14 grants) and New York, NY (13 grants).
Does The Skillman Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of The Skillman Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (32 of 416) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Matching Gift" (44 grants), "OST Capacity Building Support" (29 grants) and "2024 President's Youth Council Grant" (23 grants).
Who are The Skillman Foundation's largest grantees?
The Skillman Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Warren Conner Development Coalition Inc DBA Eastside Community Network ($659,500 across 4 grants), Michigan's Thanksgiving Parade ($585,000 across 2 grants) and Allied Media Projects Inc ($583,500 across 7 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($500,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Skillman Foundation?
The Skillman Foundation reported $418.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $24.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $28.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Skillman Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to partner with people to transform the education system, nurturing the brilliance and power of Detroit youth. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Skillman Foundation?
The Foundation generally invites partnership applications but welcomes connections with organizations supporting Detroit youth. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Skillman Foundation's EIN?
The Skillman Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-1675780. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Skillman Foundation funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Skillman Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Skillman Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-skillman-foundation-morg_1d879eeaaf4b4b30895a8190010bfcad
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_381675780_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Skillman Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-skillman-foundation-morg_1d879eeaaf4b4b30895a8190010bfcad},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Skillman Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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