William Davidson Foundation
The William Davidson Foundation is a private, family foundation established in 2005–2006 to honor its founder, William Davidson (1922–2009), an entrepreneur and philanthropist who built Guardian Industries and owned the Detroit Pistons. Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, the foundation operates as an active, relationship-driven grantmaker with approximately $1.1 billion in assets and annual grantmaking of approximately $67 million.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.1B
+3.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$59.6M
-0.7% YoY
Grant Count
94
+10.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$634K
-10.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The William Davidson Foundation is helping to secure a bright future for the communities that have inspired the founder's family for generations. The foundation makes transformative investments and supports catalytic initiatives that will deliver lasting value for future generations, working with community leaders who share a sense of optimism and obligation related to Detroit, Israel, and the Jewish people.
Core Values:
- People Matter — treating every individual with empathy and respect, understanding the power of meaningful relationships
- Leadership Makes a Difference — valuing and investing in leaders who build trust, see potential in people, and create space for others to flourish
- See the Impossible as Possible — imagining with purpose, optimism, and enthusiasm through a lens of possibility and opportunity
- Just Start — encouraging initiative to make a difference through boldness, curiosity, and taking the first step
Primary Funding Areas:
- Economic, cultural, and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan
- Jewish life and learning
- Security, prosperity, and vibrancy of the State of Israel
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $5,000 to $5,000,000+
How to Apply
** The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding. The foundation employs a proactive, relationship-driven approach to grantmaking, discovering opportunities through networking, online research, and referrals. Current grantees with existing credentials can access accounts via the Fluxx Grantmaking Portal.
Ready to take the next step with William Davidson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
- Southeast Michigan
- State of Israel
- Jewish communities nationally
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $1.11 billion (as of December 2023)
Total Revenues (2023): $28,463,424
Total Expenses (2023): $71,829,529
Investment Income (2023): $2,563,809
IRS Status: Tax-exempt since October 2006; EIN 20-3899187
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,142,078,960 | $1,106,780,529 | $1,103,855,856 |
| Revenue | $80,356,599 | $28,463,424 | $43,297,967 |
| Expenses | $74,275,732 | $71,829,529 | $75,172,501 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $98,046,211 | $88,724,743 | $74,280,962 |
| Net Investment Income | $83,009,946 | $19,517,377 | $60,465,079 |
| Distributable Amount | $71,833,472 | $69,499,934 | $71,384,111 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board & Key Personnel:
- Jonathan Aaron — Class A Director and Chairman
- Mary Aaron — Class A Director and Secretary
- Ralph Gerson — Class A Director and Treasurer
- Karen Davidson — Class A Director
- Eli Saulson — Class A Director
- Ethan Davidson — Class D Director
- Darin McKeever — President and Chief Executive Officer
Staff: The foundation employs approximately 20 people, with departments including administrative, finance, operations, and program staff.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced significant grant initiatives including:
Nearly $20 million in grants to support Detroit neighborhoods, the Joe Louis Greenway, and the tech economy
Nearly $20M in grants to support Detroit neighborhoods, Joe Louis ...$4.35 million to fuel research-driven innovation at the University of Michigan
$4.35M from Davidson Foundation to fuel research-driven innovationSupport for Shalem's launch of a one-of-a-kind program in Strategy, Diplomacy, and Security
Shalem Launches One-of-a-Kind Program in Strategy, Diplomacy, and Security\Participation in the Pontiac Funders Collaborative, which invested $5 million during its initial phase with announcements of $5.4 million in new funding
Pontiac Funders Collaborative invests $5 million during initial phase; announces\Contact Information
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1688 Birmingham, Michigan 48012
Phone: 248.788.6500
Fax: 248.788.6501
Email: grants@williamdavidson.org
Website: williamdavidson.org
Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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