About us
Founded in 2003, the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation was established as an independent nonprofit to inspire philanthropic investment in Detroit’s public schools and ensure private support could be raised, managed, and invested on behalf of DPSCD students. More than two decades later, we continue to serve as the District’s official philanthropic partner, connecting donors, corporations, foundations, civic leaders, alumni, and community members with opportunities that help students succeed.
As the official fundraising and partnership arm of Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), the largest public school district in Michigan, we work alongside District leadership to advance strategic funding priorities that strengthen schools, expand opportunities, and remove barriers to student success. While we operate independently through our own governance, fundraising and fiduciary responsibility, our work is intentionally aligned with the District’s vision to ensure every philanthropic investment supports the needs of DPSCD students, families, and educators.
We raise and steward private dollars, forge dynamic partnerships, and mobilize community support to help bring transformational initiatives to life. Since our founding, the DPSCD Foundation has raised more than $78 million in restricted funds to expand educational opportunities and support innovative programs, student services, capital improvements, scholarships, career pathways, and other initiatives that prepare Detroit students for college, careers, and life. Together with our partners, we are investing in the future of Detroit — one student, one school, and one opportunity at a time.
Strategically Aligned with DPSCD
We are proud to work in lockstep with the District’s leadership and strategic priorities. As DPSCD’s official philanthropic partner, we align our fundraising efforts with the District’s goals—from enhancing academic and career opportunities to expanding student and family support systems.
Together, we’re focused on removing barriers to learning, opening doors to new possibilities, and helping all students access the high-quality education they deserve. This partnership ensures that private support is directed where it’s needed most, powering programs and services that benefit students citywide.
What Partnership Has Made Possible
Every partnership creates opportunity. Every investment creates impact. Here are just a few of the milestones the DPSCD Foundation has helped make possible in recent years:
Relocated Davis Aerospace to Detroit City Airport
The Foundation helped secure a $7 million State of Michigan appropriation, along with additional philanthropic support, to relocate Davis Aerospace Technical High School back to Detroit City Airport, giving students direct access to a real-world aviation environment that strengthens hands-on learning, expands career opportunities, and prepares the next generation of aviation professionals.
Expanded Career Pathways Through High School Redesign
The Foundation helped bring High School Redesign to life by securing philanthropic support and partnerships for paid internships, work-based learning, industry partnerships, student stipends, dual enrollment, and cutting-edge classroom technology that prepares students for college, careers, and lifelong success.
Secured Funding for Detroit's New Athletic Complex
The Foundation secured the funding needed to support the construction of Detroit’s new athletic complex on the city’s west side, creating expanded opportunities for student-athletes while investing in a destination that will serve students, families, and the broader community for generations to come.
Expanded Student Support Through Health Hubs
The Foundation secured the funding and partnerships needed to launch the District’s Health Hubs initiative, connecting students and families with food, clothing, hygiene essentials, vision and dental care, mental health support, and social service navigation. By helping remove barriers to learning, Health Hubs ensure students arrive at school healthy, supported, and ready to succeed.
Awarded More Than $1 Million in Scholarships
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in scholarship funding, helping DPSCD graduates pursue higher education at institutions including Princeton University, the University of Michigan, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and many others.
Sent Students Around the World
The Foundation has created life-changing educational travel experiences for DPSCD students, including study opportunities in Ghana and Paris, Broadway performances in New York City, and other immersive experiences that broaden perspectives, build confidence, and inspire students to see new possibilities for their futures.
Revitalized Arts & Culture Across the District
From helping restore the Cody High School Marching Band after a 20-year hiatus to enhancing performing arts technology at Spain Elementary-Middle School and supporting arts education across the District, the Foundation has invested in creative experiences that allow students to discover, express, and celebrate their talents.
Reopened the Detroit Children's Museum
The Foundation secured an $819,200 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to restore and reopen the historic Detroit Children’s Museum, reconnecting Detroit students and families with one of the nation’s oldest children’s museums and creating new opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery.
Modernized Career and Technical Education
The Foundation has invested in industry-grade equipment, advanced technology, makerspaces, and modern learning environments that give students the tools and experiences needed to succeed in college, careers, and an evolving workforce.
Revitalized the DPSCD Alumni Celebration
The Foundation transformed, rebranded, and assumed the District’s alumni celebration into the Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala, elevating it into one of Detroit’s premier fundraising and gala experiences. Today, the Gala celebrates the extraordinary achievements of DPSCD alumni while raising substantive support for current students, strengthening alumni engagement, and showcasing the excellence, pride, and momentum shaping Detroit Public Schools Community District today.
Our History
The Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation was established in 2003 as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring philanthropic investment in Detroit’s public schools. Created to serve as the fiduciary steward of private and public charitable investments, the Foundation provided a trusted, transparent way for individuals, corporations, foundations, government partners, and community organizations to invest in opportunities that supported Detroit students during one of the most challenging periods in the District’s history. From its inception, the Foundation has operated under its own independent governance, fundraising and fiduciary responsibility, exclusively serving Detroit Public Schools Community District through strategic philanthropic investment.
As Detroit Public Schools navigated financial hardship and state emergency management, the Foundation became an important vehicle for sustaining community investment in students. In 2009, the organization was strengthened and repositioned to expand its fundraising capacity, deepen community engagement, and build long-term partnerships that could respond to the evolving needs of Detroit’s schools.
A new chapter began in 2023 when the organization officially became the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation (DPSCD Foundation), aligning its name with Detroit Public Schools Community District following the District’s 2016 transition. This milestone reflected an even deeper strategic partnership with the District while reaffirming the Foundation’s role as an independent nonprofit dedicated exclusively to advancing DPSCD’s priorities through philanthropy, partnerships, and community investment.
Today, the DPSCD Foundation is Michigan’s largest public school foundation and has raised more than $78 million in restricted funding to expand opportunity for Detroit students. Working in close partnership with District leadership, philanthropic, corporate, civic, and community partners, the Foundation continues to invest in innovative programs, transformational initiatives, and experiences that helps nearly 50,000 students across 105 schools prepare for college, careers, and life.
Board of Directors
Executive Board
Iris A. Taylor, BSN, MSN, Ph.D., RN
Chairperson
Susan L. Brueckman
Vice Chairperson
Shannon Smith
Treasurer
Joyce Hayes Giles
Secretary
Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins
President and CEO
DPSCD Foundation
Board Members
Alycia Meriweather
Beth Correa
Charles Briggs
Charles H. Ellis III
Darienne D. Hudson, Ed.D.
Gina Coleman
Gwendolyn L. Hatten Butler
James Coleman
Kwame Simmons
LaTrice McClendon
Laura R. Kopack
Nikolai P. Vitti, Ed.D.
Patrick O. Lindsey
Rian E. Barnhill
Tiffany Witherspoon
See the Impact. Join the Movement.
We believe that investing in students is the most powerful way to invest in Detroit’s future. From enriching classroom experiences to transformative career programs, our work touches every corner of the District. Explore the programs that are shaping brighter futures—and find the one that moves you.