Give Detroit

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

AAACF’s mission is to improve economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Hour Detroit Staff

October 30, 2026

907

Give Detroit – A Charitable Registry

AAACF invests in youth through grants to organizations like Educate Youth, Dzanc House, Our Community Reads, Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper, and many others — expanding opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and thrive. Planting small seeds today helps create mighty roots that can strengthen the community for generations to come.

// MISSION

AAACF’s mission is to improve economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

// KEY SERVICES PROVIDED

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a philanthropic hub dedicated to improving economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Since 1963, AAACF has connected donors, nonprofits, community leaders, and residents with the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to create meaningful, lasting
community impact.

AAACF helps individuals, families, businesses, and organizations achieve their charitable goals through strategic giving, fund and endowment management, and philanthropic expertise. The foundation also invests directly in the community through grants, scholarships, youth programs, impact investing, and partnerships addressing local needs and opportunities. By listening to community voices and bringing people, ideas, and resources together, AAACF works to strengthen communities across Washtenaw County and build a more equitable, resilient future.

Community is at the heart of AAACF. As a philanthropic hub, staff and trustees work alongside the community to connect people, ideas, and resources. Together, they listen, learn, build relationships, and help turn generosity and local insight into meaningful action that strengthens communities and creates lasting impact.

// UPCOMING EVENTS

Join AAACF on Sept. 14, 2027, for the Annual Community Meeting, bringing together neighbors, partners, donors, and community leaders to connect, share ideas, celebrate local impact, and explore ways to strengthen the community together.

// LEADERSHIP

Shannon Polk, President and CEO
Julia Gilbert, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Penelope Christianson-Hewer, Associate Head of School
Karen Shellie, Director of Philanthropy
Rosalind Vaughn, Operations Manager
Patrick Naswell, Director of Community Investment
Tina Walther, Communications Consultant