Joyce in Michigan


The Joyce Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation based in Chicago that invests in evidence-based public policies and strategies to advance racial equity and economic mobility for the next generation in the Great Lakes region. We support policy research, development, and advocacy in six areas: Culture, Democracy, Education & Economic Mobility, Environment, Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform, and Journalism.

Investing in a healthy Michigan

Click the arrow above to hear Ellen Alberding, Joyce's president and board member, discuss our work in Michigan and across the Great Lakes.

The audio used in this video is from a Crain's Conversations podcast by Jim Kirk, Crain's Detroit Business publisher and executive editor.

Recent Initiatives

The Joyce Foundation is a member of the Council of Michigan Foundations. From 2018 through 2020, it invested nearly $9 million in Michigan, across 125 grants. Here are a few highlights from our recent initiatives:

  • Democracy:

    To support implementation of voter-access reforms, nonpartisan voter engagement, election protection, and implementation, evaluation, training, technical assistance and community engagement for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission process.
  • Environment:

    To advance energy solutions, support the health of the Great Lakes, assure safe, equitable and affordable access to drinking water and compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, and to support the Flint Community Water Lab.
  • Gun Violence Prevention and Justice Reform:

    To help reduce gun violence and strengthen evidence-based community violence interventions in Detroit and elsewhere. To help stem the flow of individuals into the criminal justice system, support public investment in alternatives, and ensure assistance for those returning home after incarceration.
  • Journalism:

    To support Bridge Magazine’s coverage of key issues, including the environment, and to help launch Bridge Detroit. Also to help launch Crain’s Forum-Detroit, a monthly exploration of issues critical to the city and state.
  • Federal stimulus spending assistance:

    To help municipalities with strategic allocation of American Rescue Plan and other federal funds, part of a regional strategy to maximize the impact of federal stimulus resources.