DTE Energy Foundation Gives Nearly $7.6 Million to Nonprofits
February 14 2008 - 3:03PM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The DTE Energy Foundation today
announced it awarded nearly $7.6 million to Michigan nonprofit
organizations in 2007. "In 2007 the DTE Energy Foundation awarded
nearly 400 grants to nonprofit organizations as part of our
commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we
serve," said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and
government affairs, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation.
"Through strategic grant-making focused on making the greatest
impact possible, the DTE Energy Foundation supported organizations
and programs that touched the lives of thousands of people
throughout Michigan." Among the Foundation's achievements in 2007
was the launch of its new competitive Math Enrichment Grant
program, which awarded $385,000 in grants to 20 Michigan middle
schools for innovative mathematics programs. The Foundation created
the program to help students attain the skills and knowledge they
need to succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy. "As
job requirements become increasingly rigorous, the demand for
highly skilled workers is growing. If our students are to compete
in tomorrow's workplace, it's essential that they have a solid
foundation in math," said Shell. "The schools we recognized with
these grants have created programs we believe have the potential to
improve student achievement statewide." The Foundation also awarded
one of the largest grants in its history last year with its $1.5
million gift to the University of Michigan College of Engineering
to establish the DTE Energy Professorship of Advanced Energy
Research. The professorship will support a faculty member whose
research will include alternative energy sources, energy storage
and conversion, transportation, fuels or sustainability. Other
significant grants made by the DTE Energy Foundation in 2007
included: -- Cranbrook Institute of Science -- The Foundation
awarded $600,000 to the Cranbrook Institute of Science to establish
the DTE Energy Watershed and Great Lakes Education program. As part
of the grant, Cranbrook created the "Water on the Go" program,
which has delivered watershed education to fifth-graders at schools
throughout Michigan. The program covers a variety of topics,
including the water cycle, the availability of freshwater around
the globe, and the role water plays in Michigan's economy and
environment. -- Grand Rapids Community College -- The DTE Energy
Foundation awarded $100,000 to Grand Rapids Community College for
the creation of an endowed DTE Energy Scholars Program and
Scholarship Fund. The gift was made to encourage students to enter
science and engineering fields and to help them develop the skills
they need for success. -- Education Town Hall -- The Foundation
provided a $75,000 grant to underwrite "Education Town Hall
Meeting: An Agenda for Change," a live, hour-long program that
aired on WXYZ-TV in April. The program examined the state of
education in Michigan and the need to prepare the region's students
for the realities of the global economy. The Foundation worked with
WXYZ-TV, the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Skillman Foundation
in developing the program. -- Plymouth Community Arts Council --
The Foundation awarded $15,000 to the Plymouth Community Arts
Council to implement its new "Diversity Through the Arts" program
for K-12 students. The program will include the creation of an
educational exhibition celebrating ethnic diversity to encourage
respect for and understanding of world cultures. Matching employee
contributions The DTE Energy Foundation contributed $288,500 to
nonprofit organizations supported by DTE Energy employees. Its
year-round Matching Gifts program matches employee contributions to
educational and cultural institutions and its annual Holiday Season
Matching Gifts program matches employee gifts to human services
organizations that provide food and shelter to those in need during
the holiday season. In addition, DTE Energy employees and retirees
pledged more than $1.65 million to the 2007 United Way Campaign.
The DTE Energy Foundation provided a contribution of $750,000
bringing the total donation from the company, employees and
retirees to more than $2.4 million. Another $138,500 was
contributed by the Foundation to nonprofit organizations through
the DTE Energy Foundation Walter J. McCarthy Awards for Volunteer
Leadership. The awards recognize employees' and retirees' community
involvement. Each award includes a grant made to a nonprofit
organization designated by the recipient. Since it was established
in 1990, the program has awarded nearly $900,000 to community
groups throughout Michigan. The DTE Energy Foundation is the
philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community
support and involvement of its principal operating subsidiaries,
Detroit Edison and MichCon. The Foundation directs its
contributions and involvement to support initiatives dedicated to
developing the human and economic potential of the communities it
serves. Grants are awarded under the foundation's "LEAD"
guidelines: leadership, education, environment, achievement,
development and diversity in the DTE Energy service territory,
which includes southeast, western and northern Michigan.
DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Eileen Dixon, +1-313-235-9154, or
Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both for DTE Energy Web site:
http://www.dteenergy.com/
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