Learning & Evaluation
We are committed to continuously learning alongside our partners and thoroughly evaluating the impact our work has on the well-being of Detroit children. Using data from trusted sources, our partners, and that which we collect and analyze through evaluators, we scrutinize the outcomes of our work to guide our future strategies and determine the best course of action to change the odds for Detroit children.
Our 2021-2022 Listening Tour
In her first months at The Skillman Foundation, President & CEO Angelique Power embarked on a year-long listening tour to understand the most pressing needs of Detroit kids, the unique landscape of Detroit, and how philanthropy—and specifically, The Skillman Foundation—can rise to meet this unique moment in history.
Listening Tour Insights
Who are you?: A reflection from conversation with American Indian Health and Family Services youth
When someone asks you who you are, you tell them. But what if you don’t know? According to the Merriam ... More
Fostering a Detroit where youth are heard
We often hear adults talk about methods they have attempted to create an improved Detroit for youth. What’s a better ... More
Trust is transformational, and complicated
Over the past 11 months, we’ve spoken to hundreds of people through individual and 17 group listening sessions. Each perspective ... More
Youth artists tell us what they need to keep creating
Photos by Matthew Cole (Instagram @_edgeportraits_) The saying goes: A picture is worth a thousand words. Picture 10 youth artists ... More
Education leaders say change is on the horizon
Detroit is home to nearly 120,000 school-aged kids. Its school landscape consists of close to 200 K-12 schools across Detroit ... More
Family service agencies create a net for neighbors in need
Five leaders of local family service agencies joined us in conversation to share what stands in their way to reaching ... More
Work held in good hands
We cannot ignore the impact that violence has on our Detroit communities. It affects many aspects of our lives—from metal ... More
Learning Detroit
How do you learn a city? We often study other places using Google or as a tourist, hitting the spots ... More
A love letter to community organizers
When I first joined The Skillman Foundation in 2014, I knew little about community organizers. I had spent years amassing ... More
We’re ready to be recruited—but not by gangs and drug dealers
On April 7, I had the privilege and honor of co-facilitating a Listening Tour session with the president & CEO ... More
La voz de la juventud (the voice of youth)
Meeting with young Hispanic and Latino/a/x leaders all connected to southwest Detroit was an enlightening experience. In a group of ... More
Uplifting views of caring adults
At The Skillman Foundation, we think and talk about young people constantly. What opportunities do young people want and need? ... More
The vision of youth will build the future
Photo by Robert Guzman Sitting in the study lounge at Wayne State University with the skyline of Downtown Detroit in ... More
Resolved to continue and continuing while unresolved
Recently with news of a winter storm on the horizon, a group of community leaders from late teens to mid-seventies ... More
How to support kids on nights, weekends, and all summer long
The pandemic’s impact on kids—namely their education and their well-being—is a top concern in every community. It’s heightened the need ... More
On purpose. In power.
I met with Detroit’s five Black charter network leaders. The grouping was purposeful. For those unfamiliar with Detroit’s unique education ... More
Teachers are weary warriors
I’ve been meeting with inspiring Detroiters and youth-service warriors nonstop since I joined the Foundation. Sometimes one-on-one. Sometimes in small ... More
Carrying lessons from principals forward
Illustration by Miranda Kyle | mirandakyle.com On Wednesday, I sat with Detroit Principals as part of my listening tour. Most ... More
Insights from our President’s Youth Council
Artwork by Miranda Kyle On November 3, 2021, The Skillman Foundation’s President & CEO, Angelique Power, launched a yearlong listening ... More
Evaluation Reports
Organizational Learning
Power and Potential: Youth Organizing in Southeast Michigan (Landscape Scan)
We are excited to announce the release of Power and Potential of Youth Organizing in Southeast Michigan, a landscape scan ... More
In Their Own Words
The Skillman Foundation’s commitment to Detroit children means that we must keep youth at the center, listen intently to what ... More
Changing in Place: The Skillman Foundation, Detroit, and the Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation committed $100 million to a decade-long investment in six neighborhoods. Through this Good Neighborhoods Initiative, ... More
From Citywide to Neighborhood-Based: Two Decades of Learning, Prioritization, and Strategic Action to Build The Skillman Foundation’s Youth-Development Systems
This article is informed by evaluation reports and memos, interviews, meetings with foundation staff and community stakeholders, foundation documents, research ... More
Changemaking: Building Strategic Competence
This article aims to capture The Skillman Foundation’s initial lessons about changemaking practice by examining how one foundation with a ... More
Foundation Readiness for Community Transformation: Learning in Real Time
The article conveys a snapshot of a complex undertaking very much in development; there is value in examining and sharing ... More
Finding the Fix: Embracing Philanthropy’s Role in Transforming an Urban Education Landscape
This article describes the events that led to the fundamental shift in strategy and role for the foundation and its ... More
Social Innovation: Accomplishments and Early Lessons
Authored by Susan Parker, Clear Thinking Communications This report explores the Skillman Foundation's use of innovative financial tools and relationships ... More
Changemaking: Building Strategic Competence
This article examines The Skillman Foundation's efforts to add value to its work through "changemaking," which encompasses roles and practices ... More
Organizational Learning at the Skillman Foundation
In this report, Signet Research and Consulting evaluates how The Skillman Foundation's work practices and culture, and its relationship with ... More
Good Neighborhoods, Good Schools and Skillman’s Strategy for Place-Based Change
This report provides an overview and topline analysis of the Foundation's place-based work from 2008 to 2010. View the full ... More
From Tower to Ground: Systems and Policy Change in the Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative
This chapter assesses the Foundation's progress in systems and policy change across four elements: Influence, Champions, Leverage and Scale. View ... More
Resilience, Resolve, Results: a Compilation of Readiness Phase Studies of the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative, 2008-2010
This report is a compilation of the executive summaries of the Readiness Phase evaluation reports and provides an overview of ... More
Concerning Kids: A Skillman Foundation Study
Concerning Kids: A Skillman Foundation Study was the first-ever comprehensive series of polls on what residents of metropolitan Detroit think, ... More
K-12 Education
Detroit Charter Case Studies Summary 2021
In the fall of 2020, Attendance Works and Every School Day Counts Detroit conducted interviews with school leaders from five ... More
Finding the Fix: Embracing Philanthropy’s Role in Transforming an Urban Education Landscape
This article describes the events that led to the fundamental shift in strategy and role for the foundation and its ... More
Two Reports on School Attendance & Academic Outcomes
These reports were produced by the Detroit Education Research Partnership at Wayne State University and funded by The Skillman Foundation ... More
Kids Matter Here: An Analytic Review of the 10-year Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation set out to change conditions for Detroit kids by creating the 10-year, $120-million Good Neighborhoods ... More
The Added Value of Long-Term Investment in Neighborhoods: Two Case Studies from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative
What difference can 10 years of steady, responsive philanthropic support make to a resourceful but distressed neighborhood? What is the ... More
Neighborhood Impact Statements
Written by Neighborhood Governance Organizations The Good Neighborhoods Initiative was structured around residents leading change in the their neighborhoods. To ... More
A Decade in Review: Conditions in Detroit and the Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Authored by Data Driven Detroit A report on the overall context for the initiative that draws from a wide range ... More
Community Leadership Strategy: the Arc of Learning, and Neighborhood Profiles
By the University of Michigan Curtis Center This report describes the strategy for building community leadership during the initial years ... More
State of the Detroit Child 2012
The typical data picture one gets for Detroit is fragmented, based on a series of individual, topic-specific portraits. The Skillman ... More
Good Neighborhoods, Good Schools and Skillman’s Strategy for Place-Based Change
This report provides an overview and topline analysis of the Foundation's place-based work from 2008 to 2010. View the full ... More
From Tower to Ground: Systems and Policy Change in the Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative
This chapter assesses the Foundation's progress in systems and policy change across four elements: Influence, Champions, Leverage and Scale. View ... More
State of the Detroit Child 2010
The typical data picture one gets for Detroit is fragmented, based on a series of individual, topic-specific portraits. The Skillman ... More
Afterschool
From Citywide to Neighborhood-Based: Two Decades of Learning, Prioritization, and Strategic Action to Build The Skillman Foundation’s Youth-Development Systems
This article is informed by evaluation reports and memos, interviews, meetings with foundation staff and community stakeholders, foundation documents, research ... More
Kids Matter Here: An Analytic Review of the 10-year Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation set out to change conditions for Detroit kids by creating the 10-year, $120-million Good Neighborhoods ... More
The Added Value of Long-Term Investment in Neighborhoods: Two Case Studies from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative
What difference can 10 years of steady, responsive philanthropic support make to a resourceful but distressed neighborhood? What is the ... More
Neighborhood Impact Statements
Written by Neighborhood Governance Organizations The Good Neighborhoods Initiative was structured around residents leading change in the their neighborhoods. To ... More
A Decade in Review: Conditions in Detroit and the Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Authored by Data Driven Detroit A report on the overall context for the initiative that draws from a wide range ... More
The Skillman Foundation’s Youth Development Strategy: A Summary of Evaluation Findings, 2014-2015
Prepared by Learning for Action This report includes findings on the youth development programs that the Foundation has funded, challenges ... More
Community Leadership Strategy: the Arc of Learning, and Neighborhood Profiles
By the University of Michigan Curtis Center This report describes the strategy for building community leadership during the initial years ... More
2014 Youth Development Opportunities Survey Results
The YDO Survey assesses the landscape of the programs available to youth in the Skillman Good Neighborhoods. The YDO is ... More
Good Neighborhoods, Good Schools and Skillman’s Strategy for Place-Based Change
This report provides an overview and topline analysis of the Foundation's place-based work from 2008 to 2010. View the full ... More
From Tower to Ground: Systems and Policy Change in the Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative
This chapter assesses the Foundation's progress in systems and policy change across four elements: Influence, Champions, Leverage and Scale. View ... More
Changing the Odds for Kids (Part One): What Capacity Do the Supports and Opportunities in the Six Good Neighborhoods Provide for Young People and What Characteristics of a System are in Place?
This first assessment of the systems of supports and opportunities (SOSO) informs the Foundation and its partners about availability and ... More
College & Career Pathways
Kids Matter Here: An Analytic Review of the 10-year Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation set out to change conditions for Detroit kids by creating the 10-year, $120-million Good Neighborhoods ... More
The Added Value of Long-Term Investment in Neighborhoods: Two Case Studies from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative
What difference can 10 years of steady, responsive philanthropic support make to a resourceful but distressed neighborhood? What is the ... More
Neighborhood Impact Statements
Written by Neighborhood Governance Organizations The Good Neighborhoods Initiative was structured around residents leading change in the their neighborhoods. To ... More
A Decade in Review: Conditions in Detroit and the Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Authored by Data Driven Detroit A report on the overall context for the initiative that draws from a wide range ... More
Community Leadership Strategy: the Arc of Learning, and Neighborhood Profiles
By the University of Michigan Curtis Center This report describes the strategy for building community leadership during the initial years ... More
Enabling Communities
Safety Strategy Review 2013-2016
Prepared by JFM Consulting Group A review of the Foundation’s safety strategy from 2013-2016, during which time the Foundation set ... More
Kids Matter Here: An Analytic Review of the 10-year Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation set out to change conditions for Detroit kids by creating the 10-year, $120-million Good Neighborhoods ... More
Civic Leadership: Highlights from the Good Neighborhoods Initiative
Authored by Mark A. Lelle An examination of the Skillman Foundation's civic leadership practice. Download the report ... More
Strengthening Grassroots Community Leadership in Detroit
An evaluation report on the Community Connections Grants Program (2006-2015), a resident-centered grant program working to strengthen civic engagement and ... More
The Added Value of Long-Term Investment in Neighborhoods: Two Case Studies from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative
What difference can 10 years of steady, responsive philanthropic support make to a resourceful but distressed neighborhood? What is the ... More
Neighborhood Impact Statements
Written by Neighborhood Governance Organizations The Good Neighborhoods Initiative was structured around residents leading change in the their neighborhoods. To ... More
Maximizing Returns: Investing in Nontraditional Leaders
Co-authored by resident leaders Mohammad Dawood, Jerry Ann Hebron, Lisa Luevanos, Mary Luevanos and Victor Robinson Learnings from a group ... More
A Decade in Review: Conditions in Detroit and the Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Authored by Data Driven Detroit A report on the overall context for the initiative that draws from a wide range ... More
Community Leadership Strategy: the Arc of Learning, and Neighborhood Profiles
By the University of Michigan Curtis Center This report describes the strategy for building community leadership during the initial years ... More
Social Innovation: Accomplishments and Early Lessons
Authored by Susan Parker, Clear Thinking Communications This report explores the Skillman Foundation's use of innovative financial tools and relationships ... More
Smart Collaboration at the Grassroots Level
This report examines how to build powerful collaborations through the lens of the Community Connections Small Grants Program. View the ... More
State of the Detroit Child 2012
The typical data picture one gets for Detroit is fragmented, based on a series of individual, topic-specific portraits. The Skillman ... More
Good Neighborhoods, Good Schools and Skillman’s Strategy for Place-Based Change
This report provides an overview and topline analysis of the Foundation's place-based work from 2008 to 2010. View the full ... More
Resilience, Resolve, Results: a Compilation of Readiness Phase Studies of the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative, 2008-2010
This report is a compilation of the executive summaries of the Readiness Phase evaluation reports and provides an overview of ... More
Changing the Odds for Kids (Part One): What Capacity Do the Supports and Opportunities in the Six Good Neighborhoods Provide for Young People and What Characteristics of a System are in Place?
This first assessment of the systems of supports and opportunities (SOSO) informs the Foundation and its partners about availability and ... More
State of the Detroit Child 2010
The typical data picture one gets for Detroit is fragmented, based on a series of individual, topic-specific portraits. The Skillman ... More
Concerning Kids: A Skillman Foundation Study
Concerning Kids: A Skillman Foundation Study was the first-ever comprehensive series of polls on what residents of metropolitan Detroit think, ... More
Good Neighborhoods Initiative
From 2006 to 2016, The Skillman Foundation embarked on the Good Neighborhoods Initiative, focused on improving child well-being in six Detroit neighborhoods. The lessons learned and data collected from this decade-long effort helped shape our citywide strategy to improve the odds for Detroit children.
Read our Good Neighborhoods Initiative reports below.
Listening and learning in strategy design at The Skillman Foundation
How The Skillman Foundation uses data to inform strategy At The Skillman Foundation, data is more than numbers—it’s a tool ... More
Power and Potential: Youth Organizing in Southeast Michigan (Landscape Scan)
We are excited to announce the release of Power and Potential of Youth Organizing in Southeast Michigan, a landscape scan ... More
In Their Own Words
The Skillman Foundation’s commitment to Detroit children means that we must keep youth at the center, listen intently to what ... More
What Michiganders want: Investments in children
What Michiganders want: Investments in children. Download the report Michiganders expect more investment in children. 62% support Even if it ... More
Detroit Charter Case Studies Summary 2021
In the fall of 2020, Attendance Works and Every School Day Counts Detroit conducted interviews with school leaders from five ... More
Changing in Place: The Skillman Foundation, Detroit, and the Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation committed $100 million to a decade-long investment in six neighborhoods. Through this Good Neighborhoods Initiative, ... More
Two Reports on School Attendance & Academic Outcomes
These reports were produced by the Detroit Education Research Partnership at Wayne State University and funded by The Skillman Foundation ... More
Safety Strategy Review 2013-2016
Prepared by JFM Consulting Group A review of the Foundation’s safety strategy from 2013-2016, during which time the Foundation set ... More
Kids Matter Here: An Analytic Review of the 10-year Good Neighborhoods Initiative
In 2006, the Skillman Foundation set out to change conditions for Detroit kids by creating the 10-year, $120-million Good Neighborhoods ... More
Civic Leadership: Highlights from the Good Neighborhoods Initiative
Authored by Mark A. Lelle An examination of the Skillman Foundation's civic leadership practice. Download the report ... More
Strengthening Grassroots Community Leadership in Detroit
An evaluation report on the Community Connections Grants Program (2006-2015), a resident-centered grant program working to strengthen civic engagement and ... More
The Added Value of Long-Term Investment in Neighborhoods: Two Case Studies from the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods Initiative
What difference can 10 years of steady, responsive philanthropic support make to a resourceful but distressed neighborhood? What is the ... More
Neighborhood Impact Statements
Written by Neighborhood Governance Organizations The Good Neighborhoods Initiative was structured around residents leading change in the their neighborhoods. To ... More
Maximizing Returns: Investing in Nontraditional Leaders
Co-authored by resident leaders Mohammad Dawood, Jerry Ann Hebron, Lisa Luevanos, Mary Luevanos and Victor Robinson Learnings from a group ... More
A Decade in Review: Conditions in Detroit and the Skillman Good Neighborhoods
Authored by Data Driven Detroit A report on the overall context for the initiative that draws from a wide range ... More
The Skillman Foundation’s Youth Development Strategy: A Summary of Evaluation Findings, 2014-2015
Prepared by Learning for Action This report includes findings on the youth development programs that the Foundation has funded, challenges ... More
Community Leadership Strategy: the Arc of Learning, and Neighborhood Profiles
By the University of Michigan Curtis Center This report describes the strategy for building community leadership during the initial years ... More
Social Innovation: Accomplishments and Early Lessons
Authored by Susan Parker, Clear Thinking Communications This report explores the Skillman Foundation's use of innovative financial tools and relationships ... More
2014 Youth Development Opportunities Survey Results
The YDO Survey assesses the landscape of the programs available to youth in the Skillman Good Neighborhoods. The YDO is ... More
Smart Collaboration at the Grassroots Level
This report examines how to build powerful collaborations through the lens of the Community Connections Small Grants Program. View the ... More
Good Neighborhoods, Good Schools and Skillman’s Strategy for Place-Based Change
This report provides an overview and topline analysis of the Foundation's place-based work from 2008 to 2010. View the full ... More
From Tower to Ground: Systems and Policy Change in the Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative
This chapter assesses the Foundation's progress in systems and policy change across four elements: Influence, Champions, Leverage and Scale. View ... More
Resilience, Resolve, Results: a Compilation of Readiness Phase Studies of the Skillman Foundation’s Good Neighborhoods and Good Schools Initiative, 2008-2010
This report is a compilation of the executive summaries of the Readiness Phase evaluation reports and provides an overview of ... More
Changing the Odds for Kids (Part One): What Capacity Do the Supports and Opportunities in the Six Good Neighborhoods Provide for Young People and What Characteristics of a System are in Place?
This first assessment of the systems of supports and opportunities (SOSO) informs the Foundation and its partners about availability and ... More