September 2026

A New Mission That Meets the Moment

By Camille Jayne, Chair, Board of Directors, Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation

For more than a century, The Community House Association nonprofit has believed stronger communities are built when people come together to help one another. That belief remains at the heart of our work.

The needs of our neighbors are changing, and so must the way we create the greatest impact. That is why The Community House Association nonprofit is beginning a new chapter as the Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation, a public nonprofit dedicated to supporting local nonprofits, expanding scholarship opportunities for Michigan high school graduates, and connecting charitable people with causes that will strengthen our communities.

This is more than a new name. The transition reflects a refreshed mission that meets the moment. As our Board considered how we could create the greatest long-term impact, we listened to nonprofit leaders, educators, families and community members throughout the Greater Birmingham area.

Their message was clear. Small and mid-sized nonprofits need greater access to funding. Many are making a significant difference with limited resources and far less visibility than larger organizations. Families also shared how the rising cost of higher education continues to create barriers for students, and that scholarships of any size can make a meaningful difference. Those conversations shaped our vision for long term success and lasting impact.

To make that possible, we sought a nonprofit organization with the resources to purchase the building and continue its long tradition as a vibrant gathering place for our community. We believe the City of Birmingham Community House Foundation will preserve its important services and enduring legacy.

Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation will serve approximately 18 communities within a 10-mile radius of central Birmingham by investing in nonprofits focused on human services for seniors and youth, food insecurity, health and wellness, education, cultural arts and recreational therapy for individuals with disabilities. More than 250 nonprofits in our service area may qualify for support. Many are improving lives every day with limited resources and little visibility. We want to change that by providing more support and the recognition they deserve.

Just as importantly, we want to hear from you. If you know a nonprofit making a difference in our community, especially one that may be flying under the radar, we encourage you to tell us about it. Helping identify these organizations is one of the most meaningful ways our community can help increase the impact of Shared Tomorrows. We also ask local nonprofits to let us know what mentoring and learning they need.

We are eager to provide scholarships for local high school graduates pursuing higher education in Michigan including trade schools; and bring together nonprofit leaders, donors and community members to celebrate nonprofits making a positive impact and students pursuing brighter tomorrows.

We all want what is best for our community, and each of us contributes in different ways. Shared Tomorrows offers our community another way to make a difference. As a community foundation, our goal is to make giving simple, strategic and even more meaningful.

Shared Tomorrows will pool charitable resources and strategically direct funding where careful due diligence shows it will achieve the greatest community impact. Through grants, educational programs, scholarships, donor-advised and designated funds, we will steward every gift with transparency, sound financial oversight, and respect for each donor's charitable intentions.

Shared Tomorrows will launch with a fund portfolio from the proceeds of the building sale, as well as grants from an $800,000 endowment, and community commitments already totaling $183,000 - all providing a strong foundation for our work. Our inaugural grant and scholarship cycle will begin in 2027.

Now is the time for a community foundation dedicated to supporting the greater Birmingham area during a time of significant economic challenges. Shared Tomorrows is here to meet that moment. Our vision is to be a trusted community foundation turning donor generosity into opportunity, helping nonprofit organizations thrive, and giving local students the support to pursue higher education — building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.

As we begin this next chapter, our new Board of Directors and I invite you to be part of the journey. Join us in uplifting the organizations and schools working every day to improve lives across our communities by sharing our mission and connecting us to nonprofits that deserve greater visibility. We also invite you to participate in community events such as our annual Birmingham House Tour on September 17th, where proceeds will help fund future grants and scholarships.

To learn more about Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation, ways to give, grants and scholarship opportunities, or frequently asked questions, visit sharedtomorrowscf.org.