History

The Imagine Fund is a scholarship granting nonprofit organization formed in 2007 through a grass roots effort as a direct response to the passage of Proposal 2006-02. Dubbed the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, this amendment of the state constitution banned affirmative action in public contracting, public education and public employment. Of particular concern to the founders of The Imagine Fund were the targeted college scholarships prohibited by the new law. Having received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in February 2008, The Imagine Fund is separate and independent from the public sector, and is thus capable of raising, managing, and distributing directed scholarships and related funding to any college student in Michigan, regardless of the institution they attend. Therefore, The Imagine Fund is a vehicle for private donors committed to equal opportunity to provide the race, national origin and gender-specific assistance that Proposal 2 has banned.

While community foundations and other private entities also administer such scholarships, this is The Imagine Fund’s sole purpose. We are the first and only nonprofit in Michigan to serve the entire state and all students attending both public and private institutions of higher learning.