“Prosperity Coalition” will give many a voice in the
public conversation about economic opportunity in the state

LANSING, Mich. — The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has awarded a $1 million, three-year grant to the Michigan League for Human Services to create a “Prosperity Coalition” and to support its ongoing budget and tax research and analysis work.

“The Michigan League for Human Services is bridging an information gap that exists in this state,’’ said Ali Webb, deputy director at the foundation. “The Prosperity Coalition will bring new voices to the table around the topic of vulnerable children and their families and racial equity.”

This is the largest grant awarded to the Lansing-based League in its existence. The grant will create an ongoing infrastructure to coordinate policy and messaging in support of vulnerable families, children and people of color in Michigan. Along with creating a voice in the legislative process, the coalition will promote greater civic engagement across the state around the issues of vulnerable children and families and race equity.

“For nearly 100 years, the League has been using research and data to improve the lives of those living in low-income families and those less fortunate among us. While the work has been solid, it needs to be amplified to be more effective. This grant will allow us to step up our advocacy to new levels,’’ said League President & CEO Gilda Z. Jacobs.

Using research and analysis from the League’s State Fiscal Analysis Initiative and other work, the Prosperity Coalition will act to positively impact state budget, tax and policy decisions.

“We know that long-term investment in human capital is an important part of creating a good economy and a place of opportunity for all in Michigan,’’ Jacobs said.

The Michigan League for Human Services is a statewide, nonpartisan policy and advocacy group dedicated to achieving economic security for all in Michigan. It will celebrate 100 years of operation in 2012.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, founded in 1930 by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Based in Battle Creek, Mich., WKKF engages with communities, in priority places across the country and internationally to create conditions that propel vulnerable children to realize their full potential in school, work and life.