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Song Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Song Foundation

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$2.5M
Granted FY2024still arriving
43
Grants FY2024still arriving
3
States reached
$250k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
0197% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2020 to 2024.

Philanthropy$1.7MCommunity Improvement$1.3MArts & Culture$1.1MCivil Rights$660kHuman Services$490kCrime & Legal$265kEducation$230kYouth Development$217kOther$0
02FY2024 · 43 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • Under $10k6 grants · $29k
  • $10k–50k16 grants · $330k
  • $50k–250k20 grants · $1.9M
  • $250k+1 grant · $250k
$45,000
Median grant
3
States reached
$25M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
ACLU FUND OF MICHIGAN$250,000
FREEDOM HOUSE$175,000
LIGHTSHIP FOUNDATION$150,000
OUTLIER MEDIA$150,000
MICHIGAN FOUNDERS FUND$150,000
AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM$150,000
GHOSTLIGHT ARTS INITIATIVE$125,000
GENESIS HARBOR OPPORTUNITIES PROMOTING$125,000
CENTREPOLIS ACCELERATOR$100,000
LEADERS ADVANCING AND HELPING COMMUNITIES$100,000
MICHIGAN EDUCATION JUSTICE COALITION$100,000
YPSILANTI MEALS ON WHEELS$87,000
Individual grant recipient$75,000
MOSES$75,000
DETROIT BLACK FARMER LAND FUND$70,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY23–24, $285k) land where the poverty rate runs at 21%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 11%BASBLUE: $25k → 21%LFE LEADERS INC: $10k → 21%FREEDOM HOUSE: $175k → 21%FORCE DETROIT: $75k → 21%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

34%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$2.2M · 12 repeat orgs$4.3M to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +29% since the first grant, against +24% for those funded once.

12 repeat relationships: 7 still active in FY2024, 5 since wound down; 35 grantees were first funded in FY2024 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

12
22

Total granted

$2.2M
$2.4M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+29%
+24%

Still filing today

83%
64%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 26% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $1.8M went to new ones.

50%100%’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’20’21’22’23’24
Arts & CultureEducationHuman ServicesCommunity ImprovementPhilanthropyYouth DevelopmentOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • MF
    MICHIGAN FOUNDERS FUND
    2× · 2023–2024 · $253k · revenue +61%
  • Detroit Justice Center
    2× · 2022–2023 · $250k · revenue +44%
  • PRO PUBLICA INC
    2× · 2022–2023 · $200k · revenue +44%

Funded once

  • AA
    Ann Arbor Spark Foundation
    one grant, 2020 · $1.0M · revenue -89% · 63% of their budget
  • SD
    SCHWAB DONOR ADVISOR FUND
    one grant, 2023 · $400k
  • UW
    UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY
    one grant, 2020 · $200k · revenue -92%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Detroit Historical Society

The Detroit Historical Society tells Detroit's stories and why they matter through its exhibits, programs, outreach, and the preservation and dissemination of its artifacts and collections.

Arts & Culture
2
Community Education Commission

CEC works with diverse stakeholders across Detroit to develop critical resources and system-level solutions that address common challenges faced by Detroit families in accessing quality education.

Education
3
Business Leaders for Michigan

Business leaders for michigan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization driven by ceos from the state's leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making michigan a top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy.…

—
4
Connect Detroit

To strategically solve problems through collaboratives with City of Detroit Departments, nonprofit organizations and local grant makers in order to secure the maximum federal, state, and national foundation dollars for the city Detroit.

Community Improvement
5
Business Leaders for Michigan Foundation

Business leaders for michigan is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization driven by ceos from the state's leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making michigan a top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy.…

Community Improvement
6
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

Promotion of activities to spur economic growth and revitalization in the city of detroit

—
7
Say Detroit

Providing pathways to success for detroiters in need.

Housing & Shelter
8
Endeavor Detroit

Endeavor Detroit is leading the high-impact entrepreneurship movement in Michigan and the wider Great Lakes region, catalyzing long-term economic growth by selecting, mentoring, and supporting the best high-impact entrepreneurs in the…

Community Improvement
9
The Youth Connection Inc

The Youth Connection is committed to connecting all youth and their families in metro Detroit to a brighter future by providing quality programs and supportive services.

Youth Development
10
Michigan State Afl-Cio Workforce Development Institute

To apply the principles of workforce development to grow michigan's economy while improving the lives of michigan workers.

Employment
11
Detroit Experience Factory

Detroit Experience Factory is a leading resource for both visitors and locals to discover, experience and learn about the people, places and projects around the city of Detroit.

Community Improvement
12
Michigan Enviromental Council

Informing and educating the public and decision makers about environmental issues.

Environment
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Michigan Founders Fund; the most unlike its peers is Moses Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

44 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 44 of the 71 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

2
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
6
Early backer (in before they grew)
43/44
Grantees still filing
21/44
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

ACLU FUND OF MICHIGAN: $500,000 · OtherACLU FUND OF MICHIGANSCHWAB DONOR ADVISOR FUND: $400,000 · OtherSCHWAB DONOR ADVISOR FUNDUNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY: $200,000 · OtherUNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTYWALLACE HOUSE: $200,000 · OtherWALLACE HOUSEDETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER: $180,000 · OtherDETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBERJEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY INC: $125,000 · OtherGHOSTLIGHT ARTS INITIATIVE: $125,000 · OtherGENESIS HARBOR OPPORTUNITIES PROMOTING: $125,000 · OtherMICHIGAN LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS INC: $195,000 · OtherMICHIGAN LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS INC+32 more: $1,060,000 · Other+32 moreAnn Arbor Spark Foundation: $1,020,000 · PhilanthropyAnn Arbor Spark Founda…MICHIGAN FOUNDERS FUND: $253,000 · PhilanthropyMICHIGAN FOUNDERS FUND+2 more: $51,000 · PhilanthropyOUTLIER MEDIA: $300,000 · Arts & CultureOUTLIER MEDIAPRO PUBLICA INC: $200,000 · Arts & CulturePRO PUBLICA IN…AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL & HISTORICAL MUSEUM: $150,000 · Arts & CultureAFRICAN AMERIC…LAHC - LEADERS ADVANCING AND HELPING COMMUNITIES: $100,000 · Arts & CultureLAHC - LEADERS…Artspace Projects Inc: $40,000 · Arts & CultureUNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY: $40,000 · Arts & Culture+2 more: $18,500 · Arts & CultureDOWNTOWN DETROIT PARTNERSHIP INC: $150,000 · Community ImprovementHillman Accelerator: $150,000 · Community ImprovementGREENLIGHT FUND INC: $50,000 · Community ImprovementDETROIT CHANGE INITIATIVE: $50,000 · Community Improvement+1 more: $10,000 · Community ImprovementFREEDOM HOUSE DETROIT: $175,000 · Human ServicesFORCE Detroit Inc: $75,000 · Human ServicesCOMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK: $50,000 · Human ServicesBASBLUE INC: $25,000 · Human Services+1 more: $10,000 · Human ServicesANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY: $100,000 · EducationBLACK MALE EDUCATORS ALLIANCE: $50,000 · Education482 FORWARD: $50,000 · EducationWarrior Academy: $30,000 · EducationMoney Matters 4 Youth: $25,000 · EducationINDUSTRIAL SEWING AND INNOVATION CENTER: $15,000 · Education+1 more: $7,000 · EducationDetroit Justice Center: $250,000 · Crime & Legal
Other$3,110,000Philanthropy$1,324,000Arts & Culture$848,500Community Improvement$410,000Human Services$335,000Education$277,000Crime & Legal$250,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetAnn Arbor Spark Foundation: $1,020,000 over 1y, 63% of budgetOUTLIER MEDIA: $300,000 over 2y, 7.9% of budgetMICHIGAN FOUNDERS FUND: $253,000 over 2y, 8.8% of budgetDetroit Justice Center: $250,000 over 2y, 4.0% of budgetUNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY: $200,000 over 1y, 2.8% of budgetPRO PUBLICA INC: $200,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetMICHIGAN LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS INC: $195,000 over 2y, 3.2% of budgetDETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER: $180,000 over 2y, 1.3% of budgetFREEDOM HOUSE DETROIT: $175,000 over 1y, 5.3% of budgetDOWNTOWN DETROIT PARTNERSHIP INC: $150,000 over 1y, 1.5% of budgetHillman Accelerator: $150,000 over 1y, 11% of budgetAFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL & HISTORICAL MUSEUM: $150,000 over 1y, 36% of budgetJEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY INC: $125,000 over 1y, 1.9% of budgetLAHC - LEADERS ADVANCING AND HELPING COMMUNITIES: $100,000 over 1y, 2.2% of budgetANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY: $100,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetYPSILANTI MEALS ON WHEELS: $87,000 over 1y, 3.7% of budgetFORCE Detroit Inc: $75,000 over 1y, 2.6% of budgetCOMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK: $50,000 over 2y, 1.8% of budgetBLACK MALE EDUCATORS ALLIANCE: $50,000 over 1y, 1.5% of budgetGREENLIGHT FUND INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetDETROIT CHANGE INITIATIVE: $50,000 over 1y, 6.4% of budget482 FORWARD: $50,000 over 1y, 1.6% of budgetArtspace Projects Inc: $40,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetUNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY: $40,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetWASHTENAW HOUSING ALLIANCE: $35,000 over 2y, 3.5% of budgetSTUDENT ADVOCACY CENTER OF MICHIGAN INC: $35,000 over 1y, 2.0% of budgetWarrior Academy: $30,000 over 1y, 24% of budgetCOUNCIL OF MICHIGAN FOUNDATIONS: $26,000 over 2y, 0.3% of budgetANN ARBOR AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: $25,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetBASBLUE INC: $25,000 over 1y, 1.1% of budgetDETROIT EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION: $25,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER FLINT: $20,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetYOUTH ARTS ALLIANCE: $18,000 over 1y, 5.4% of budgetLive Coal: $15,000 over 1y, 10% of budgetINDUSTRIAL SEWING AND INNOVATION CENTER: $15,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetGIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN: $10,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetDetroit Jews for Justice: $10,000 over 1y, 2.8% of budgetLFE LEADERS INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.9% of budgetWAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY PARK IN THE CITY OF DETROIT: $10,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetAssociation Of Chinese Americans Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetYOUTHTANK INC: $7,000 over 1y, 3.4% of budgetMETROPOLITAN YOUTH SYMPHONY INC: $3,500 over 1y, 2.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Community Foundation …DTE Energy FoundationUnited Way for Southe…The Skillman Foundati…Ford PhilanthropyMcGregor FundAnn Arbor Area Commun…The Ralph C Wilson Jr…WK Kellogg FoundationHudson-Webber Foundat…James a and Faith Kni…The Martin Family Fou…
Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganMI45.3× affinity22 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · DTE Energy Foundation · United Way for Southeastern Michigan · The Skillman Foundation · Ford Philanthropy · McGregor Fund · Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation · The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation · WK Kellogg Foundation · Hudson-Webber Foundation · James a and Faith Knight Foundation · The Martin Family Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Song Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Song Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 10%5%19%42%75%funder's share of their income ↑0%23%45%68%90%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    1get no government money at all
    12report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–90%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 71 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Song’s filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home