3/4/2021
To advance ahead or forge new direction, having a very good compass helps.
With a great appreciation of the Applebaum family’s philanthropic past, third generation members, Rebecca Applebaum – Wyett and Molly Applebaum – Wyett, charged local organizations to think outside the box and put forward innovative and new ideas for funding through the newly relaunched Applebaum Family Compass Fund.
The Applebaum Family Compass Fund is a special grant program of Applebaum Family Philanthropy (AFP) dedicated to piloting and advancing efforts in Southeastern Michigan that unite entrepreneurism and determination toward fruition.
As co-trustees, Rebecca and Molly, learned from the example of their grandfather, Eugene Applebaum, and the Applebaum family, the importance of giving back, but even more, the value of helping others maximize their potential.
My sister, Lisa, and I established the Compass Fund eight years ago to help the local community – especially the Jewish community to help organizations pilot new initiatives and meet critical unmet needs. I am so gratified that my daughters are eager to embrace the family’s philanthropic passion and reimagine the Compass Fund.” – Pamela Applebaum
In the inaugural year of its relaunch, the Applebaum Family Compass Fund has directed funding to seven organizations to support and promote innovation while strengthening their overall mission. Projects range from a First-Generation College Student Leadership Program at College for Creative Studies, a project focused on Emergency Room Diversions for Uninsured Patients at the Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic to a “Programs in a Box” at Tamarack Camps to meet COVID challenges and enhance leadership at the camp.
The trustees are taking the fund to organizations in a direction which holds most meaning to their interests and strengths. It is a time for them to take a lead role within the community and understand their own philanthropic footprint.
It has been a great experience understanding what organizations would like to strengthen and move forward at this time. It has also helped crystalize my own priorities and interests in philanthropy.” – Molly Applebaum-Wyett (trustee)
The Applebaum Family Compass Fund confirmed 7 grants with local Detroit organizations ranging from Cranbrook Academy of Arts to the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
The Compass Fund is a great opportunity for me to not only be directly involved in my family’s philanthropy, but to hopefully help many organizations think forward and ahead of what “could be.” – Rebecca Applebaum-Wyett (trustee)
COMPASS FUND OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
The fund provides support for select groups, organizations and initiatives which have a special emphasis on entrepreneurism and innovation within AFP’s core mission areas. The fund aims to support organizations to excel, build and engage in creative and strategic relationships.
FOCUS OF FUNDING SUPPORT
The grant types range from seed funding, bridge support, next phase opportunity advancement to peer lead, student initiatives and creative projects.
We are really proud to be co-trustees of the Compass Fund. Over the years, it was special to see our grandfather and family be involved philanthropically. Now seeing it all up close, and the impact we can make, we get to use the ‘compass’ our family shared with us.” – Rebecca Applebaum-Wyett (trustee), Molly Applebaum-Wyett (trustee)
FINAL WORD
The Applebaum Family Compass Fund represents a lifetime of historic giving that continues to grow with future generations. The fund has provided Rebecca and Molly the chance to embark on their own philanthropic journeys; providing opportunity to select organizations to strengthen their value and mission. This strategic collaboration allows much synergy between priority areas of Applebaum Family Philanthropy, anchor organizations and community giving.
We look forward to working with the 7 recipients of the Compass Fund. Please find below, a list of the distributed grants and keep a lookout for our social to stay up to date!
Summary of Grants:
| College for Creative Studies | First-Generation College Student Summer Leadership Program |
| Cranbrook Academy of Art | Distribution Project for Print Media Students |
| Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic | Emergency Room Diversions for Uninsured Patients |
| Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences | Helping Student Pharmacists Build their Brand |
| Friendship Circle | Soul Studio Art Program Fellowship |
| Tamarack Camps | Tamarack Camps’ Compass Program |
| Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit | Youth Art Workshop Series |