The William Davidson Foundation is a family foundation based in Birmingham dedicated to advancing the economic, cultural, and civic vitality of southeast Michigan, Israel, and the Jewish community. It was founded by William Davidson, whose ancestors were from Ukraine. He learned from his parents the importance of giving back and did so when he turned a small glass company, Guardian Glass, then based in Detroit, into a worldwide manufacturing company. This mindset is what led Davidson into philanthropy. Davidson passed away in 2009, but the foundation continues to grow and continues his mission. In addition to improving Jewish life, cultural and civic vitality, and economic vitality, the foundation places heavy emphasis on education. In his lifetime, Davidson helped establish or endow institutions to train Jewish educators, offer professional development to business leaders and entrepreneurs, and promote science education in Israel. The foundation offers grants to partners whose goals align with the foundation’s. Grantees include Design Core Detroit, New Economy Initiative, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit, and others.
