Helping Children


We believe that:

1. Children are our hope for the future.


2. There is something of beauty in every person waiting to be developed.


3. The timeless virtues of honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility are to be valued.


4. Education is the key to life improvement.


5. Environment is a resource to be cherished, respected, and conserved.


6. Art and beauty provide a feast for the soul, and should therefore be encouraged.

The Colina Foundation was founded in 1992 by John and Nancy Colina in southwestern Wayne County, Michigan. The foundation focuses on education for children and was funded following the sale of the family business. While early grants focused on at-risk youth, primarily in the schools, it soon became apparent that focusing on the earlier years would pay greater dividends for society. The Council of Michigan Foundations has offered tremendous learning opportunities, both at conferences, retreats, and through various small group gatherings. It was at one such learning circle conducted through Michigan State University that we became aware of the tremendous importance of collaborating at local, regional, and state levels to support the earliest years. In 2009, The Colina Foundation was honored to receive the Critical Impact Award from the national Council on Foundations for their work in Early Childhood.