25

Years of Giving

The Thompson Foundation marked its milestone 25th anniversary in 2024. Here, we look back at the events in 1999 that led to Robert and Ellen Thompson forming the Foundation as a vehicle to further their philanthropic goals.

OUR Philanthropic Journey

Established through proceeds from the sale of the Thompson-McCully Company and growing with proceeds from the more recent sale of two other companies, the Thompsons have contributed more than $260 million to date through the Thompson Foundation. Included in that number is an investment of over $125 million for the construction of 10 state-of-the-art charter school buildings in the City of Detroit through the Thompson Schools Foundation. Millions have also been donated to organizations focused on relieving human suffering, health care, faith-based giving, and grants to Michigan K-12 public school districts to fund efforts to support and expand the use of technology in education.

The Thompsons began funding college scholarships at Bowling Green State University in 2003 for graduates of Detroit High Schools and this program, the President’s Leadership Academy, is still active today. In 2011, Ellen started a new scholarship program at Grand Valley State University for students from working families. “Educational philanthropy has been a journey for us. We started with K-12 schools and realized you’re not finished helping those kids in high school,” said Bob Thompson.

Today the Thompson Foundation focuses on nurturing philanthropic partnerships with higher education to provide metric-driven, outcomes-based scholarships, chiefly through the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program.

The Thompsons 1999

The Washington Post

Saluting a Generous Spirit

August 1, 1999

The Associated Press

Bighearted Boss Hands Out Bonus of a Lifetime

September 26, 1999

ENR Magazine

Award of Excellence – Robert M. Thompson

April 17, 2000

“Even without money you can do things to help others, You can smile or share a cup of coffee with a friend who is having a bad day. Do what you can and someday I hope you’ll look back and say, ‘Helping others changed my life’.”
Bob Thompson
“We see how long and hard some people work, and the dreams they have for their children. We’ve been fortunate and want to help these parents realize those dreams.”
Ellen Thompson
“You can’t just throw money at students and make them successful. Everyone has to have skin in the game. Sponsors like us have to participate: the university has to participate; the parents have to participate; and the students have to participate.”
Bob Thompson
“We are pleased with the way the universities have implemented this program. The success of the kids has just been tremendous.”
Ellen Thompson
”Having your name on a building is ridiculous to a lot of us, but with something like the Working Families Scholarships, lives are changed.”
Bob Thompson
“Education is impactful. It certainly does change lives, and of course, that’s what we’re after.”
Bob Thompson