About the thompson Foundation

Changing Lives Since 1999

Improving Lives One Education at a Time

The Thompson Foundation, established in 1999, initially concentrated on grant-making initiatives aimed at alleviating human suffering, fostering economic independence, and expanding educational opportunities for low-income youth and adults in the Detroit area. In 2002, the Thompsons formed the Thompson Schools Foundation (formerly named the Thompson Educational Foundation), dedicating its efforts exclusively to K-12 education within Detroit.

Over the years, the Thompson Foundation transitioned its primary focus towards offering scholarships for students at select universities in Michigan and Northern Ohio.  Its flagship post-secondary program, the Working Families Scholarship Program, was created in 2011.

“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
BGSU Sign

Thompson Working Families Scholarship

The Thompsons extended their commitment to education by creating the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program, in 2011 at Grand Valley State University and subsequently expanding to Bowling Green State University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Michigan Technological University. When the program sunsets in 2033, the Thompsons’ scholarship funding will have helped nearly 13,000 students with an estimated total funding cost of over $220 million at all four partner universities.

Thompson Schools Foundation

Bob and Ellen also created the Thompson Schools Foundation in 2002. This Foundation built ten state-of-the-art charter school buildings in Detroit, Michigan. The buildings are leased for $1 per year to the Public School Academies of Detroit and serve over 4,500 students in grades K-12 with a “90/90” pledge by the schools that 90 percent of entering freshmen will graduate and 90 percent of those will be accepted to a post-secondary education institution or military service.

U Prep Students
Bob & Ellen Thompson Share Message on Service to Thompson Scholars

Bob & Ellen Thompson Share Message on Service to Thompson Scholars

April 1, 2026

Bob and Ellen Thompson share a heartfelt message on the importance of service as the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close. Their words highlight the lasting impact Thompson Scholars are making through community-focused initiatives.

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Nearly 200 BGSU Students Surprised With Life-Changing Scholarships Supporting Working Families

BGSU Students Surprised With Life-Changing Scholarships Supporting Working Families

March 27, 2026

Nearly 200 Bowling Green State University students were surprised with the Thompson Achiever Scholarship for 2026–2027, providing significant tuition support for up to three years. Watch their emotional reactions as they learn the life-changing news.

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Brionna Powell, a Thompson Foundation Scholarship Recipient, Shares Her “Full Circle Moment”

Brionna Powell, a Thompson Foundation Scholarship Recipient, Shares Her “Full Circle Moment”

March 20, 2026

After receiving a life-changing scholarship from the Thompson Foundation, Bowling Green State University alumna Brionna Powell reconnects to share her inspiring “full circle” journey and the lasting impact of donor support.

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Committed to Helping Working Families

“Thank you for allowing Michigan Tech students like me to be able to afford a higher education. I hope that I will put the education that you have allowed me to get to good use and be an integral part of society.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support and for making my college education a reality. Your kindness has made a profound difference in my life and I will be forever grateful.”

“The requirements to keep this scholarship have pushed me to be a better student and person in my community. I appreciate all you do for me and other students at SVSU. Thank you!”

“This scholarship is so immensely important to me because I know I am so fortunate to be attending college; it helps me to be able to attend Grand Valley and pursue a successful future. There are not enough words to express how grateful and thankful I am!”

“The more time I spend here at Bowling Green State University, the more I understand that the Thompson Working Families Scholarship has opened up a world of endless possibilities for me. I deeply appreciate your investment in the lives of so many people.”

“I appreciate this scholarship greatly. I will never forget how much you helped me in my career. I appreciate you so much for granting me this and just know that you have changed someone’s life. Everyone that I tell that I received this scholarship said it was a life-changer. Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson!”

“I want to say a huge thank you for continuing to support my education and development. What you two do is inspiring and amazing, and I would not be here without you. I appreciate the love and care that you exude, and I wish both of you happiness and health in your lives and to your families. Thank you again!”

“My mother encouraged us to never take for granted opportunities that would improve our future. I greatly appreciate the opportunity for the scholarship and intend to pay it forward in my education.”