The Greek America Foundation is honored to announce a $50,000 Sustaining Donation from Peter and Danialle Karmanos— a leadership gift that officially launches the Futures Fund, the cornerstone endowment of our ten-year, $10 million Futures Campaign.
This is more than a generous contribution. It’s the first bold step toward ensuring that the Foundation— and its impact—lives forever.
A Family Committed to the Future
Peter and Danialle Karmanos are widely recognized for their extraordinary philanthropic leadership—both in Detroit and nationally—where they have invested tens of millions of dollars to improve the lives of children and strengthen communities. From programs that support childhood wellness and mental health to initiatives that ensure vulnerable families have access to care, education, and opportunity, their giving has consistently focused on building brighter futures.
As parents of four teenage boys, they understand the responsibility of shaping the next generation—and the importance of surrounding young people with communities rooted in service, compassion, and purpose. Their support of the Futures Fund reflects this belief: it is a deliberate investment in the world they want their sons, and all young people, to grow into.
Together, Peter and Danialle stand as a powerful example of generosity in action. They have stepped forward not only because they believe in the mission of the Greek America Foundation— but because they believe the mission deserves to last forever.
The Meaning of the Futures Fund
The Futures Fund will be the permanent endowment that will secure the Greek America Foundation’s work in perpetuity. It is designed so that our programs, our ideals, and our impact do not depend on the unpredictability of year-to-year fundraising— or on the lives or health of any one leader. It ensures that:
Scholarships can be awarded… forever
Young people can serve in Greek America Corps humanitarian programs… forever
Vulnerable children in Greece—sick, orphaned, or displaced—can be supported… forever
Pre-teens in our communities can learn compassion by feeding the poor… forever
And every cultural, educational, philanthropic, and community-building project we’ve created can continue to grow… forever
This is why the Futures Campaign exists: to make sure the work of the Greek America Foundation outlives us. We know we will never sit under the shade of the trees we are planting today. But future generations will. That is the point.
Why the Karmanos Gift Matters
With their $50,000 sustaining gift, Peter and Danialle become the very first stewards of the Futures Fund—a signal to the entire community that now is the time to build something lasting.
Founder Gregory C. Pappas expressed deep gratitude:
“This gift plants the first seed. Peter and Danialle are helping us build a foundation that will carry our work forward long after we are gone. Their belief in our mission—and in the future generations who will benefit from it—is nothing short of inspiring. Danialle and Pete– personal friends for more than two decades– share that inspiration. As parents, they want their boys to grow into a community grounded in empathy, service, and purpose. Supporting the Futures Fund is, for them, an act of generational love.”
An Invitation to Join Them
The Karmanos gift launches the Futures Fund. Now we invite others who believe in impact without an expiration date to join them. Whether through a sustaining, supporter, leadership, or naming-level donation, your contribution isn’t just a gift—it’s a legacy.
Let’s plant the trees whose shade we will never enjoy… so that future generations can. To learn more about how to join the Futures Fund or secure naming opportunities, email us today!