In February 2009, a grant of $250,000 was awarded to the Council of Michigan Foundations to support Michigan’s Advanced Economy Initiative.

The federal economic stimulus package offers Michigan a unique, short-term opportunity to advance the state's economic development initiatives focused on alternative energy and job creation. Due to a variety of factors, however, the state government lacks the capacity to take full advantage of this opportunity. With support from NEI and other Michigan foundations, the Council of Michigan Foundations, a nonprofit membership association, will assist the state of Michigan by providing the short-term assistance of a consulting firm. The firm, McKinsey and Co., will help position the state to secure, and spend wisely, federal stimulus funds in two priority areas: energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.

Key Metrics and Indicators

• Developed portfolios of existing initiatives, bold ideas, and sustaining industries the state should support
• Developed a governance structure, coordination model and metrics to ensure the State can operationalize these initiatives