DTE Energy Foundation Gives Nearly $7.6 Million to Nonprofits

DETROIT, Feb. 14  /PRNewswire/ -- The DTE Energy Foundation today announced it awarded nearly $7.6 million to Michigan nonprofit organizations in 2007.

"In 2007 the DTE Energy Foundation awarded nearly 400 grants to nonprofit organizations as part of our commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve," said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and government affairs, and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. "Through strategic grant-making focused on making the greatest impact possible, the DTE Energy Foundation supported organizations and programs that touched the lives of thousands of people throughout Michigan."

Among the Foundation's achievements in 2007 was the launch of its new competitive Math Enrichment Grant program, which awarded $385,000 in grants to 20 Michigan middle schools for innovative mathematics programs.  The Foundation created the program to help students attain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the increasingly competitive global economy.

"As job requirements become increasingly rigorous, the demand for highly skilled workers is growing.  If our students are to compete in tomorrow's workplace, it's essential that they have a solid foundation in math," said Shell.  "The schools we recognized with these grants have created programs we believe have the potential to improve student achievement statewide."

The Foundation also awarded one of the largest grants in its history last year with its $1.5 million gift to the University of Michigan College of Engineering to establish the DTE Energy Professorship of Advanced Energy Research.  The professorship will support a faculty member whose research will include alternative energy sources, energy storage and conversion, transportation, fuels or sustainability.

Other significant grants made by the DTE Energy Foundation in 2007 included:

  -- Cranbrook Institute of Science -- The Foundation awarded $600,000 to
     the Cranbrook Institute of Science to establish the DTE Energy
     Watershed and Great Lakes Education program.  As part of the grant,
     Cranbrook created the "Water on the Go" program, which has delivered
     watershed education to fifth-graders at schools throughout Michigan.
     The program covers a variety of topics, including the water cycle, the
     availability of freshwater around the globe, and the role water plays
     in Michigan's economy and environment.

  -- Grand Rapids Community College -- The DTE Energy Foundation awarded
     $100,000 to Grand Rapids Community College for the creation of an
     endowed DTE Energy Scholars Program and Scholarship Fund.  The gift was
     made to encourage students to enter science and engineering fields and
     to help them develop the skills they need for success.

  -- Education Town Hall -- The Foundation provided a $75,000 grant to
     underwrite "Education Town Hall Meeting: An Agenda for Change," a live,
     hour-long program that aired on WXYZ-TV in April.  The program examined
     the state of education in Michigan and the need to prepare the region's
     students for the realities of the global economy.  The Foundation
     worked with WXYZ-TV, the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Skillman
     Foundation in developing the program.

  -- Plymouth Community Arts Council -- The Foundation awarded $15,000 to
     the Plymouth Community Arts Council to implement its new "Diversity
     Through the Arts" program for K-12 students.  The program will include
     the creation of an educational exhibition celebrating ethnic diversity
     to encourage respect for and understanding of world cultures.


  Matching employee contributions


The DTE Energy Foundation contributed $288,500 to nonprofit organizations supported by DTE Energy employees.  Its year-round Matching Gifts program matches employee contributions to educational and cultural institutions and its annual Holiday Season Matching Gifts program matches employee gifts to human services organizations that provide food and shelter to those in need during the holiday season.

In addition, DTE Energy employees and retirees pledged more than $1.65 million to the 2007 United Way Campaign.  The DTE Energy Foundation provided a contribution of $750,000 bringing the total donation from the company, employees and retirees to more than $2.4 million.

Another $138,500 was contributed by the Foundation to nonprofit organizations through the DTE Energy Foundation Walter J. McCarthy Awards for Volunteer Leadership.  The awards recognize employees' and retirees' community involvement.  Each award includes a grant made to a nonprofit organization designated by the recipient.  Since it was established in 1990, the program has awarded nearly $900,000 to community groups throughout Michigan.

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its principal operating subsidiaries, Detroit Edison and MichCon.  The Foundation directs its contributions and involvement to support initiatives dedicated to developing the human and economic potential of the communities it serves. Grants are awarded under the foundation's "LEAD" guidelines: leadership, education, environment, achievement, development and diversity in the DTE Energy service territory, which includes southeast, western and northern Michigan. 

DATASOURCE: DTE Energy



CONTACT:  Eileen Dixon, [phone], or Lorie Kessler,

[phone], both for DTE Energy 



Web site:  http://www.dteenergy.com/ 

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