Michigan Federation for Children and Families

What Michigan Federation for Children and Families does

The Michigan Federation for Children and Families (MichFed) is a Lansing, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that serves as the collective advocacy voice for private, nonprofit child welfare and family services agencies across the state. Founded approximately 50 years ago and headquartered at 620 S Capitol Ave in Lansing, the Federation represents member agencies delivering foster care, family preservation, adoption, and behavioral health services under contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The organization is staffed by fewer than 10 employees and is governed by an independent Board of Directors with no parent company, private equity, or venture capital ownership.

MichFed's programmatic portfolio centers on three core offerings. MiFamily Together is a two-generation (2Gen) family preservation and reunification pilot launched in October 2024 in partnership with MDHHS and currently operational in 25 Michigan counties through four member agencies (Bethany Christian Services, Orchards Children's Services, Samaritas, and Wellspring Lutheran Services); since launch it has enrolled 1,534 families and 4,238 children, with 95% of children remaining safely at home one year from referral. Protective Factors Training, developed with MDHHS and certified through the Children's Trust Fund Alliance, is delivered free of charge to case managers and supervisors across member agencies via recorded webinars and live events. Advocacy and policy services include legislative monitoring, state budget advocacy, the Policy Press e-bulletin, and access to Muster digital advocacy software enabling direct member engagement with elected officials.

The Federation's revenue model combines four streams: recurring membership dues from member agencies, annual corporate sponsorships priced at $2,000 per sponsor, conference registration and sponsorship revenue from the annual Senior Management Conference, and grants or philanthropic support from foundations including the Kresge Foundation, Steelcase Foundation, and Casey Family Programs. Go-to-market is community-led rather than commercial — the Federation reaches members through industry networks, state-level partnerships with MDHHS, advocacy campaigns, and the annual conference — with new member recruitment occurring through industry referrals and an annual membership drive. The organization does not develop proprietary technology; its technology footprint is limited to the Squarespace-hosted website, member web portal, Muster advocacy software, and Paylocity HRIS.

Name

Michigan Federation for Children and Families

Legal name

Michigan Federation for Children and Families

Website

https://michfed.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Michigan Federation for Children and Families is a Lansing-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that advocates for private, nonprofit child welfare and family services agencies across Michigan, delivering collective legislative representation, Protective Factors Training, and the MiFamily Together two-generation family preservation pilot.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Child Welfare Advocacy Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF), Family & Parenting Education (Family Literacy, Parenting Skills) (EDAAAFAF)

Keywords

• Child welfare advocacy
• Family preservation services
• Nonprofit membership association
• Protective factors training
• Two-generation approach

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The Federation generates revenue through annual membership dues from member child welfare and family services agencies across Michigan. Membership provides access to advocacy services, training programs, resources, and the Senior Management Conference.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: The organization receives annual sponsorship revenue from corporations and foundations. Corporate sponsorship rate is $2,000 annually, providing sponsors with website recognition, spotlight emails to members, acknowledgment in publications, and discounted marketing opportunities at conferences.
3. Conference Revenue: The Federation generates revenue through its annual Senior Management Conference, including registration fees, sponsorship opportunities, and marketing exhibitor slots. The 2026 conference includes sponsorship opportunities, keynote sessions, and breakout programming.
4. Training Services: The Federation partners with MDHHS to deliver Protective Factors Training to member agencies. While training is offered free of charge to case managers and supervisors, this program supports member agency capacity and engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Michigan Federation for Children and Families is a nonprofit membership organization that provides collective advocacy, policy representation, training, and convening services to private, nonprofit child welfare and family services agencies across Michigan. Core offerings include the MiFamily Together two-generation family preservation pilot program (operating in 25 counties via four member agencies), Protective Factors Training curriculum (free to case managers and supervisors in member agencies), collective legislative and budget advocacy before MDHHS and the state legislature, an annual Senior Management Conference, and a Corporate Sponsorship Program at $2,000 annually.

Product overview

Michigan Federation for Children and Families is a nonprofit membership organization (501(c)3) that provides a collective voice for its member agencies serving children, youth, and families across Michigan. The organization does not offer a unified software product but rather delivers a portfolio of programs and services including MiFamily Together (a two-generation family preservation pilot), Protective Factors Training (free certified training for member agencies), advocacy and policy services, annual conferences, and corporate sponsorship opportunities. MiFamily Together is the flagship integrated program, combining family preservation, reunification, and 2Gen whole-family services into a single flexible home-based model across 25 pilot counties. The Protective Factors Training provides standardized curriculum through certified trainers using both recorded webinars and live events. The organization partners with state agencies (MDHHS), the Aspen Institute (Ascend), and The Kresge Foundation to advance its mission.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MiFamily Together: A two-generation (2Gen) family preservation and reunification pilot program offering flexible, home-based services to children and their caregivers
• 2Gen Michigan
• Protective Factors Training MI

Products and services

• MiFamily Together A two-generation (2Gen) family preservation and reunification pilot program designed to offer children and their caregivers one flexible, home-based program that adapts to meet family needs regardless of risk level. The program integrates services to children with those for caregivers and is delivered through four Federation member agencies in 25 Michigan counties in partnership with MDHHS.
• Protective Factors Training Training developed by Federation member agency leaders certified by the Children's Trust Fund Alliance to deliver the curriculum 'Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work.' Available to case managers and supervisors in family preservation, foster care (including residential treatment), and adoption agencies free of charge through recorded webinars and live training events.
• Advocacy and Policy Services Collective and expert voice for Federation members to influence federal, state, and local public policy decisions both legislatively and administratively. Includes state budget advocacy, legislation analysis and monitoring, relationship building with elected officials, and access to Muster digital advocacy software for member-driven action alerts.
• Senior Management Conference Annual conference providing education, networking, and professional development opportunities for senior leaders in child welfare, family preservation, and behavioral health organizations across Michigan. The 2026 conference includes keynote sessions, general sessions, breakouts, sponsorship opportunities, and registration/lodging packages.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Annual partnership program allowing corporations and foundations to support the Federation's mission. Corporate sponsors receive prominent recognition on the website, dedicated sponsor spotlight emails to members, acknowledgment in Federation publications (e-bulletins, Annual Report, Member Directory), and discounted sponsorship and marketing opportunities at the Senior Management Conference. Annual rate is $2,000.
• 2Gen Michigan A two-generation approach initiative focused on building family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives. Implemented in partnership with Ascend at the Aspen Institute for framework and resources and supported by The Kresge Foundation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of children remained safely at home one year from referral in MiFamily Together program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Primary state government partner for child welfare services. MDHHS established the MiFamily Together pilot program and contracts with Federation member agencies to deliver family preservation services. The Federation partners with MDHHS on the Protective Factors Training initiative and the Child Welfare Improvement Task Force.
• The Kresge FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor philanthropic partner supporting 2Gen initiatives in Michigan. Kresge's Human Services Program provided support for the Ascend at the Aspen Institute Forum delegation and has been instrumental in moving the 2Gen body of work forward in Michigan. The Foundation works with the Federation on public-private partnerships to advance family well-being.
• Ascend at the Aspen InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner providing the 2Gen framework, resources, collaborative toolkit, and convening platform. The Federation partnered with Ascend to produce the Forward with Families campaign video featuring MiFamily Together. Michigan leaders participate in Ascend's annual Forum on Children and Families in Washington, DC.
• Child Welfare Improvement Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTask force established by MDHHS Director in Fall 2020 to address overrepresentation of children of color in foster care. Federation President/CEO Janet Reynolds Snyder leads the 2Gen work group. Task Force is partnering with MDHHS to assist in expanding MiFamily Together statewide in 2026.
• Catholic Charities of West MichigancoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Provides family preservation services including Protective Factors implementation and staff training.
• Highfields, Inc.coreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Provides community-based human services in Michigan.
• Judson CentercoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Provides adoption services, foster care, and trauma-informed care training.
• Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB)coreOthersTribal partner and 2Gen Core Workgroup member. Represents tribal interests in child welfare and family services collaboration.
• Orchards Children's ServicescoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. One of the largest child welfare agencies in Michigan, serving over 8,000 children in 15 counties. One of four agencies piloting MiFamily Together.
• SamaritascoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Michigan-based human service nonprofit serving over 38,000 individuals. Over 90 years of faith-based service. One of four agencies piloting MiFamily Together.
• Wellspring Lutheran ServicescoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Statewide nonprofit serving families and children since 1893. One of four agencies piloting MiFamily Together.
• U.P. KIDScoreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Provides services in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
• Professional Counseling Center, P.C.coreOthersMember agency and 2Gen Core Workgroup partner. Provides professional counseling services.
• Children's Trust Fund AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization that certified Federation member agency leaders to deliver Protective Factors Training curriculum. The Federation adapted the Alliance's 'Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work' training for Michigan families.
• Casey Family ProgramsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor foundation partner that generously supported the initial development and implementation of the Protective Factors Initiative in Michigan, laying a strong foundation for the initiative.
• The New Foster CaremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlayed an instrumental role in sustaining and growing the Protective Factors Training initiative, ensuring its continued success and impact before the Federation's partnership with MDHHS.
• Public Affairs Associates (PAA)majorOthersLobbying firm working with the Federation on advocacy efforts. Highly regarded in Lansing with comprehensive approach to direct advocacy, public policy, and issues management.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Child Welfare League of America: National membership organization for child welfare agencies, providing advocacy, training, and standards. Comparable as the national analog to Michigan Federation, serving private nonprofit child welfare agencies through similar policy, training, and convening functions.
• National Children's Alliance: National membership association for Children's Advocacy Centers serving child abuse victims. Comparable as a national/state-networked child welfare membership body delivering training, accreditation, and advocacy services to member agencies.
• Michigan Nonprofit Association: Statewide membership association representing Michigan's nonprofit sector. Directly comparable in membership-based advocacy, training, conference, and policy services model, though broader in scope (all nonprofits) rather than child welfare specifically.
• Prevent Child Abuse America: National organization focused on preventing child abuse through advocacy, training, and state chapter network. Comparable in protective factors framework delivery, member agency support, and child maltreatment prevention mission.
• Voices for Michigan's Children: Michigan-based children's policy and advocacy organization (now part of Michigan League for Public Policy). Comparable in statewide child/family policy advocacy, coalition building, and Lansing-based legislative engagement.
• Michigan's Children: Michigan-based child advocacy organization focused on policy, budget advocacy, and coalition building for children and families. Comparable in statewide advocacy mission, Lansing-based policy engagement, and child/family systems reform orientation.

Others

• Casey Family Programs: Major national foundation focused on child welfare reform and foster care systems. Directly relevant as a current funder and field-builder, though structurally a philanthropy rather than a membership organization.
• Ascend at the Aspen Institute: National policy and program initiative promoting two-generation approaches to family well-being. Directly relevant as a framework partner, content collaborator, and convening platform for the Federation's 2Gen work.

Regional players

• Michigan League for Public Policy: Statewide policy advocacy organization focused on economic security and child/family well-being in Michigan. Comparable in Lansing-based state budget advocacy, policy research, and coalition-building across child-serving systems.
• Michigan Association of Intermediate School Districts: Michigan statewide association of intermediate school districts with overlapping family/child service delivery and policy advocacy functions. Comparable in statewide convening, training, and policy engagement for public child-serving institutions in Michigan.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/michfed
• Facebookfacebook.com/Michfed
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michigan-federation-for-children-and-families

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Michigan Federation for Children and Families