ANN ARBOR, Mich. - s4story -- The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) has been recognized as a 2026 Child Care Champion of Michigan for its impact investment in Apple Playschools and its contribution to expanding child care capacity in Washtenaw County.

AAACF was among nine businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations recognized during the 2026 Child Care Champions ceremony in East Lansing on September 24, 2026. The Child Care Champions are recognized by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) for demonstrating approaches to addressing child care challenges through local leadership, partnerships, and investment.

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AAACF provided Apple Playschools with a $775,000 loan and $100,000 in development grants to support construction and right-sizing of its early childhood center in Ann Arbor. The investment helped Apple Playschools add 47 child care spaces and create 12 local jobs, increasing enrollment capacity by nearly 50 percent.

The investment reflects AAACF's role as a philanthropic hub and its approach to impact investing, which focuses on creating lasting change in critical areas such as education, affordable housing, growing small businesses, and more. AAACF's Impact Investing Manager,  Frances Todoro-Hargreaves, attended the event to receive the award on behalf of the Foundation.

The Apple Playschools investment is part of the Foundation's S.E.E.D.S. initiative, reflecting AAACF's commitment to creating long-term community impact through intentional investment, collaboration, and shared responsibility. The investment directly supports Developing Youth - the "D" in S.E.E.D.S. - by expanding access to quality early childhood care and creating stronger foundations for children and families throughout Washtenaw County.

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About Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation connects philanthropy, community leadership, and investment to strengthen Washtenaw County for generations to come. Through grants, scholarships, partnerships, and impact investing, AAACF works to expand opportunity and create lasting community impact. Learn more at aaacf.org.