Our Impact — 40 Years

1984-2024

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

40 Years. Three Generations. One Mission.

Since 1984, the Dart Foundation has worked alongside community partners, building relationships that go beyond traditional grantmaking. Inspired by the curiosity and open-mindedness of our founders, William A. and Claire T. Dart, the Foundation creates lasting change through both program support and infrastructure investments, identifying emerging needs before they become mainstream priorities—from pioneering STEM education to establishing the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University.

With $100 million in community investments across mid-Michigan and beyond, the Dart Foundation believes that meaningful impact starts with understanding what organizations need to thrive.

Lasting Partnerships in Our Community

Julie Thomasma

Child and Family Charities

Erik Larson

Impression 5

Carmen Turner

Boys and Girls Club of Lansing

Our Approach to Impact

Community-First Approach

We are focused on helping our grantees make the biggest impact, whether it's through a program grant or an infrastructure improvement. That's how we build lasting relationships and respond to real community needs in more than 20 communities nationwide.

Partners in Progress

We don't just write checks - we build relationships that last decades. By understanding the full picture of what organizations need to thrive, we support the essential but often overlooked community needs and impactful projects.

Visionary Support

From being early champions of STEM education and workforce development to supporting trauma-informed journalism, we've consistently identified and invested in emerging community needs before they become mainstream priorities.

Our Communities

Founded in Mason, Michigan, the mid-Michigan area has long been a focal point of Dart Foundation philanthropy.
In order to maximize our impact, our giving is conducted exclusively in the communities which serve as homes to Dart Container Corporation’s production facilities and sales headquarters.

List of Communities:

Corona/Chino, CA
New Castle, DE
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Plant City, FL
Conyers, GA
Lithonia, GA
Social Circle, GA
Thomaston, GA
Twin Falls, ID
Chicago, IL
Country Club Hills, IL 
North Aurora, IL
Horse Cave, KY
Owensboro, KY
Federalsburg, MD
Mid-Michigan
Quitman, MS
Randleman, NC
Ada, OK
Leola/Lancaster, PA
Dallas/Grand Prairie, TX
Waxahachie, TX