Our Work

Our Guiding Principles

The DeRoy Testamentary Foundation provides funding support for programs that improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of individuals in the community.

The trustees of the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation embrace the following guiding principles to honor the mission and intent of our founder, Helen L. DeRoy:

  • As Grantmakers, we are committed to the highest ethical standards of philanthropy, integrity, effective governance, and management.
  • We meet regularly to review internal policies to ensure that the Foundation is operating in congruence with its mission and that we maintain our fiduciary responsibilities.
  • We are committed to the public benefit and hold ourselves accountable for the effective stewardship of our resources to maximize our philanthropic purposes, not private gain.
  • We have information available to grant applicants regarding the funding priorities of the Foundation as well as the requirements for grant proposals. 
  • We act responsibly toward the communities we serve, treating individuals fairly, with dignity, and with respect, maintaining our goal of improving quality of life.
     
  • We keep abreast of a broad cross-section of community experiences and perspectives in order to ensure that the Foundation meets the needs and interests of the communities we serve.
     
  • We support continuous learning of trustees, staff, and grantees. 

Grantmaking Policies

  • Organizations must qualify as a 501(c)(3). 
  • Grant making activity is concentrated primarily in the greater metropolitan Detroit area. 
  • We do not accept blind proposals. You must contact us first so that we may determine if your organization and your specific needs might be a good fit. 
  • Strict adherence to our proposal requirements is required.  
  • We do not award grants to individuals, endowments, political campaigns, or organizations involved in political lobbying.  
  • Submission of an audited financial statement that is no older than 1.5 years is required. 
  • We award only one grant per year, per organization. 
  • Multi-year grants will only be considered under special circumstances. 
  • Proposals are reviewed by the Board of Trustees for consideration and action on a rolling basis, approximately 10 times each year. Most often, organizations will receive a response one week after our meeting, though there are times when proposals are held for future consideration. 

Our Story

In 1946, Helen established the Helen L. DeRoy Foundation, when it was uncommon to have a family foundation. Though women didn’t keep their maiden name at that time, Helen used the first initial of her maiden name as her middle name. She was always insistent that she be addressed as Helen L. DeRoy in correspondence and articles. When she passed away in 1977 the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation was created and continues her good work to this day with a primary focus of improving the lives of those in the metropolitan Detroit area.

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Helen L. DeRoy