Formation and advocacy
The Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP) emerged after the defeat of a 2000 Michigan ballot campaign seeking to expand private-school vouchers. Betsy DeVos chaired the organization from 2001 to 2008, according to her professional biography. The advocacy network has included legally distinct political and nonprofit organizations that should be differentiated when tracing grants or expenditures. [choice][yes][betbio]
Dated political contributions
Michigan Campaign Finance Network reporting for the 2002 election cycle identified contributions to GLEP from Betsy and Dick DeVos and their parents or in-laws. Those contributions are tied to the year and reported donors, rather than generalized into claims of continuing current control. [cfn]
Documented connections
- Betsy DeVos — board chair, 2001–2008.
- Dick DeVos — contributor and family-associated political advocate.
- American Federation for Children — shares school-choice policy agenda, separate organizational structure.
Sources
Research reviewed November 14, 2026. Personal, nonprofit, corporate and government relationships remain separately documented.