I am honored to present the Gilbert Family Foundation Annual Impact Report for 2023. This report is a testament to our collective efforts to drive meaningful change and foster hope within our communities. As I reflect on our shared accomplishments, I am filled with immense pride for the strides we have made toward our mission of building opportunity for Detroiters and accelerating a cure for neurofibromatosis.
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Commitment to bring personalized medical research and a world-class physical rehabilitation facility to Detroit with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute.
Families that have eliminated property tax debt through Detroit Tax Relief Fund
Renters that have received legal support during eviction proceedings
Homes receiving critical repairs through Detroit Home Repair Fund
Learners (aged 18-70) that graduated from the second cohort of the Apple Developer Academy
Neighborhood nonprofits supported through Thriving Neighborhoods Fund
Building Opportunity
In year three of our ambitious 10-year, $500 million joint commitment to Detroit, in partnership with Rocket Community Fund, we continued to refine our strategy. Recognizing the importance of a safe and stable home, Gilbert Family Foundation invested in wide-ranging programs to stabilize housing for thousands of Detroit families. From eliminating property tax debt to providing home repair resources to streamlining access to housing services citywide, our work supports programs that are empowering our residents and driving sustainable, systemic change.
Once a resident is safely and securely housed, we work to connect them to resources that unlock access to greater economic opportunity. This includes programs supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development, skilled trades and more. Through a combination of new and existing partnerships, we are creating the foundation for families to build long-term wealth.
Finally, Gilbert Family Foundation builds on our investments in housing and economic mobility with simultaneous, neighborhood-level partnerships designed to bring people together and strengthen social bonds. Our work to increase access to arts and culture programming, as well as vibrant public spaces, is vital to creating neighborhoods where people want to live and raise their families.
By making all these investments with the same group of economically vulnerable Detroit families in mind, we believe our investments will have a catalytic and holistic effect on the lives of thousands of residents.
Curing NF
2023 was not without its challenges. In May, Nick Gilbert, the oldest son of our founders Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, passed away due to complications from neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Nick was a pillar of strength throughout his 26 years of life – publicly sharing his NF1 story and giving a voice to the millions of people battling this disease worldwide.
Though Nick is no longer with us, his strength, optimism and passion inspires all of us at Gilbert Family Foundation to continue our fight against NF every day. Nick also inspired one of the Foundation’s most significant investments ever: the development of the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, the first brick-and-mortar research institute to focus exclusively on NF. The institute, which you can read about in this report, will be a part of Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University’s new medical research building at Henry Ford Health’s expanded Detroit medical campus.
The creation of NGNRI reflects not only Dan and Jennifer’s continued support for NF research, but also their humble recognition that not all families are privileged to access the best medical care and research possible. That is why we also announced plans to bring a 72-bed state-of-the-art physical medicine and rehabilitation facility to Detroit.
The facility will be managed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the world-class Chicago-based rehab facility where Dan recovered from his 2019 stroke. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best rehabilitation hospital in the country for 33 consecutive years and will serve Detroiters of all backgrounds thanks in part to an additional $10 million fund to increase access to rehabilitation care for low-income Detroit residents who have limited or no insurance coverage.
While these investments represented new forays into personalized medical care for Detroiters and NF patients worldwide, Gilbert Family Foundation also maintained its focus on its three existing NF initiatives: the Vision Restoration Initiative, Brian Tumor Initiative and Gene Therapy Initiative. I encourage you to read the report for updates on these critical research efforts and the amazing work being done by our NF research partners worldwide.
As we look to the future, our commitment to investing in our communities remains steadfast. Guided by our core values of innovation and collaboration, we will continue to harness the power of philanthropy to address pressing challenges and drive systemic change centered around those most in need.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, shaping a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Laura Grannemann
Executive Director
Gilbert Family Foundation
In September, Gilbert Family Foundation, Henry Ford Health and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab announced an historic partnership to bring a 72-bed state-of-the-art physical medicine and rehabilitation facility to Detroit. The facility will be managed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and will become part of Henry Ford Health’s campus expansion.
Gilbert Family Foundation also announced the creation of the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, bringing a revolutionary neurofibromatosis research institute to Detroit in partnership with Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences. Both these partnerships will cement Detroit as a leader in innovative, personalized medical care and research.
The construction and operation of these two initiatives is expected to cost an estimated $439 million over 10 years. To bring the projects to life, the Gilbert Family Foundation agreed to contribute $374 million in grant funding.
At a press event celebrating the announcement, Gilbert Family Foundation Co-Founder Dan Gilbert, who received rehabilitative care at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago following his 2019 stroke, talked about the unpredictable nature of health and the importance of having strong medical institutions in the city of Detroit.
“Nearly every family will encounter unexpected health challenges at some point. While our family has faced severe health crises, we have been fortunate to receive some of the best medical and rehabilitative care in the country. Through these investments, we aim to enhance access to that same top-notch care for all Detroiters in times of need. Jennifer and I are extremely proud to work alongside Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University to play a part in bringing both the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute to Detroit. These are important resources for Detroiters and residents across the state, and we are hopeful they will attract the brightest minds and most promising research to our rapidly transforming city.”
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Henry Ford Health
Through the partnership, Chicago-based Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the best rehabilitation hospital in the country for an unprecedented 33 consecutive years, will bring more than 70 years of leadership in rehabilitation care and science to the 72-bed, 125,000-square-foot facility. It will occupy three floors of the new Henry Ford Hospital patient tower planned for the corner of West Grand Boulevard and the John C. Lodge Freeway in Detroit.
The Gilbert Family Foundation also pledged to create a $10 million fund that will increase access to rehabilitation care for low-income Detroit residents who have limited or no insurance coverage for rehabilitative care.
“This is simply amazing news for the people we serve in Michigan and beyond – and we’re so proud to be a catalyst for all that’s happening here in Detroit,” said Bob Riney, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health. “We’ve long envisioned bringing life-changing rehabilitation services to Michigan to meet this critical need. At the same time, we are honored to expand our commitment to transformative research. Now, thanks to the power of these partnerships and the generosity of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, we can achieve both on behalf of those we serve.”
The rehabilitation facility will provide inpatient care for those recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other conditions. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab treats more patients for these conditions than any other single rehabilitation hospital in the nation.
“Dan and Jennifer Gilbert understand firsthand the value of providing the people of Detroit with access to the best rehabilitation care. We are inspired by their vision and honored to collaborate with them to make this concept a reality,” said Peggy Kirk, President and CEO of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “We also are thrilled to partner with Henry Ford, a premier healthcare provider, so that patients have the best opportunity for recovery following debilitating injuries and illnesses.”
Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI)
Gilbert Family Foundation and sister nonprofit NF Forward have invested nearly $100 million into research to cure neurofibromatosis. The creation of the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute doubles down on our commitment to accelerating a cure for neurofibromatosis.
Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s late son Nick was diagnosed with NF1 as a child and, tragically, passed away from complications of the illness in May 2023. Throughout his life, Nick championed neurofibromatosis awareness and passionately supported research into the disease. The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute will carry on Nick’s legacy and spirit of innovation.
The goal of NGNRI is provide a space for research institutions and researchers from around the world to create novel disease models using organoid technology and other research methodologies. These organoids, which are organ-like assemblies of tissues grown in a lab environment, allow researchers to rapidly test potential drug treatments to see the positive and negative impacts of those potential treatments on healthy and unhealthy tissue. The nature of this technology will also allow for more personalized healthcare for Henry Ford Health and NF patients. NGNRI will be housed within Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University’s new research building on Henry Ford Health’s east campus, which is set to open in 2027.
The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute will be the first brick-and-mortar institute solely dedicated to neurofibromatosis, and one of the first institutes to leverage organoid technology and other novel models to address a single disease.
“The opportunity for our joint research facility is to conjoin the strengths of world-class academia, clinical research and healthcare,” said MSU Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. “That partnership is further strengthened by our partners at the Gilbert Family Foundation to become the first-of-its-kind research institute dedicated completely to a debilitating disease like neurofibromatosis. As a result of this institutional engagement, Detroit will be known for groundbreaking research and patient care. MSU is proud to be part of bringing these plans to fruition.”
The announcement of both the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute represent a unique combination of the things Gilbert Family Foundation cares about most: curing NF and helping Detroiters. We are incredibly excited to work alongside our partners on bringing these incredible facilities to life in the coming years.
NF1-associated Optic Pathway Gliomas (OPGs) are slow-growing, benign brain tumors that develop around the optic nerves that connect the eyes to the brain. OPGs can cause irreversible vision loss to varying degrees, including complete blindness. The mission of the Gilbert Family Foundation’s Vision Restoration Initiative (VRI) is to develop viable therapies that will ultimately protect and restore vision in NF1-OPG patients.
When we created our Vision Restoration Initiative in 2019, there were no vision restoration therapies for patients suffering from vision loss due to OPGs caused by NF1. To date, we have 17 active projects led by 13 “Dream Team” experts in nine institutions.
To best address the challenges of vision restoration, we’ve segmented our approach to target patients with varying degrees of vision loss associated with OPGs. We’re developing neuroprotection and neuroenhancement therapies for mild to moderate vision loss, and cell replacement therapies for patients with severe vision loss. Both approaches are being created and tested in various preclinical models along with the identification of biomarkers in patients. This is done in order to determine the most effective type of therapy for each patient.
The efforts of the projects lead by our “Dream Team” have resulted in significant research output, and we’re excited to see what new breakthroughs our team will bring to fruition as their research progresses.
In Summer 2023, our Curing NF team hosted the Vision Restoration Initiative (VRI) Annual Meeting in downtown Detroit. Over the course of the two-day event, the teams discuss their progress updates, challenges they’ve encountered, and their evolving strategies for solidifying this important work.
For the event, 14 VRI investigators highlighted their findings in the areas of neuroprotection and cell replacement therapies. Notably, there was a sizeable amount of exciting and important data in NF1-OPG preclinical models which were presented and discussed the first day. This was a key milestone for the current phase of VRI for generating proof-of-concept for vision restoration in these preclinical animal models of NF1-OPG.
On the second day of the meeting, the team conducted a workshop on standardizing our preclinical approach across the consortium. We also invited industry expert and consultant Dr. Kirk Trisler to give a presentation on the elements of an investigational new drug application (IND), which will be necessary for conducting first-in-human trials of new therapies developed by the VRI. Our VRI investigators also had the opportunity to connect with our scientific advisory board members to obtain their feedback on their current research progress and future directions.
“Overall, it was perhaps our most exciting annual meeting to date, as our teams had many new scientific milestones to report,” said Kalyan Vinnakota, Director, Curing NF. “We are looking forward to many more novel breakthroughs as we continue accelerating a cure for NF.”
The Gilbert Family Foundation’s Brain Tumor Initiative (BTI) focuses on identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat NF1-associated gliomas at risk of developing into higher grade tumors. In March 2023, Gilbert Family Foundation announced a $10 million investment as part of BTI with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to support the organization’s Neurofibromatosis Program.
This investment included support for CHOP’s continued participation in the BTI, which focuses on identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat NF1-associated transformed gliomas. Gliomas are tumors that begin in the brain or spinal cord and are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors in NF1 patients. The objective of BTI is to increase the understanding of the biology and behavior of gliomas in patients with NF1, ultimately improving the care of patients with NF1 who develop these tumors.
The grant to CHOP is also supporting studies to better characterize and understand the deterioration of the visual system that occurs in NF1 patients who develop optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). This includes identifying the most meaningful and robust visual biomarkers needed to evaluate future neuroprotection and visual restoration treatments. The long-term goal is to improve and restore vision in children with NF1 who develop optic pathway gliomas (OPGs), a low-grade glioma that involves one or more structures of the anterior visual pathway.
OPGs can cause permanent vision loss ranging from a mild decline to complete blindness. The cause of OPG vision loss is unknown, so establishing these metrics and biomarkers will be critical to evaluate vision restoration strategies.
Finally, the CHOP investment will support research to discover immunotherapy targets for NF1-associated high-grade glioma (HGG), a malignant brain tumor that sometimes develops in NF1 patients and currently lacks effective therapies. Using computational methods and novel approaches, the researchers hope to identify a unique tumor antigen that can be targeted using CAR T-cell therapy.
“Research is an essential component of our Neurofibromatosis Program. Our multidisciplinary team of experts in neuro-oncology, neuro-ophthalmology, neurology, genetics, pediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopedics and other specialties seek to improve the care and outcomes of those with neurofibromatosis” said Dr. Michael Fisher, Section Chief of Neuro-Oncology and Director of the Neurofibromatosis Program at CHOP. “These grants from the Gilbert Family Foundation will allow us to conduct crucial studies that will eventually lead to better treatments for those with NF1.”
Gilbert Family Foundation launched its Brain Tumor Initiative (BTI) in 2022. This initiative joins the Vision Restoration and Gene Therapy initiatives, which are focused on addressing different NF manifestations and finding an underlying cure for the disease. BTI focuses on identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to effectively treat NF1-associated transformed gliomas. BTI seeks to conduct studies to provide critical characterization of NF1 transformed gliomas and identify the most promising treatments for patients.
“We are proud of our continued investment into CHOP, one of the premier research institutions in the world and a facility that continues to be on the cutting edge of neurofibromatosis research,” said Laura Grannemann, the Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation. “Through our ongoing partnership with CHOP, we are confident that we are closer than ever to finding a cure for NF.”
CHOP was in the first cohort of research partners to receive funding for BTI and has also received previous investments for its promising research as part of the Gilbert Family Foundation’s Vision Restoration Initiative (VRI).
The mission of Gilbert Family Foundation’s Gene Therapy Initiative (GTI) is to develop curative therapies that address the underlying genetic abnormalities in NF1 patients. NF1 results from mutations or deletion of the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene, which is a tumor suppressor protein. These tumor suppressors typically prevent cells from growing too quickly or in uncontrolled ways.
The effects of abnormal NF1 genes are quite wide ranging, from behavioral to developmental. One of the most common symptoms is a plexiform neurofibroma, or plexiform tumor, that commonly affects children with the NF1 disease. Plexiform neurofibromas vary widely in their shape, size, and location and can cause a number of complications. That is why seeking solutions at the genetic level is so important.
Our Gene Therapy Initiative (GTI) team is hard at work identifying gene-targeting therapeutic strategies as part of our mission to accelerate a cure for NF. In 2023, Gilbert Family Foundation hosted its largest Gene Therapy Initiative (GTI) meeting yet, attended by 54 leading researchers working on 18 cutting-edge research projects.
GTI partner scientists aim to develop corrective therapies that target the root cause of NF1 by restoring neurofibromin levels and functions in cells through various gene therapies and related strategies.
The meeting was organized by Efrén Muñoz, Scientific Associate at Gilbert Family Foundation, who opened with an introduction to the challenges in restoration of neurofibromin quantity and function, as well as an overview of the GTI portfolio. Over the course of the two-day event, our research teams discussed progress updates, challenges, and strategies for advancing their work on NF1 gene therapy.
At the end of the second day, Dr. Robert Kesterson, an expert in NF1 translational animal models moderated a workshop on translational strategies for NF1 gene therapies. He was joined by Dr. Ivan Baines, Project Lead for the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, and Dr. Kalyan Vinnakota, PhD, Director of Curing NF at Gilbert Family Foundation.
“The success of GTI relies on the success of our partner scientists,” said Dr. Elwy Okaz, PhD, who is the Senior Scientific Program Manager leading our Gene Therapy Initiative work. “The groundbreaking and collaborative research of our partners has us feeling optimistic,” he said. “We are uniquely positioned to enable the development of disruptive gene targeting strategies for such an important medical condition with unmet need.”
In 2021, Loretta Powell’s home basement flooded, destroying her belongings and causing considerable damage. Her basement needed critical repairs so it wouldn’t happen again. While Loretta was able to get some assistance through DTE’s Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program, which replaced her furnace and hot water heater, flood prevention was not within the scope of the DTE program.
A member of Detroit’s Good Stock Community since 1967, Ms. Powell is active in her neighborhood, and had previously gone door to door to connect residents with resources that prevent property tax foreclosure. She knew from that experience that she was not alone in needing home repairs. “I’ve visited homes with stairs that were unsafe and seen first-hand how desperately needed home repair is in Detroit,” she said.
There are thousands of stories like Ms. Powell’s in Detroit – longtime residents whose homes are in dire need of critical repairs and, without support, might ultimately decide to leave the city.
“After we launched the Detroit Tax Relief Fund to prevent displacement from tax foreclosure, we stayed in touch with the families who received that support, “said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of Gilbert Family Foundation. “We continue to learn from them and be guided by their needs. One topic that has come up more than any in these conversations is the need for home repair resources.”
That’s why Gilbert Family Foundation, ProMedica and DTE Energy launched the Detroit Home Repair Fund in 2022, a $20M program that provides low-income homeowners with critical home repairs. When the Detroit Home Repair Program launched, the response was overwhelming. “There were people that were calling multiple times. Some people had multiple phones open, because the need is so urgent,” said Darnell Adams, Vice President, Detroit Community Initiatives for Gilbert Family Foundation. “It shows that there is a significant need for more resources in this space for home repair. Perhaps the existing resources are hard to access for many Detroiters.”
Luckily for Ms. Powell, DTE’s EEA program provided the foundation for the Detroit Home Repair Fund. Once a resident qualifies for that program, they can request an assessment to see if their home qualifies for DHRF. Her primary contact was the Eastside Community Network, who arranged the work with a local contractor. In addition to fixing the extensive damage to her basement caused by flooding, Ms. Powell had her bathroom renovated for safety, among other repairs.
In the video above, Ms. Powell speaks about the repairs alongside Adams, who visited her home, and David Becker from DTE. Check it out to learn more about the importance of this program and how we’re continuing to support Detroiters with the resources they need to thrive.
Ms. Powell is not the only resident who has benefitted from this program. The Detroit Home Repair Fund has provided home repairs to more than 160 homeowners and is working through its waitlist as community partners, including nonprofits and community development organizations, are able to take on more clients.
75-year-old Detroit retiree Lawrence Sweet is one of the individuals who received some much-needed upgrades through the Detroit Home Repair Fund program.
Sweet’s west side home, where he’s lived for 50 years, had a leaky roof, basement flooding and some electrical problems. The Detroit Home Repair Fund replaced his roof, added downspouts to his gutters to help with water, fixed a jammed front door and installed lighting in the bathroom and another room, along with other upgrades.
As Sweet explained, “I want to feel comfortable just like anyone else.” With the Detroit Home Repair Fund, that is now possible for Mr. Sweet and hundreds of other Detroiters.
The positive impact of stable housing is undeniable, contributing to stronger outcomes in education, employment, health and wealth on every level, while also stabilizing neighborhoods. That’s why Gilbert Family Foundation invests heavily in displacement prevention for both homeowners and renters.
In May 2022, Gilbert Family Foundation announced the creation of the Detroit Eviction Defense Fund, a $12 million investment in United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), Michigan Legal Services and Lakeshore Legal Aid to provide low-income Detroit families facing eviction proceedings with legal representation. In 2023, the Detroit Eviction Defense Fund proudly served more than 7,500 Detroit residents.
Gilbert Family Foundation’s program also works in collaboration with the City of Detroit’s Office of Eviction Defense. In 2022, Detroit became the latest large city to adopt a Right to Counsel ordinance, which guarantees Detroit renters facing eviction with legal representation in all eviction proceedings and housing-related administrative proceedings which threaten the occupancy of their homes. However, because these services are subject to funding availability, Gilbert Family Foundation’s investment helps ensure access to vulnerable residents.
In many cases, renters facing eviction are dealing with wide-ranging challenges that require careful consideration. Landlords often evict tenants for reasons completely unrelated to non-payment of rent, such as a desire to increase rents despite an existing rental or land contract agreement. Additionally, tenants often withhold rent legally due to structural and safety concerns with the home that must be addressed.
For example, one client served through the Detroit Eviction Defense Fund faced eviction after complaining about insufficient hot water in their complex. Upon investigation, the hot water heater for the building did not have sufficient capacity to provide adequate hot water for all residents in the building. Lawyers were able to obtain a court order requiring the building owner to install a new water heating system of sufficient capacity for the building size.
In another case, a senior resident faced multiple repair issues in her apartment, including safety concerns like mold in the air ducts that exacerbated her asthma and required hospitalization. With legal support, the eviction case was dismissed, the mold removed, and rents claimed were waived for the period that she waited for repairs.
These are just two examples that demonstrate the complexity of eviction cases. Prior to the implementation of the Right to Counsel program and the Detroit Eviction Defense Fund, only four percent of tenants had access to representation compared to 83 percent of landlords. These programs are providing an essential counterbalance and protecting residents from the impact of displacement.
Access to safe, secure and affordable housing leads to better educational, employment and health outcomes, as well as opportunities for building generational wealth. Put simply, residents who are stably housed can build better lives for themselves and their families.
But the challenge of property tax foreclosure has made maintaining stable homeownership a challenge for far too many Detroiters. That’s why we launched the Detroit Tax Relief Fund in 2021 as the first investment of our joint $500 million, 10-year commitment to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods.
Over more than a decade of work on the issue of tax foreclosure, we learned that many residents who qualify for the annual Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program should have also qualified in previous years based on their income. Unfortunately, low awareness of the program led to too many families missing the opportunity to apply and becoming burdened by delinquent tax debt and associated penalties and fees.
While the issue of back taxes was partly addressed by the State of Michigan’s Pay As You Stay legislation, which removed penalties and fees for residents on a payment plan, Gilbert Family Foundation believes that qualified families deserved a true fresh start. Since that time, the Detroit Tax Relief Fund has helped more than 10,000 Detroit families completely eliminate their delinquent tax debt.
We are enormously proud of the impact of this program and the incredible efforts of our partner Wayne Metro Community Action Agency on helping residents remove millions of dollars of debt and gain the financial freedom to improve their lives.
As part of our goal to stabilize housing for Detroit residents, we understood that the programs we support are only truly effective if residents are able to quickly and easily access information about housing services and resources. Due to the variety of services offered, however, understanding where and how to access the right resources has historically been a complicated process. That’s why in 2023, we teamed up with the City of Detroit and CHN Housing Partners to transform the way that Detroiters access these services, anchored by a new centralized hotline and a $10M investment from the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Through the Detroit Housing HelpLine (866-313-2520), Detroiters now have a single point of entry to connect them to housing-related resources, including property tax foreclosure counseling, home repair services, homebuyer education and training, renters assistance, financial counseling, assistance with property tax issues and more. Thanks to this new hotline, Detroiters are connected to the right services they qualify for at the right time, instead of calling multiple numbers and organizations. The HelpLine was spearheaded by the Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department and is operated by Wayne Metro Community Action Agency.
In addition to launching the HelpLine, Gilbert Family Foundation made a significant $10 million investment to the Detroit Housing Network, a coalition of Detroit-based housing service providers. The Detroit Housing Network is administered by CHN Housing Partners and includes Central Detroit Christian CDC, Bridging Communities, Jefferson East Inc., Matrix Human Services, USNAPBAC, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and Southwest Economic Solutions.
The major investment is designed to scale existing Detroit Housing Network offerings and onboard future programs and services over the next three years. At a press event celebrating the investment, Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation, remarked on the impact of the investment.
“Every Detroiter deserves access to safe, stable and healthy housing, as part of their journey toward economic mobility and financial freedom,” said Grannemann. “This partnership with the Detroit Housing Network and the City of Detroit creates a new front door for housing services, dramatically simplifying the complex process of connecting with housing resources and expanding services to homeowners and renters alike.”
One key component of the Detroit Housing Network investment is the development of a unified intake form to help streamline access to housing resources for residents that need multiple services. Rather than having to spend all their time going to multiple service providers and filling out redundant forms, the unified intake process will reduce the time it takes for residents to actually get the help they need.
Check out the video below for more details on the Detroit Housing HelpLine and the Detroit Housing Network.
A critical component of our goal to build opportunity for Detroiters is connecting residents to growing industries like IT, construction and more. But one area that is often overlooked as an economic driver is the creative sector. The arts and other creative fields contribute billions of dollars in economic impact and it is important that Detroit students understand the potential of a creative career.
That is why Gilbert Family Foundation proudly partnered with the prestigious College for Creative Studies (CCS) in 2023 to establish a $1 million endowed scholarship fund to support Detroit students. The scholarship fund specifically targets Detroit students from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically marginalized communities, ensuring a more diverse and inclusive artistic pipeline. Beginning in the fall of 2024, a deserving student will receive a transformative four-year scholarship valued at $50,000.
Gilbert Family Foundation’s commitment to CCS and creating opportunity for Detroit students extends beyond the endowed scholarship. Recognizing the vital role early exposure plays in artistic development, we also continued our support of CCS’s Pre-College Summer Experience program with a $100,000 investment. This scholarship provided nine students with tuition and room and board for the summer programs. In total, Gilbert Family Foundation has supported 25 students over the past two years.
All of the participating students were also connected to career development workshops and other programs at Rocket Companies, providing students with valuable insights into potential career paths within the arts.
By empowering students to pursue their creative dreams and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are shaping the future of Detroit’s cultural landscape. This investment not only breaks down barriers for aspiring artists but also ensures a new generation of creative talent will continue to shape the city’s unique identity.
Arts and cultural institutions play a critical role in strengthening our communities. These organizations and the programming they provide helps build resilience and creates bonds between people and place. That’s why a core part of our focus is to ensure that arts and cultural programming is accessible to all Detroit residents.
In 2023, we invested in many events and programs hosted by noteworthy Detroit organizations of all sizes including:
Shakespeare in Detroit: This local nonprofit organization brings the works of William Shakespeare to the general public, as open-air plays performed all over the city. In August of 2023, we sponsored Shakespeare in Detroit’s Techno-inspired version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a unique reimagining of The Tempest is told through the lens of a Detroit DJ. Our sponsorship provided all residents and visitors with free admission to every performance in downtown Campus Martius Park.
Dance Theatre Harlem: Thanks to a partnership with the Detroit Opera House and Dance Theatre Harlem, we were able to connect Detroiters with a unique experience featuring performances by the renown dance troupe. In addition to ticketed performances, our sponsorship gave 1,500 elementary school students from Detroit Public School District the opportunity to see Dance Theatre Harlem free of charge. Additionally, this investment supported a community engagement series that brought free dance programming to various partner organizations.
Black Panther in Concert: We partnered with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) to support a live performance of the Oscar-nominated score to the 2018 Black Panther movie, alongside a special weekend performance for community groups that included a variety of activations and experiences including music lessons, a drum circle, workshops and more.
Eastern Market After Dark (EMAD): The Gilbert Family Foundation is a proud sponsor of the Detroit Month of Design – Detroit is the only UNESCO city of Design in the United States – and we are the lead sponsor of their signature event, Eastern Market After Dark (EMAD). This unique event creates additional access to Eastern Market by keeping the market open all evening with a focus on design. In addition to food and drinks, during EMAD the market features art from local galleries, as well as products from vendors and retailers, brand activations and live music. Since it began in 2012, EMAD has attracted thousands of attendees, and is a prime example of an inclusive event that brings together visitors, residents, artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses.
Detroit is a city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, and public art plays an important role in what makes our hometown so unique. Moreover, public art ties threads between artists, residents, small businesses and public spaces, elevating the day-to-day experience of people interacting with the city. The Gilbert Family Foundation is proud to support programs and partnerships that uphold that legacy.
One example is our partnership with 1xRun, a nonprofit organization supporting artists and curators. Together, we launched the Small Business Murals Project (SBMP) in 2017, which pairs artists with local businesses to collaborate on an external mural. The finished piece elevates the space, helps increase access to public art for Detroiters, and builds a strong connection between the artists and the businesses selected to participate. Since then, the SBMP has supported 25 artists with creating 32 murals on local businesses in Detroit. In 2023, the SBMP saw eight new murals by both up-and-coming and well-known artists come to fruition.
Our partnership with 1XRun also supported Murals in Islandview (formerly known as Murals in the Market). This initiative previously supported artists creating murals at Eastern Market, but changing demographics and a need for more art in other spaces pivoted the project to focus on the barren exterior walls of the new DTE Islandview substation. In addition to the change in name and scenery, the Murals in Islandview was enriched with a series of art-focused events including talks led by the artists, solo exhibitions and a block party. Now, even more Detroiters will have access to the vibrant public art that continues to blossom thanks to this evolving partnership.
For the sixth year, Gilbert Family Foundation partnered with Bedrock to support the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge, two beloved activations that provide Detroit residents and visitors with a seasonal, fun and immersive holiday experience.
The 2023 markets included 17 local businesses, the majority of which are Detroit-based and BIPOC or female-owned, in Cadillac Square. For the first time, Gilbert Family Foundation also supported vendors with up to $3,000 in individual support, including $1,500 to assist with their business operations throughout the season and an additional $1,500 after the season concludes for wrap-around services.
TechTown, Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub offering programs, education and resources for early-to-growth-stage small businesses, continued to be an essential partner in the Downtown Detroit Markets by offering specialized training for participating vendors before, during and after the Markets season. In addition, each business received the opportunity to work one-on-one with a TechTown retail strategist on a weekly basis. Check out the video below to see how TechTown’s involvement impacted business owners.
With the support of Gilbert Family Foundation, Bedrock and TechTown, this year’s vendors exceeded expectations with more than $1.25 million in total sales – a 17% increase over 2022.
After becoming the first vendor to break $100,000 in sales in 2022, Halie & Co continued to thrive in the heart of downtown, increasing sales by 108% for more than $269,000 in sales.
“It was a game-changing experience for Halie & Co., allowing me to connect with customers in person and expand my local base,” said Halie Conyers, founder of Halie & Co. “Testing your business as a storefront is invaluable, and I’m forever grateful for the support from The Gilbert Family Foundation, Bedrock, and TechTown. This opportunity helped me grow my sales to new heights and opened doors for my business.”
The Cadillac Lodge in Downtown Detroit also returned in 2023, offering a warm, family-friendly environment with wide-ranging programs throughout the season. The Cadillac Lodge is a great example of Gilbert Family Foundation’s commitment to inclusive public spaces that foster community in the heart of downtown for residents and visitors from throughout the city, region and country.
We are proud to support programs and partners that share our goal of providing universal access to safe public spaces within a half mile of every Detroit home. High-quality green spaces are not merely nice-to-have. They give residents opportunities to connect with each other, improve health and wellbeing and instill a sense of pride in their communities.
That’s why the Our Backyard Detroit (OBD) Program we created with Green Living Science in 2023 is so special. This program serves as a platform to increase access to healthy green spaces in Detroit by harnessing the passion of local residents as park ambassadors. The Gilbert Family Foundation invested $200,000 in this initiative, which provided beautification grants to the eight city parks represented:
• Stoepel Park (District 1)
• Fitzgerald Park (District 2)
• Jayne Lasky Park (District 3)
• Balduck Memorial Park (District 4)
• Pingree Park (District 5)
• Maheras-Gentry Park (District 4)
• Saint Hedwig Park (District 6)
• Zussman Park (District 7)
What makes this program unique is that each park is assigned a “Park Champion,” local residents selected by Green Living Science out of a pool of 40 applicants, due to their dedication and work in the community. Each Champion was already a steward and local resource in their neighborhoods, organizing block clubs and activities to encourage their neighbors to get involved. (Learn more about the OBD Park Champions here).
In the summer of 2023, Green Living Science hosted a block party in Pingree Park to celebrate their seven Park Champions. Each individual has been instrumental in cultivating their park, organizing community events, park cleanups and more. Thanks to this investment, these passionate Detroiters have the resources and network they need to truly elevate their parks as thriving and engaging green public spaces for the entire neighborhood to enjoy.
At the Gilbert Family Foundation, increasing access to public spaces is one of our core priorities. We know that residents are more likely to form connections and remain tied to their neighborhoods when they have access to inclusive and quality public spaces.
A beautiful neighborhood park makes us feel proud of the places we live and provides us with a place to gather, recreate, and enjoy nature. It’s with this focus on creating access to thriving green spaces that the Gilbert Family Foundation invested in the expansion and renovation projects of two beloved Detroit parks: Clark Park and Gmeiner Park.
Inclusive Updates to Clark Park
For over a century, Clark Park has been a central community gathering place in Southwest Detroit. However, the park was in critical need of updates. The Gilbert Family Foundation began supporting the $4M renovations to Clark Park in 2021, with renovations to the baseball diamonds. The final renovations were completed in the summer of 2023 and featured the installation of modern and inclusive amenities including new benches, outdoor fitness equipment, a splash pad, ADA-friendly playground and vibrant new sports courts.
Gmeiner Park Completes Renovations
We worked with our partners at Project Evergreen, the City of Detroit and other funders to support much-needed updates and the expansion of Gmeiner Park, a beloved public park located in Northwest Detroit. This pillar of the North Detroit community serves as a central hub for the surrounding neighborhoods, but for too long, the park was simply an open field. Thanks to concerted fundraising efforts, funders contributed $315,000 which was matched with a $256,000 invesmtnet from the City of Detroit to complete the renovations. New amenities included a quarter-mile walking loop, baseball fields, a new ADA-accessible playground and more. The nonprofit Healthy Kidz played an important role in design concept and engagement efforts, and the updates to Gmeiner have been transformative for their activities.
By investing in these two vital neighborhood parks, we are not only building literal infrastructure, but strengthening the social infrastructure of the entire community.
At Gilbert Family Foundation, we believe strong communities start at home but come to life in shared and inclusive public spaces. That’s why we were so excited to invest $15 million in the Joe Louis Greenway (JLG), a 27.5-mile pedestrian loop that extends from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.
We marked our investment in the JLG at the grand opening of the Southwest Greenway, which seamlessly links the Detroit Riverfront with Michigan Central and surrounding neighborhoods, offering a beautiful and accessible public space for residents and visitors alike.
Gilbert Family Foundation’s gift included $10 million to the Unified Greenway Campaign, a collaborative effort to raise $350 million which will be used to complete the world-class Detroit Riverfront, fund construction of the JLG, and create an endowment that will support the maintenance and operation of both projects for future generations. At the time of the announcement, the Unified Greenway Campaign had raised $229 million in less than two years, making it one of the most successful campaigns in the country.
Gilbert Family Foundation also set aside $5 million to establish an accompanying economic development strategy for the JLG. This investment is significant because the JLG is going to be a major catalyst for economic development everywhere it intersects with a Detroit neighborhood. As investment booms in these areas, it is critically important that legacy residents benefit from the growth. As Gilbert Family Foundation Executive Director Laura Grannemann explains, our investment is designed to “make sure Detroit residents actually own the land around the Greenway…and are set up in the long run to sustain that ownership.”
When complete, the JLG will deliver quality-of-life benefits, turn blight into beauty, catalyze new and equitable economic development opportunities, and improve access to quality green space for residents citywide.
Detroit’s construction boom presents both opportunity and challenges. While development creates jobs and revitalizes neighborhoods, a historic lack of access for Detroit-based, minority-owned construction firms has limited participation among city residents. The Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF) seeks to correct this imbalance.
Launched in 2021 as a $10 million pilot program, MCCF equips Detroit contractors with the resources, financing, and training they need to compete in the growing construction market.
In May 2023, the program’s first cohort successfully graduated the program. To celebrate the accomplishment, we held a graduation ceremony at Marygrove College. Check out a video of the program below.
The ceremony featured inspiring stories from graduates about how the program transformed their businesses. Leaders who developed MCCF also spoke, highlighting the program’s significance for Detroit’s economic future and its potential for continued growth.
MCCF provides participants with more than just access to capital. During the course of the program, MCCF held multiple industry-led workshops covering essential business skills, from identifying new job prospects to mastering digital marketing. MCCF also connected participants to initiatives like Construction Inclusion Week, an annual event promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.
While the graduation marked the end of the first cohort, it is only the beginning of our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable construction industry in Detroit. With continued support and innovative programming, the program holds the potential to empower Detroit’s talent and propel the city’s construction sector forward.
In 2021, Gilbert Family Foundation partnered with Apple and Michigan State University to launch the Apple Developer Academy, the first and only academy in the United States, to help prepare Detroit students for jobs in the thriving iOS app economy. This free, 10-month program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to get jobs in the app economy or launch their own products.
In June 2023, the Apple Developer Academy proudly graduated its second cohort of students. The graduating class of 2023 boasted over 160 students, ranging in age from 18 to 70. The participants came from varied backgrounds and possessed a wealth of educational, professional, and personal experiences. The program provided them with comprehensive training in coding, design, marketing, and project management, along with all the necessary equipment for iOS development.
Students didn’t just learn; they also created. Throughout the program, they developed innovative apps addressing issues like accessibility, local culture exploration, fitness, and more. Several apps, including Harmony Hikes, Wander Pets, Gone Fishin’: A Poetry Book, and FireChats, are already available on the App Store, with more on the way.
Fifty graduates will continue their development through the Renaissance program. This second-year initiative provides them with further training, support, and opportunities to work on projects with partner organizations.
Many graduates have already secured positions with organizations like Apple, Accenture, JOURNi, MSU, Code 313, and Little Caesars, leveraging their newly acquired skills.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II attended the graduation ceremony and commended the program for its role in fostering economic opportunity, encouraging entrepreneurship, and positioning Michigan as a tech hub.
“Governor Whitmer and I are committed to helping more individuals, families, and entrepreneurs make it in Michigan, and we are grateful for the work the Academy is doing to set talented people from the Detroit area up for success,” said Gilchrist. “Let us keep working together to make Michigan an innovative hub for the technology of the future and build a state where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.”
Since its launch in 2022, Venture 313 has quickly become a vital resource for Detroit’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem. Building upon the legacy of Rocket Mortgage Detroit Demo Day, Venture 313 provides Detroit-based entrepreneurs support at every stage of their journey from the initial spark of an idea to securing that crucial first round of funding.
In 2023, Venture 313 partnered with TechTown to offer a unique opportunity to a select group of entrepreneurs – an all-expenses-paid trip to the renowned SXSW conference. Recognized as a global platform for innovation and creativity, SXSW offers a diverse range of conference tracks and workshops encompassing advertising, technology, music, AI, and more.
This strategic move aimed to connect Detroit’s rising stars with a wider audience and facilitate valuable networking and business-building opportunities. For Gilbert Family Foundation, coming to SXSW wasn’t just about Detroit founders gaining access to these crucial conversations, it was also about showcasing Detroit’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit on a global stage.
Gilbert Family Foundation leaders participated in a panel discussion titled “Venture for People” hosted by Midwest House. This panel explored how Midwest-based venture capitalists are building ecosystems that nurture and retain talent, with a particular focus on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. We emphasized the need to challenge the misconception that success for founders lies solely on the coasts. By highlighting Venture 313 alongside initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy and Venture for America, we showcased our commitment to propelling local talent into the heart of the innovation economy.
Feedback from Venture 313 founders who attended SXSW was overwhelmingly positive. Marc Howland, Co-Founder and CEO of Detroit-based restaurant Breadless, emphasized the transformative nature of the experience.
“I have so much gratitude for being selected for this opportunity,” said Howland. “Before attending, I was unsure of what to expect from the conference as a fast casual restaurant business; however, I see now that the benefit of the experience transcends industry-specific knowledge. It’s about challenging yourself to grow and evolve your thinking, mindset, exposure, network, and even your potential business model.”
Crystal Brow, CEO and Co-Founder of Great Lakes Biologics, agreed. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity as a founder and CEO of a startup company,” she said. “Within days, I made more meaningful connections than I have independently in months. It was an honor to be selected and an opportunity that will not be taken for granted.”
Venture 313’s success in 2023 serves as a testament to its commitment to empowering Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit. By providing comprehensive support and facilitating access to invaluable experiences like SXSW, Venture 313 is fostering a new generation of innovators who are poised to shape Detroit’s future and redefine the landscape of entrepreneurship.
