• Three-year grant represents largest gift ever for organization
  • Funding will provide operational support and enhance community programming
  • Announcement was made at Friends of Rouge Park’s Winterfest event, which kicked off a year of programming in honor of the park’s centennial anniversary

DETROIT, Jan. 27, 2025 – Gilbert Family Foundation today announced a three-year, $430,000 grant to Friends of Rouge Park, a non-profit organization founded in 2002 committed to the maintenance, improvement and protection of the largest urban park in the state of Michigan.

The investment, which is the largest gift in the organization’s history, will allow Friends of Rouge Park to strengthen its operations and expand its community programming so that more Detroit residents can enjoy one of the city’s greatest resources. The Detroit Parks Coalition will serve as fiduciary for the grant.

“Quality, inclusive public spaces are foundational to the health, happiness and resilience of our communities,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Rouge Park has been one of the most important green spaces in Detroit for 100 years, and the Gilbert Family Foundation is proud to build even more opportunities for residents to connect with the environment, engage in outdoor recreation and build community.”

Through the grant, Friends of Rouge Park was able to hire its first Executive Director, Lindsay Pielack. Pielack joins Friends of Rouge Park after 20 years supporting Keep Growing Detroit.

“We are thrilled to begin this new partnership with Gilbert Family Foundation,” said Pielack. “This generous gift will allow us to engage the community like never before, ensuring we both honor the historic legacy of Rouge Park and ensure its continued growth as an accessible, beautiful asset for all.”

As Rouge Park commemorates its centennial year, the grant will support wide-ranging programming including activities focused on environmental stewardship, active living and arts and culture.

Gilbert Family Foundation’s investment will also support the execution of the Friends of Rouge Park’s Master Plan, which aims to guide the redesign and revitalization of this scenic green space, preserve its natural areas, and meet the recreational needs of local residents. More details on the Master Plan can be found at RougePark.org.

The support for Friends of Rouge Park is part of Gilbert Family Foundation’s  $500 million, 10-year commitment — shared with Rocket Community Fund — to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. Since the investment was announced in 2021, Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund have deployed or committed approximately $232 million of the funding.

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About Gilbert Family Foundation

Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity and equity in the city of Detroit. The Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research toward eradicating NF1 and invests in residents’ economic stability by expanding access to wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers. For more information, please visit www.gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

 

About Friends of Rouge Park

Friends of Rouge Park (FORP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and ongoing revitalization of Detroit’s largest park. Through volunteerism, advocacy, education, and special programming, FORP works to protect the park’s diverse natural areas and encourage safe, enjoyable recreation for all. Learn more at www.rougepark.org