• New $500,000 investment brings total commitment to $1 million.
  • Funding will enable the original group of 19 grantees to expand their work and impact further.

DETROIT-April 4, 2024 – The Gilbert Family Foundation and Strategic Community Partners announced today a significant expansion of the Thriving Neighborhoods Fund, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering 19 neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations in Detroit.

Initially launched in 2022, the Thriving Neighborhoods Fund has been instrumental in bolstering nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Detroit residents through vibrant public space activation and inclusive programming. With a new investment of $500,000 from the Gilbert Family Foundation, the total commitment to the program reaches an impressive $1 million.

In addition to financial support, grantees receive free technical assistance support as well as the opportunity to participate in a cohort to learn from their peers operating in neighborhoods across the city of Detroit.

“The Thriving Neighborhoods Fund isn’t just about funding; it’s about amplifying the impact of Detroit’s most effective grassroots community builders,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “By supporting public space revitalization, we’re empowering these organizations to create lasting positive change in the neighborhoods they serve.”

Under the stewardship of Strategic Community Partners, the program will continue to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community-building among grantees through quarterly convenings and tailored support services.

“This additional investment signifies our continued deep commitment to uplifting and doing our part to strengthen Detroit’s nonprofit ecosystem,” said Dr. Chanel Hampton, CEO, Strategic Community Partners. “Ultimately, our investment and engagement are about our belief in our neighborhoods and our people. Our Thriving Neighborhoods Fund is about great people doing great work each day to ensure our neighborhoods are thriving.”

To date, program grantees have spearheaded 82 public space beautification events, hosted 120 resource events, and launched or expanded a total of 205 community programs. The expanded funding allows the 20 existing grantees to build upon their successes and deepen their community impact.

“This funding aligns perfectly with our mission at 360 Detroit,” said George Adams Jr., president and founder, 360 Detroit. “It allows us to expand the programming we offer to residents in Virginia Park and across Detroit. Thanks to this support, we can now provide a wider range of activities, including youth sports sampling, hustle classes, yoga, Zumba, art projects, camping trips, movie nights in the park, and even nutrition workshops. This year, we also hosted our biggest Block Party and Resource Fair to date. These resources are invaluable and empower us to serve our community even more effectively.”

The Thriving Neighborhoods Fund also maintains a strong focus on equity and empowerment for marginalized communities. 16 of the 19 supported organizations are BIPOC-led, with half led by women.

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About the Gilbert Family Foundation

The 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 Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers. For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

About Strategic Community Partners

Strategic Community Partners (SCP) is a leading national firm headquartered in Detroit, specializing in advising, designing, and managing projects and initiatives that champion equity alongside communities. With a mission-driven approach, SCP partners with organizations to enhance their capacity, integrating strategic insight with deep cultural and community understanding to drive meaningful progress. Since 2015, SCP has remained steadfast in our commitment to amplifying the voices and opportunities of marginalized communities.

Operating nationwide, SCP engages with diverse communities from our offices in Detroit, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and New Jersey. For further information about our work and impact, please visit strategiccommunitypartners.org.