A deeper commitment to Detroit Arts and community development comes from Hudson-Webber Foundation

What’s happening: New grants to strengthen collaboration among nonprofit organizations across metro Detroit, offer support to equitable and inclusive economic development and advance solutions that will expand affordable housing in Detroit, totaling $1.65 million have been approved by The Hudson-Webber Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Another $2.25 million over three years will go to Detroit Arts Support (DAS), a joint operating support initiative with the Kresge Foundation and the Erb Family Foundation. Through DAS, a group of nearly 40 arts and culture organizations will receive funding.

There’s more: The board also has approved a $250,000 program grant to CultureSource to establish and implement a fund is designed to encourage and support sustained, formal collaborations among nonprofit organizations across metro Detroit —  the Repositioning Fund. Collaborations may take many forms, from voluntary back-office consolidations to joint programming efforts, as well as mergers and acquisitions. The aim is to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness, and financial stability of the Greater Detroit nonprofit sector. Funding will allow nonprofits to engage experienced technical assistance providers who can guide them in exploring and implementing long-term collaborative strategies.

And more: A $250,000 grant will go to Intersection Arts to promote its inclusion and partnership strategy for the Little Village creative corridor in the East Village neighborhood. The funding will strengthen collaboration with local nonprofits, businesses, and residentswas they work together to create experiences, installations, and projects that bring new energy to the historic community landmark and gathering place, The Shepherd, and the surrounding shared spaces. The initiative is designed to reflect the voices and visions of community members as it fosters belonging and creativity. The grant will also support the development of a strategic programming plan, sustained community engagement, and long-term partnerships with neighborhood organizations.

Why it’s important:  This investment comes at a critical time, as public funding for the arts is projected to decline substantially.

Anything else?: Yes. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has been awarded $200,000 to support LISC Detroit as it works to help meet the City of Detroit’s affordable housing production goals.  A $250,000 grant will go to Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) to develop a comprehensive Framework Plan to guide future growth and investment in the greater Midtown area. Invest Detroit Foundation has been awarded a $200,000 grant to advance policy, advocacy, partnerships, and targeted access to capital. The grant’s goal is to strengthen Detroit’s development ecosystem and build a foundation for equitable, inclusive economic growth. And a $500,000 grant will go to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) for project support to augment grantmaking for the Michigan Justice Fund and New Economy Initiative.

Who they are:  The Hudson-Webber Foundation’s origins date back to 1939 with major contributions from Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Webber, other members of the Webber family and The J.L. Hudson Company. The foundation is governed by a 14-member board of trustees, with assets of approximately $190 million, and has contributed over $200 million to improve the quality of life in Detroit. 

What they’re saying:  “The arts bring people together, reflect and celebrate our shared identity and strengthen the fabric of our community, while also serving as a vital economic driver for Detroit and the region,” says Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation. “Our commitment to Detroit Arts Support builds on the foundation’s longstanding mission to invest in arts and culture organizations that enrich the lives of Detroiters and ensure residents have access to high-quality cultural experiences from across the city, the nation and the world.”

Source: The Hudson-Webber Foundation