About the Fund

The Thriving Neighborhoods Fund engages 18 nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life for Detroit residents by investing in public space activation and beautification, as well as arts and culture activations and community programming--helping continue and foster thriving neighborhoods. Originally a one year cohort experience, based on feedback from our grantees and impact with and for neighborhoods, we've expanded the fund to a three year initial cohort commitment. Organizations receive a grant of $50,000 to scale and deepen their work in their Detroit neighborhood, as well as curated and diverse technical assistance and educational resources to strengthen their operations and overall organization. Organizations also convene quarterly and engage in monthly Communities of Practice--identified and led by grantees. The goal of the fund is to empower our neighborhoods by uplifting organizations and individuals who are already deeply invested in and connected to the needs of their community.

The Thriving Neighborhoods Fund is powered by Strategic Community Partners and the Gilbert Family Foundation.

Read the Thriving Neighborhoods Fund Inaugural Cohort Announcement (2022)

Read Gilbert Family Foundation & Strategic Community Partners Expand Thriving Neighborhood Fund (2024)

Our Inaugural Cohort

360 Detroit

Bailey Park

Chandler Park Conservancy

Clark Park Coalition

Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance

Detroit Heals Detroit

Detroit Hives

Hope Village

Human Sustainability Project

The Lawn Academy

La Casura Cimarron y Yuketi

Marygrove Community Association

One New Humanity

Sinai-Grace Guild CDC

Rescue MI Nature Now

Urban Development Corporation

Russell Woods Sullivan Area Association

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives

Educational Resources

We believe in supporting all organizations championing Detroit’s neighborhoods. In this spirit, Strategic Community Partners and the Gilbert Family Foundation asked community experts in neighborhood beautification, events, and storytelling to share best practices for neighborhood and community organizations of all shapes and sizes.

Check out our resources and videos below for best practices from our community:

Neighborhood Beautification

Beautifying your neighborhood through community cleanups, gardens, art installations, and more can instill a tremendous sense of pride among residents. Rieanna Stewart of Woodbridge Neighborhood Development shares her tips for creating sustainable and impactful beautification projects for community spaces.

Creating Safe & Inclusive Events

Events are a great way to bring community members together to celebrate, plan, and discuss key issues that impact a neighborhood. Sommer Woods of Solution Architects shares insight on creating safe and inclusive events for all residents to enjoy.

Telling Your Story

Telling the story of your organization’s work both shows your efforts and creates opportunities for future support, funding, and partnerships. Cartiear Madlock of Rocket Community Fund gives his tips for effective storytelling to build support for your organization and its mission.

For more information about the Thriving Neighborhoods Fund, contact us at info@strategiccommunitypartners.org