The Kresge Foundation today announced commitments of up to $2.5 million to support efforts to help Flint residents recover from the water poisoning crisis. Kresge’s commitments are part of a larger 10-foundation effort totalling nearly $125 million in assistance to Flint.

“The residents of Flint have endured an unimaginable crisis with grace, perseverance, and resolve,” said Kresge Foundation President Rip Rapson. “Philanthropy has a distinctive role to play in assisting the people of Flint and elevating the national discussion on issues including aging infrastructure, civic engagement and capacity, social justice and public health.”

The Kresge Foundation examined how to most effectively target and deploy resources to assist in the long-term recovery of Flint. The Kresge Foundation has made the following commitments:

• For one year, up to $2 million in support for operations and recovery programs of select non-profit partners, including the Community Foundation of Greater Flint;
• Over a one-year period, at least $500,000 in grants that closely align with and build off the Foundation’s programmatic areas of expertise primarily in community development, health and human services.

The foundation will continue to explore the potential for additional, future support to enhance civic capacity and elevate community voice and engagement in Flint.