We support activities and investments for transformative changes that improve the conditions and prospects of Detroiters. We particularly seek to bolster – through project grants, operating support and social investing – a range of community development organizations that authentically engage community on neighborhood-level change, as well as the community development systems and intermediaries that support them.

As the largest philanthropic funder of neighborhood revitalization in the city, we’ve worked since 2007 to respond to the critical physical, social and economic challenges facing Detroit neighborhoods. Over the years, this has included such projects as Detroit Future City and the Woodward Corridor Initiative as well as community development intermediaries and financial institutions.

Signature initiatives in this area are:

• Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit (KIP:D): Since 2014, KIP:D has committed almost $10 million across six rounds to resident-leaders and neighborhood organizations that are essential to expanding community quality of life through transformative projects.
• Community Development Organizations Operating Support (CDOOS): The CDOOS initiative launched in 2017 with a $3 million three-year commitment to community development organizations in tandem with our Nonprofit Capacity Building and Leadership Development focus area.