News & Views Grants catalyze innovative food-oriented development projects in 23 communities September 18, 2017 2017 FreshLo Awardees Innovative approaches to economic development, cultural expression and health are at work in 23 U.S. communities with The Kresge Foundation’s investment of $4.6 million in grants to develop pioneering food-oriented initiatives in low-income communities. Nonprofit organizations and coalitions from across the nation were awarded $200,000, two-year grants to…
News & Views Regina R. Smith to lead Kresge’s Arts & Culture Program April 4, 2016 Regina R. Smith has been named managing director of The Kresge Foundation’s Arts & Culture Program, President and CEO Rip Rapson announced today, following an extensive national search. Smith has been with the Foundation since 2008 as a program officer and senior program officer, working to advance the deliberate integration…
News & Views Centering community voices: Reflections from the FreshLo initiative January 12, 2022 What does it look like for a national funder and its partners to authentically share power with place-based organizations largely led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color? In this post, we share some behind the scenes reflections from our FreshLo (Fresh, Local, & Equitable) initiative. We invite our peer…
News & Views Scenic Route guide provides 8 ways artists contribute to equity-driven transportation projects May 5, 2021 Smart Growth America and Transportation for America have unveiled a newly updated guide for transportation planners, public works agencies and local elected officials who are on the front lines of advancing transportation projects and want to collaborate with artists. The new Scenic Route guide provides eight common approaches used in…
News & Views Arts & Culture fellow uses creativity and compassion in the city she loves July 31, 2019 Aisha Benton’s strong spirit has led her to do many things and to be in many places. She has found a way to be a voice of important causes in everything she does wherever she goes. Benton is The Kresge Foundation’s Arts & Culture summer fellow. Her unique familiarity with artistic…
Resource Kresge Arts & Culture Program – The First Decade January 11, 2018 This paper explores The Kresge Foundation Arts & Culture Program’s evolution over the last decade from capital challenge grants, capitalization and community arts, to Creative Placemaking. Designed primarily but not exclusively for peer funders, it tells the high-level story of the complexities involved in navigating change; and articulates Kresge’s distintictive brand of…
Resource Milwaukee’s Moment: Community Progress through Planning and Process February 13, 2017 Thank you, Mayor Barrett, for such a gracious introduction. It is inspiring to witness – even if from afar – your extraordinary efforts on behalf of the citizens of this great city.[1] Your administration’s ambitions for Milwaukee are exciting and inspiring. There is a sense of the boundless possible here.…
Resource From Detroit to Memphis: The Imperative of Bold Leadership for the Future of American Cities August 23, 2016 Thank you Mayor Strickland for such a gracious introduction. It is exciting and inspiring to witness – even if from afar – the clarity and ambition of your administration. Every sign indicates that it will be a time of renaissance in this great city. Thanks as well to Dean (Peter)…