Gilbert Family Foundation

When each of us shows up to the polls, we amplify the collective voice of our community. We demand to be seen, heard, and represented. We hold our elected officials accountable, and we advocate for the policies and programs that will create positive change in our neighborhoods. Your vote is your superpower. Use it.

Yesterday, Linda Nosegbe and Brandi McNoriell-Brown joined Black Tech Saturdays for a powerful conversation about the Gilbert Family Foundation's commitment to economic mobility. We know that if we're going to help Detroit residents build prosperity for themselves and future generations, we must work together differently and disrupt the status quo that has left too many residents on the outside looking in. That's why we were so proud to also announce a new $1.2 million grant to help BTS continue to grow! As our Executive Director Laura Grannemann explains: “All Detroiters deserve the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the city's growing tech sector. Johnnie Turnage and Alexa Turnage have built an incredible community through Black Tech Saturdays and we are proud to work with them to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunity for Black residents.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ev67ws_j Special thank you Orlando Bailey for moderating the discussion.

Welcome to the team, Jessica Brown! Jessica joins the Gilbert Family Foundation in a new role as Grants Manager for our Detroit Initiatives. She comes to us from the The Skillman Foundation where she served as a Grants Manager for five years, and brings invaluable expertise to our team. Jessica will be instrumental in leading our equitable grantmaking efforts, helping us build opportunity and create meaningful impact for Detroit communities. Her deep understanding of strategic grant management will be a tremendous asset as we continue our mission to support and empower Detroiters. We're excited to have you on board, Jessica!

We're proud to announce that in partnership with North Corktown Neighborhood Association (NCNA), we're unveiling seven factory-built homes that represent an innovative approach to attainable homeownership in Detroit! Introducing Tomorrow's Housing Innovation Showcase (THIS), a groundbreaking initiative that demonstrates our commitment to supporting Detroit's housing needs with innovative, sustainable solutions. Some Highlights of THIS: Creation of a new community land trust to ensure long-term affordability Seven energy-efficient homes designed with community input Homes priced for buyers earning 50-80% of Area Median Income Financing partnerships with Rocket Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank, and Fannie Mae. This initiative is part of our shared $500 million, 10-year commitment with Rocket Community Fund to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. By combining innovative construction methods with community-led development, we're creating a model for inclusive housing that could be replicated across the city and country. This project demonstrates how modern manufacturing techniques can help solve urban housing challenges while creating new economic opportunities. Finally, a very special note of gratitude to Andrea B., Senior Program Manager for Detroit Community Initiatives, and Darnell Adams, VP of Detroit Community Initiatives, whose leadership driving this project exemplifies our approach to community-centered development and housing innovation. As our Executive Director Laura Grannemann said, "Detroit put America in cars, let's put America in homes!"   Join us October 25-28, 1-6 PM daily at 2801 16th St., Detroit, to see how we're reimagining attainable homeownership in Detroit! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKEBrtGD

Celebrating the connection between entrepreneurship and vibrant public spaces, we are proud to announce alongside Bedrock Detroit and the Downtown Detroit Partnership that the Winter Markets are back! This year, we are proud to feature 17 small businesses - the majority of which are BIPOC or women-owned. TechTown Detroit will once again be supporting participating businesses with consulting and mentorship. Now in its seventh year, the Winter Markets (aka Downtown Detroit Markets) have served as a launchpad for more than 145 small businesses, collectively generating nearly $5million in sales. This year, each of our 17 vendors will receive $3,000 in support—$1,500 to help with business operations during the season and an additional $1,500 post-season to access wrap-around services. Learn More: https://bit.ly/3BQ74e5

We're excited to announce that Alexis A Weisbrod has joined the Gilbert Family Foundation as our first-ever beNeFit Program Manager! The beNefit is our annual NF fundraising gala that helps drive awareness and support around our mission to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF1). Alexis has deep experience in fundraising, donor relations and event planning, and most recently held the role of Major & Principal Gifts Officer at Cranbrook. We are excited to see how her skills and experience will support our curing NF work. Welcome aboard, Alexis! We're grateful to have you join or team!

"I see the way in which people perceive and support the role of arts and culture evolving significantly. I am excited for the narrative about arts and culture to shift from being just “nice to have” and “enjoyable” to also include “tools for social change” and “indicators for community vitality.” I am looking forward to the ways in which people think about cultural ecosystems to expand. I think more and more people are seeing the impact of arts and culture as a driver of community development, economic mobility and social connectivity and belonging." Learn more about our new Director of Arts & Culture, Akua Hill, and her insightful perspective about the role the arts play in building more resilient communities. Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/3A0GYVi

Thank you to Joe Rashid, MCD of E. Warren Development Corp, Kamryn Gardner of Green Living Science, and Daniel A. Washington of NW Goldberg Cares for joining our panel at the High Line Network Symposium in Detroit. The panel, titled "The Partnership Puzzle: How Philanthropy and Nonprofits Collaborate for Impact," discussed how to build effective partnerships and the deep importance of incorporating community voice into program design. Thanks also to JJ Vélez, Director of Public Spaces for Gilbert Family Foundation, for sharing his insights from the funder perspective and Jeremy Allen of the Michigan Chronicle for moderating the discussion. It's been a pleasure to host the #HighLineNetwork in #Detroit the past three days and to show off our incredible city to public space and infrastructure re-use experts from across the country. Friends of the High Line

Exciting news: Our Executive Director, Laura Grannemann, has been recognized as one of Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40! This honor celebrates Laura's outstanding philanthropic efforts and commitment to making a lasting impact in our communities. Laura has been a driving force in our mission to create access to opportunity in #Detroit. Her leadership of both the Gilbert Family Foundation and the Rocket Community Fund have helped us advance our shared vision to build more equitable communities. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing how her leadership will further transform our neighborhoods in the years to come. Congratulations again, Laura! Your leadership and vision inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones to celebrate! https://bit.ly/4gOXoRj

“The Strategic Neighborhood Fund’s success spurring inclusive economic growth shows the transformative impact that can come from taking a highly-targeted and collaborative approach to neighborhood investment. We are proud to be the lead sponsor of phase three and encourage others in the philanthropic and corporate community to join the effort and help us ensure that prosperity reaches every corner of our city.” - Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation It was a pleasure to join the City of Detroit, Invest Detroit and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to celebrate continued progress on Phase 3 of the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF). Gilbert Family Foundation announced its lead support for SNF 3.0 in May with a $15 million grant. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Y9PaM1.