Community Foundation celebrates 25 years of good deeds with surprise $25,000 grants

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by awarding surprise grants of $25,000 to 25 organizations with whom it has previously worked.

Three of them should not be strangers to regular Model D readers.

CFSEM made its first grant to Greening of Detroit in 1990, and chose the group this time for its ability, with a relatively small staff and budget, "to launch innovative programs that help improve Detroit for all who live and work here."

WARM Training was recognized for its "ongoing energy conservation efforts" years after CFSEM helped the agency fund the construction of one of the first green homes in Detroit.

CFSEM cited Southwest Detroit Business Association for its "active and persistent" activity in the realm of neighborhood-based economic development.

Other awardees include: JVS, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, ACCESS, ArtServe Michigan, Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, New Center Community Mental, Downriver Community Conference, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, Mosaic Youth Theatre, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, Sphinx Organization, New Detroit Inc., LACASA (Livingston Area Council Against Spousal Abuse), Common Ground, Wayne State University Adams Entrepreneurial Fellowship, CARE (Community Assessment, Referral and Education), University of Michigan School of Public Health, Michigan Nonprofit Association and NEW (Nonprofit Enterprise at Work).

Source: CFSEM
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh