A Legacy of Stewardship Across Southeast Michigan and the Great Lakes

Strong communities aren’t built overnight. They require care, participation, and shared responsibility. Fred and Barbara desired to create a better world for their grandchildren’s grandchildren. Their commitment to giving back has shaped a lasting legacy for the health of the Great Lakes, support for Detroit-area cultural organizations, and the advancement of Alzheimer’s research and sustainable business practices. As we continue to spenddown the Foundation’s assets, we are honored to carry their legacy forward with $18.3 million in new and ongoing grants supporting leaders who are strengthening our region’s future.  

“Fred and Barbara were deeply committed to investing in the people in their community,” said Melissa Damaschke, president of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation. “A better future, like the one they envisioned, begins with the strengthening of our civic involvement. We have stated before that a healthy democracy underpins all of our program areas – from the Great Lakes to burgeoning cultural organizations – and that sentiment could not be more true today. This grants cycle fortifies the strength of our region, ensuring credibility and fairness across all of our strategic priorities.” 

Participating in Our Elections 

A thriving region depends on the simple idea that every voice matters. Fred and Barbara cared deeply about civic participation and championed the people working to protect our American democratic process. We are investing $3.6 million in the people and systems that keep our elections safe, credible, and accessible: 

• Election Protection: $2.58 million in grants will support the ACLU Fund of Michigan, Michigan Voices, and Promote the Vote, fueling nonpartisan efforts that help voters and election administrators navigate the process with confidence. 

• Supporting Our Local Clerks: $700,000 in grants will aid the Institute for Responsive Government and Voting Rights Lab, supporting the clerks and administrators who make elections function day-to-day. 

• Community Partnership: $335,000 in grants will support the Michigan State Chamber Foundation and the Young Black Lawyers Organizing Coalition, strengthening poll worker recruitment and expanding community-based legal education. 

Great Lakes Leadership 

A healthy Great Lakes ecosystem is central to the long-term wellbeing of our region. Our shared waters support drinking water, recreation, wildlife, and local economies. Protecting them requires collective action at every level. We are investing $5.85 million to safeguard our freshwater systems through local restoration and regional advocacy: 

• Policy & Research: $953,000 in grants will support the Alliance for the Great Lakes, National Wildlife Federation, and the University of Michigan, advancing clean water policies and research shaping the next generation of Great Lakes protection. 

• Conservation Districts: $1.57 million in grants will support the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, strengthening conservation leadership and improving soil health and water quality statewide. 

• Community Leadership: $1.85 million in grants will support Midwest Environmental Justice Network and Freshwater Future, strengthening grassroots organizing and empowering community leaders to turn local knowledge into effective water protection. 

• Watershed Stewardship: $1.47 million in continued funding supports local organizations monitoring water quality and responding to emerging challenges in our waterways, including: 

• • Clinton River Watershed Council

• • Friends of the Detroit River

• • Friends of the Rouge 

• • Huron River Watershed Council

• • River Raisin Watershed Council 

• • Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority 

Stronger networks and better data ensure the protection of our Great Lakes is guided by local expertise and regional cooperation. 

Sustaining Arts & Culture 

Arts and culture institutions bring vitality, connection, and creativity to Southeast Michigan. We are investing $3.28 million in organizations that serve artists, audiences, and educators across the region and reflect the diversity of genres that shape our cultural landscape:  

• Detroit Opera: A $3 million grant supports general operations and a new initiative, expanding the range of performances, artists, and experiences for audiences at this historic venue. 

• Jazz at Lincoln Center: A $132,000 multi-year grant will send Detroit-area music educators to the Band Director Academy in New York City, strengthening music education across our region. 

• ArtOps: A $100,000 grant will help refine organizational governance structures, so that ArtOps can strengthen its delivery of back-office services for small and mid-size arts organizations. 

• Allied Media Projects: A $40,000 grant will establish safety protocols at the LOVE Building, helping ensure public events take place in a secure, welcoming space. 

These partnerships ensure our cultural organizations remain resilient and deeply connected to the communities they serve. 

Supporting Sustainable Business 

Fred Erb saw business as a force for good and felt that prosperity is strongest when it supports both people and the planet. This cycle, we are investing $1.55 million in organizations helping Southeast Michigan businesses build people-first, environmentally responsible practices: 

• SustainabilityNext: A $200,000 grant will support the transition of SustainabilityNext into Inforum, expanding sustainability leadership across the region. 

• Centrepolis Accelerator: A $750,000 grant to Lawrence Technological University will help manufacturers adopt cleaner technologies and remain competitive. 

• People First Economy: A $600,000 grant will provide hands-on technical assistance to entrepreneurs implementing sustainable business practices. 

These investments reflect a long-held belief that when businesses invest in their people, those people invest back to strengthen workplaces, neighborhoods, and the region. 

A Legacy of Learning 

All the Foundation’s grantmaking looks to Fred and Barbara Erb for inspiration and its our Legacy Giving program that most directly reflects their personal passions and interests. Cranbrook was a special place to Fred and Barbara, and this grant will help futureproof the institution for future generations. 

• Cranbrook Educational Community: A $1.01 million legacy investment will support campus-wide sustainability and hydrology studies across the historic 319-acre campus. 

Advancing Alzheimer’s Research 

Fred Erb lived with Alzheimer’s for the last 12 years of his life. In honor of Fred’s experience, the Foundation invests in targeted research advancing Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, and ultimately a cure. Millions of individuals, caregivers, and families are affected by this disease, underscoring the need for continued innovation and support to the organizations and professionals doing this critical work. 

• Alzheimer’s Research: A $655,000 investment will continue supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and Fred and Barbara Erb Clinical Research Science Fellowship, advancing the work of early-career scientists shaping the future of dementia care. 

Special Opportunities 

Some investments reflect where we’ve been, while others respond to where we’re headed. Fred and Barbara invested in people who turned inspiring ideas into action in service of their communities. This effort supports nonprofit partners and leaders meeting today’s challenges across Southeast Michigan:  

• Transforming Solidarity Collective: A $450,000 grant, led by Michigan Community Resources, will strengthen nonprofit infrastructure through a coordinated, region wide network of support services. 

These grants honor a lifetime of care while supporting the leaders and organizations building a healthier, more connected future for our region. 

See Grants List