What We Fund

Alzheimer’s Research

Our Desired Outcome is improved prevention, management, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

To advance that outcome, we support cutting-edge research on lifestyle changes, basic research, and early career researchers.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals in this area.

Arts

Anchor Arts

Our Desired Outcome is a culturally vibrant metro Detroit, evidenced by financially healthy organizations and a coordinated sector.

To achieve that outcome, we provide flexible funding to select arts and cultural organizations, support improved business models that increase the capacity and impact of those organizations, and invest in holistic efforts that strengthen the field. Learn more about eligibility and the application process for this funding opportunity at Detroit Arts Support.

We will measure impact by tracking the capitalization of arts organizations in metropolitan Detroit.

Jazz Education

Our Desired Outcome is to continue Detroit’s strong jazz tradition and Fred Erb’s legacy of jazz patronage by educating the next generation of jazz musicians.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to provide and improve jazz instruction for youth.

We will measure impact through the number of jazz education students.

For more information about arts projects, contact Adam DesJardins.

Environment

Great Lakes

Stewardship

Our Desired Outcome is healthy Great Lakes, evidenced by increased stewardship and improved water quality in the Bayfield, Clinton, Detroit, Huron, Raisin, and Rouge watersheds.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to increase individual and institutional stewardship; improve understanding of emerging contaminants; and coordinate best practices and policies at the state, federal, and binational levels.

We will measure impact through reporting on water quality in our target watersheds.

For more information about Great Lakes stewardship projects, contact Nat Lichten.

Agricultural Runoff

Our Desired Outcome is to improve the health of the western basin of Lake Erie by reducing phosphorus from runoff and subsurface drainage from agricultural fields. We aim for a 50 percent reduction from the 2008 baseline loading levels by 2025.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to increase farmers’ adoption of sustainable conservation practices, including education, policies, market drivers, and financial incentives, and to engage businesses developing those solutions.

We will measure progress by tracking phosphorus loads into western Lake Erie.

For more information about Great Lakes agricultural runoff projects, contact Tara Tuomaala.

Urban Runoff

Our Desired Outcome is to reduce urban runoff to improve the water quality of Southeast Michigan rivers and the Great Lakes.

To achieve that outcome, we support regional collaboration, research, and policy efforts that result in water quality improvements and climate resiliency.

We will measure impact through reporting on water quality in our target watersheds.

For more information about Great Lakes urban runoff projects, contact Tara Tuomaala.

Environmental Health & Justice

Lead

Our Desired Outcome is a reduction in elevated blood lead levels in children in Detroit and Wayne County through reduced lead exposure in housing and soil.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to develop cost-effective remediation methods for homeowners; incentives for landlords to reduce exposure in rental properties; collaboration between property owners, businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations; and design of effective policies and policy enforcement through increased public education and engagement.

We will measure impact by tracking the number of children with elevated blood lead levels in Detroit and Wayne County.

Asthma

Our Desired Outcome is a reduction in incidences of asthma in Detroit and Wayne County through improved ambient air quality.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to develop new methods to measure, improve and monitor air quality; and design effective policies and policy enforcement.

We will measure impact by tracking incidences of asthma in Detroit and Wayne County.

For more information about lead and asthma, contact Tara Tuomaala.

Sustainable Business

Our Desired Outcome is that Southeast Michigan is a national leader in sustainable business, and the regional business community is collaboratively engaged in a flourishing and just economy, society, and environment.

To achieve that outcome, we support efforts to build capacity for businesses of all sizes to implement sustainable practices; connect organizations with regional sustainability leaders; and bridge the gaps in our education-to-professional pipeline through internships, mentoring, and curriculum.

We will measure impact through an annual review and report of the sustainable business landscape in the region.

For more information about sustainable business, contact Mary Lyons-Richards.