Investment provides critical funding and bolsters one of Southeast Michigan’s largest arts and cultural initiatives while supporting nonprofit collaboration throughout metro Detroit
DETROIT – The Hudson-Webber Foundation’s (HWF) Board of Trustees has approved $1.65 million in new grants to strengthen collaboration among nonprofit organizations across metro Detroit, support an equitable and inclusive economic development ecosystem and advance solutions to expand affordable housing in Detroit.
Additionally, the foundation announced a three-year commitment to Detroit Arts Support (DAS), a joint operating support initiative with the Kresge Foundation and the Erb Family Foundation. Representing one of the largest and most significant philanthropic investments in Southeast Michigan’s arts and culture sector, the 2025–27 DAS grant cycle was approved by the Hudson-Webber Foundation Board of Trustees in September 2025. This investment comes at a critical time, as public funding for the arts is projected to decline substantially.
Through DAS, a group of nearly 40 arts and culture organizations will receive up to $2.25 million committed over a three-year cycle. Funding criteria emphasized each organization’s ability to connect Detroit residents with nationally and internationally recognized arts and culture, deliver programming that reflects the city’s unique identity and strengthen neighborhood-based cultural work.
“The arts bring people together, reflect and celebrate our shared identity and strengthen the fabric of our community, while also serving as a vital economic driver for Detroit and the region,” said Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation. “Our commitment to Detroit Arts Support builds on the foundation’s longstanding mission to invest in arts and culture organizations that enrich the lives of Detroiters and ensure residents have access to high-quality cultural experiences from across the city, the nation and the world.”
In addition to DAS, the roster of grantees approved to receive funding are Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, CultureSource, Intersection Arts, Invest Detroit, Local Initiative Support Corporation and Midtown Detroit, Inc.
Arts & Culture
The HWF Board of Trustees has approved a $250,000 program grant to CultureSource to establish and implement the Repositioning Fund. This fund is designed to encourage and support sustained, formal collaborations among nonprofit organizations across metro Detroit. These collaborations may take many forms, from voluntary back-office consolidations to joint programming efforts, scenario planning, as well as mergers and acquisitions. The goal of the Repositioning Fund is to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness and financial stability of the Greater Detroit nonprofit sector. To achieve this, the fund provides grants that enable nonprofits to engage experienced technical assistance providers who can guide them in exploring or implementing long-term collaborative strategies.
Intersection Arts has been awarded a $250,000 program grant to advance its inclusion and partnership strategy for the Little Village creative corridor in the East Village neighborhood. The funding will strengthen collaboration with local nonprofits, businesses and residents to co-create participatory experiences, installations and projects that bring new energy to the historic community landmark and gathering place, The Shepherd, and the surrounding shared spaces. The initiative is designed to reflect the voices and visions of community members while fostering belonging and creativity. The grant will also support the development of a strategic programming plan, sustained community engagement and long-term partnerships with neighborhood organizations.
Built Environment
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has been awarded $200,000 to build its capacity to utilize and leverage the HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program to support LISC Detroit and the City of Detroit’s affordable housing production goals. The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program provides Community Development Block Grant recipients with the ability to leverage their annual grant allocation to access low-cost, flexible financing for economic development, housing, public facility and infrastructure projects. Communities can use Section 108 guaranteed loans to either finance specific projects or to launch loan funds to finance multiple projects over several years.
The Board of Trustees has approved a $250,000 program grant to Midtown Detroit, Inc. (MDI) to develop a comprehensive Framework Plan to guide future growth and investment in the greater Midtown area. The plan will coordinate public investment, support new development, and promote equitable revitalization across Midtown and New Center. Led by MDI in partnership with the City of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department and community stakeholders, the initiative aims to improve quality of life by integrating new developments into existing neighborhoods and enhancing public spaces. The plan will connect key areas such as streetscapes, commercial corridors, parks and residential zones through a unified vision for growth. Central to the effort is ensuring that Detroit residents play an active role in shaping the future of their communities, while fostering conditions that retain current residents, attract new ones and sustain continued investment.
Community and Economic Development
Invest Detroit Foundation has been awarded a $200,000 grant to advance policy, advocacy, partnerships and targeted access to capital. The goal of the grant is to strengthen Detroit’s development ecosystem and build a foundation for equitable, inclusive economic growth. The funding will support three key initiatives: supporting property tax scenario’s to reduce burdens on Detroiters; supporting a coalition of community development finance institutions to advance economic development that is more practical and inclusive; and supporting the Ebiara Fund to continue its role in providing financial and coaching resources that help Black and Brown-owned development firms in Detroit.
Safe and Just Communities / Community and Economic Development
The HWF Board of Trustees has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) for project support to augment grantmaking for the Michigan Justice Fund and New Economy Initiative.