Development and Grants FAQs

What does the Office Do?
  • Match City Priority Projects with Funders and Other Types of External Support
  • Provide Grant-Writing and Other Assistance for the Pursuit of Funding
  • Support Good Project Management by Departments with Grant Funds
  • Compete for New Public and Private Funding Sources for City Priority Projects
  • Translate Grant Accomplishments into Success Stories that Showcase Impact for Residents of Detroit 
  • Facilitate Required City Administrative Processes for Approval and Acceptance of Grants to the City
 Can I get a grant?

The only department that routinely provides grants directly to the public is the Housing and Revitalization Department,
however, new opportunities arise every day. While the Office only provides direct assistance to City Departments and Partners, we offer some general tips for success and a selection of current grant announcements in the Partner with Detroit section of our site.

 I’m interested in partnering with and/or donating to the City. Who do I talk to?

We are always happy to talk with new potential partners! Please Request a Meeting by emailing Brandi Shelton to identify next steps for your idea.

 

 What about my neighborhood?

Grant funds are critical for many city projects, and the Office of Development and Grants works with Departments to ensure that we are strategic in our pursuit of these funds. Carefully coordinated and thoughtful use of grant funding enables the City to leverage and braid sustainability into our programs.
From Community Development Block Grants for neighborhood service organizations, to funds for the Police Department to support auto theft prevention, grant dollars are at work in every neighborhood of Detroit every day

 Do you compete against local non-profits?

Everyone and every organization in Detroit has a role to play in the city’s resurgence. The Office of Development and Grants strives to ensure that the City is not competing with our partners in this important work, but instead helping to grow the pie overall. One of our most important annual metrics is net new funds – awards and investments from funders who are giving to projects prioritized by the city for the first time since bankruptcy.
This includes funds to partner organizations! By working together, we can help maximize the resources available to Detroiters and Detroit projects