In March 2021, the Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund announced a major plan to invest $500 million over ten years to support economic growth and create lasting wealth in Detroit neighborhoods.
This plan builds on more than ten years of investments in the city, starting when Dan Gilbert decided to move his companies to the city in 2010. Of the $500 million, $350 million comes from the Gilbert Family Foundation, and $150 million comes from the Rocket Community Fund.
Two and a half years into this monumental endeavor, Detroitisit examines the progress made to date by talking with GFF Executive Director, Laura Grannemann and VP of Detroit Community Initiatives for GFF, Darnell Adams.
LAURA GRANNEMANN
“Our initial hypothesis was that our efforts would be most effective if we focused on a specific group – in this case, residents at risk of property tax foreclosure or eviction,” said Grannemann. “With a goal of a 25% reduction over the next two years, the aim is to keep people in their homes and then implement measures that ensure long-term stability.”
Alongside housing stability, the GFF created three other strategic pillars including economic mobility, public spaces, and arts and culture.
In short, by focusing on residents at risk of displacement and investing strategically, the GFF aims to create a thriving city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and build generational wealth.
“There is great opportunity in Detroit right now, and if we make the right choices and set policies intentionally, we can create a city that benefits everyone,” she said.
DARNELL ADAMS
In his role, Adams helps drive the various teams toward this north star. “It’s a privilege to be a Detroiter helping these residents and neighborhoods to become stable and resilient,” he said.
The foundation’s first major investments came in the shape of the Home Repair Fund followed by the Detroit Tax Relief Fund.
Adams and his team have been pivotal in ushering in these programs and integrating them into the broader strategy, which has spurred the development of additional initiatives.
First, regarding Detroit’s Tax Relief Program, many residents have experienced confusion around, or are unsure of how to apply.
To address this, the GFF partnered with Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, a non-profit organization that works with low-income families in Detroit, and the Rocket Community Fund to establish the HOPE Network, which assists residents in completing applications and going through the appropriate processes,
says Adams. As a result, the program has become far more accessible, and today, approximately 22,000 families apply annually.
Another great resource Adams points to that was put into place by the GFF and the city of Detroit is the Detroit Housing Network, a network of housing leaders, advocates, and service providers that work together to help Detroit residents find, understand, and apply for housing services.
The Detroit Home Repair Fund (DHRF) was created to address the challenges many residents face when trying to access home repair resources.
“Many home repair resources exist but have criteria that sometimes create challenges to get the work done,” he says. “For example, if a home has broken porch steps that make it hazardous to get into the home, an HVAC company may refuse to install a furnace until the porch steps are fixed, which is where the DHRF comes in and provides gap funding.”
Once a resident is stable in the home and the home is safe, GFF then looks at protecting the asset.
Building generational wealth also means protecting family assets, so this year, GFF partnered with the city to offer estate planning and probate services to families who have gone through the HOPE program,
says Adams. “This service is crucial, particularly for the 60% of HOPE participants who are seniors.”
The next step is to ensure that residents not only have housing but also access to amenities, green spaces, and other resources in their communities. To support this, the GFF invests in a wide range of projects.
One such investment was a commitment of $15 million to help build the Joe Louis Greenway.
SEED & BLOOM KICK OFF
Another initiative is Seed and Bloom – a $1.5 million investment to support BIPOC artists, helping to grow arts and businesses in neighborhoods and diversify commercial corridors.
Strategic investments have also been made in Detroit’s cultural institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), the Detroit Historical Society, and the Motown Museum.
“These institutions are assets for Detroiters, and GFF is committed to ensuring they are properly programmed and accessible to all,” said Adams.
When asked how GFF does things differently, Adams says that the foundation is a bit of a “unicorn.”
“Our partners appreciate how we steward our investments and engage for the long-term,” he says. “We don’t just give dollars and walk away – we stay connected and continue to invest where gaps arise.”
Grannemanm weighs in on this as well.
I think what makes us different is accountability. We have set up a strategy with a 10-year outlook and are holding ourselves and our partners accountable for outcomes for the specific group of residents. We see ourselves as a partner in crafting solutions.
In the end, Grannemann says the city of Detroit is a shining example of corporate, private, philanthropic and community partners that have come together to address problems.
“We’re recognized nationally as a leader in forming partnerships like this,” she said. “The opportunities are limitless when we collaborate. We will continue to do so, and we’re excited to continue to explore creative solutions to complex problems.”
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