Philanthropic, corporate groups launch 3-year effort to support Pontiac small business, nonprofits Crain's Detroit Business
Read the article in Crain’s Detroit Business
In close partnership with local government and nonprofit organizations, a cohort of funders has been working to support a collective plan to help strengthen Pontiac’s ability to thrive.
The Pontiac Funders Collaborative formed a $200,000 grant relief fund to help for-profit small businesses in Pontiac that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis with their operating expenses. Grants will range from up to $2,500 for home-based businesses and up to $5,000 for brick and mortar businesses.
Pontiac, a city of approximately 60,000 residents, is home to a significant network of leaders, nonprofits, business owners and residents who have long been working to enact positive social and economic change.
In recognition of this, a cohort of funders began working in close partnership with local government and nonprofit organizations to support a collective plan to help strengthen Pontiac’s ability to thrive.
Initial funders for the Pontiac Funders Collaborative include Ballmer Group, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Flagstar Bank Foundation, General Motors, New Economy Initiative, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Tauber Family Foundation, the William Davidson Foundation, and the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation.
Additionally, the Collaborative is making grants for nonprofit capacity building for organizations headquartered in Pontiac. Applications closed May 13, 2020.
Over the next three years, the effort will focus on workforce development, entrepreneurship, public spaces and support for key institutions.
Freyja Harris, who most recently served as chief administrative officer for the Detroit Employment Solutions Corp., will lead the new initiative as project director.
Learn more about the Pontiac Funders Collaborative