In 2014, business publication Crain’s Detroit launched a program called Detroit Homecoming, an invitation-only event focused on engaging successful Detroit ex-patriots in the region’s revitalization. The popular event now draws hundreds of high-profile business leaders, sports figures, entertainers, entrepreneurs and investors annually to network, learn about Detroit today, and mentor community leaders working on the ground here.

The Community Foundation teamed up with Crain’s to create the Detroit Homecoming Fund as an easy way for attendees of Homecoming to make donations of any size to support charitable organizations involved in the revitalization of metro Detroit. Those contributing $5,000 or more were given the opportunity to collectively recommend grants from the fund from a list of potential grantee organizations identified by the Community Foundation and that reflect the stated charitable interests of Homecoming attendees. Those organizations are: ACCESS, Community Development Advocates of Detroit, FoodLab-Detroit, the Greening of Detroit, and Sphinx Organization.

We look forward to building the Detroit Homecoming Fund over time as a way for former Detroiters to reconnect with organizations and causes in their hometown that are making a difference.