Nonprofit organizations are the heart of our communities.
Whether they are providing essential services, advocating for equity, or nurturing creativity, strong nonprofits are key to ensuring that all residents have access to opportunity and support. At the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, we understand that building nonprofit capacity—particularly in under-resourced areas—is essential to our region’s long-term well-being.
That’s why we are proud to support a new initiative led by Advancing Macomb, a nonprofit committed to increasing access to resources and strengthening community in Macomb County.
In early 2025, Advancing Macomb launched their Nonprofit Accelerator Program, a nonprofit “bootcamp”—a four-month, cohort-based training program designed to equip emerging and volunteer-led organizations with the knowledge, tools, and relationships they need to grow. The program includes sessions on strategic planning, board development, fundraising, advocacy, and leader well-being, led by respected partners such as Co.act Detroit, CultureSource, and the Michigan Nonprofit Association.
Participants also benefit from hands-on mentorship with experienced nonprofit professionals who can offer insights tailored to each organization’s mission and goals.
Filling a Regional Gap
Research from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy has shown that Macomb County lags behind other parts of southeast Michigan in both nonprofit density and philanthropic investment. This program responds directly to that gap, with the goal of helping local organizations become more sustainable and better positioned to serve their communities—and to attract new funding in the process.
Out of 28 applicants, ten nonprofits were selected for the first cohort, including:
- Autism Society of Greater Detroit
- Blessing Bags Brigade of Michigan
- Elms Family and Community Services
- Ellington Grace Foundation
- Multicultural Council of America
- PSI – Michigan
- The FRIENDS of the Harrison Township Public Library (HTPL)
- Trinity Community Care
- TrueLife Academy, Inc.
- WHEAT, INC.
These organizations are often run by volunteers or emerging leaders and are embedded in the communities they serve. By building their internal capacity, the program supports not only organizational health but community resilience.
Partnering for Impact
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan contributed $50,000 to help launch this initiative, joining forces with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation—which provided a three-year, $600,000 grant—and the Four County Community Foundation.
This is just one example of how we work alongside other funders and nonprofits to create systemic, equitable change across our seven-county region. In addition to grant funding, the Community Foundation offers technical assistance, roundtable programming, and endowment management to support nonprofit sustainability.
Looking Ahead
As the first cohort progresses, Advancing Macomb will gather feedback from participants and refine the program in preparation for a second cohort set to launch in fall 2025. Organizations that were not selected are encouraged to reapply and to take advantage of other resources available through Advancing Macomb and the Community Foundation.
Strong nonprofits are the foundation of strong communities. We are honored to invest in efforts that uplift local leaders, support their vision, and expand access to resources—so that every community in southeast Michigan can thrive.
Looking to support nonprofits in your community? Connect with our Donor Services team to see how we can help you with a tailored approach to philanthropy.
Photo from Advancing Macomb LinkedIn post