The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has partnered with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation on its Rural Philanthropy Fellows program, a $2.9 million investment by Wilson to strengthen the future of philanthropy and expand the capacity of partner community foundations.
The Community Foundation received funding to hire two fellows for a two-year term (2026-2028). At the same time, peer community foundations across southeast Michigan and western New York are also hosting fellows, creating a shared, cross-regional cohort experience. The program includes support from Wilson for 12 fellows, and from the Michigan-based Herrick Foundation for three additional fellows in the communities it serves, for a total of 15 fellows.
Each fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging or established professionals to make meaningful contributions to philanthropy, while gaining hands-on experience within community foundations.
“The expertise and lived experience of our Rural Philanthropy Fellows will be vital as we seek to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the rural communities throughout our seven-county service area,” says Sarah Baltman Wedepohl, vice president of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
“The barriers and opportunities that rural communities experience often mirror those in suburban and urban areas, but may require different approaches. We’re grateful that fellows Garit Frye and Joe Newman can help us align our rural philanthropy strategy to best fit these unique needs. Together, with support from the Wilson Foundation, we’re imagining a future for our region when everyone can thrive, regardless of where they live.”
Through the Rural Philanthropy Fellows program, both the fellows and the Community Foundation will deepen their understanding of:
- The challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
- The gaps and strengths in existing funding resources.
- New ways to increase engagement and impact.
This work may include research projects, the development of background materials or white papers, and other learning efforts that support the Community Foundation’s rural-focused strategies.
Meet Garit Frye
Frye has joined the Community Foundation as our Data and Learning Fellow.
In this role, he will help us better use data and evidence to inform decision-making, assess impact and clearly communicate our story to stakeholders. He is deeply passionate about using data to improve outcomes and quality of life for low-income households.
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Frye was born and raised on the Nation’s reservation in Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, he worked for the Cherokee Nation’s Human Services Department, where he helped provide emergency assistance to hundreds of low-income tribal members.
Meet Joe Newman
Newman has joined the Community Foundation as our Rural Philanthropy Fellow.
In this role, he works to strengthen and expand the Community Foundation’s impact in rural communities throughout northern Oakland, northern Macomb and Livingston counties.
Previously, Newman spent two years working in nonprofit development in Detroit, following nearly a decade of small-scale, organic vegetable farming. While operating his farm in the Upper Peninsula, he became interested in addressing issues faced by his rural community. Participating in township government, organizing fellow farmers and developing a community-funded initiative to address food insecurity all led Newman toward a career in mission-driven, nonprofit work.
This story first appeared in the Spring 2026 REPORT Newsletter