KIP:D+

Detroit Horse Power teaches Detroit youth how to ride and care for horses. By working with the horses, young people develop skills like confidence, patience, and responsibility, all while finding a safe and supportive environment to grow.

Challenge

At the same time, the organization wants to address one of Detroit’s pressing issues: vacant land. One of their visions was to transform the former Paul Robeson Charter School site into the nation’s largest urban equestrian education center.

Solution

The KIP:D+ grant is helping Detroit Horse Power take its vision from planning to implementation. The funds are supporting the construction of classrooms and community spaces at the equestrian center, with dollars going toward framing, drywall, insulation, and interior finishes to make the spaces functional and welcoming.

“The support we received through KIP:D helped us grow from planning to implementation, and it’s thrilling to know Co.act is there for every stage of our journey,” said a Detroit Horse Power team member.

With this new equestrian center, Detroit Horse Power is turning vacant land into opportunity, helping kids build critical life skills, and creating a space where the community can thrive together.

A Girl Like Me, Inc. is an organization dedicated to empowering girls, teens, and young moms between the ages of 11 and 25 to make healthy life choices and build brighter futures.

Challenge

The organization needed a space to best offer its mentorship, workshops, and community support, as it has become a trusted resource for young women in Detroit.

Solution

Now, thanks to their KIP:D+ award, Brightmoor is coming to life. The KIP:D+ grant will allow the organization to purchase and furnish a house in Brightmoor, transforming it into a welcoming space where young moms can access parenting guidance, mentorship, and peer support. This hub will also create opportunities for connection and growth within the broader Brightmoor community.

“This is a chance to make our vision real for teen moms and young girls in Detroit,” a A Girl Like Me, Inc. team member shared. “We’re creating a safe and supportive space where they’ll feel valued and empowered to shape their futures. It’s a meaningful step for our community, and we’re eager to see the positive impact we can make together.”

With this resource hub, A Girl Like Me, Inc. is poised to provide lasting support for young women while strengthening the community as a whole.

At Freedom House Detroit, creating a welcoming space can make all the difference for refugees and asylum seekers. The organization provides comprehensive services, including housing, legal aid, and social work, to individuals seeking safety and stability in Detroit.

Challenge

Freedom House Detroit needed to expand its capacity to meet the demand for its services and developed the East Campus Project to do so.

Solution

The East Campus Project is supported (in part) by KIP:D+. The KIP:D+ grant is contributing to a 4,900-square-foot addition, renovations to existing facilities, and outdoor improvements. Central to this project is the creation of the New Arrival Intake Center, which will provide temporary housing and access to essential resources like legal assistance and social services.

“This project is about dignity and humanity,” a Freedom House Detroit team member said. “The intake center gives new arrivals a safe place to start their journey toward stability and freedom.”

With this expansion, Freedom House is strengthening its commitment to providing hope and resources to some of the most vulnerable members of our global community.

As its name suggests, Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Communities believes in the power of food to bring people together and create healthier futures.

Challenge

The coalition works to address social determinants of health by empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Solution

The coalition is taking a bold step forward by developing a shared community kitchen. The KIP:D+ grant will fund renovations and equipment for the kitchen, which will be used for cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and meal preparation for families, as well as serve as a hub for community connection.

“This grant will help us tackle food insecurity while creating opportunities for education and empowerment,” Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Communities’ program director explained. “When people learn to prepare healthy meals, it’s not just about food—it’s about independence and well-being.”

The new kitchen is poised to improve health outcomes while strengthening the bonds between neighbors.

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) is working to create a safe, vibrant Springwells neighborhood in southwest Detroit. By addressing environmental challenges and fostering community collaboration, UNI is making long-term investments in sustainability and neighborhood pride.

Challenge

UNI wanted to bring its Green Project Playbook to life. The initiative focuses on reducing residential flooding through improved stormwater management, enhancing air quality and aesthetics by increasing tree coverage, and completing 50 sustainability projects, such as rain gardens and composting stations.

Solution

KIP:D+ is helping to make the Playbook a reality. In addition to supporting environmental efforts, the grant supports the employment of 70 young leaders from Springwells. The youth will play an active role in implementing the Green Project Playbook while gaining valuable work experience and leadership skills.

“This project is about creating lasting change,” a UNI team member shared. “KIP:D+ allows us to tackle environmental issues while empowering local youth to take an active role in shaping the future of their community.”

With support from the KIP:D+ award, UNI is supporting a neighborhood that is resilient, sustainable, and full of opportunity for its residents.