KIP:D+

KIP:D+ is a grant program that supports nonprofits in their work to improve the quality of life and strengthen the fabric of community in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. The program is a partnership between The Kresge Foundation, Michigan Community Resources and Co.act Detroit.

• Since 2014, The Kresge Foundation has committed over $12 million to fund transformative projects that are shaped by the communities most impacted, building on the strengths and uniqueness of Detroit’s neighborhoods.
• Since 2017, Michigan Community Resources (MCR) has worked alongside Kresge to shape the grant program and directly with KIP:D+ applicants and grantees, providing technical assistance, convening cohorts and creating space for grantees to share lessons, attend workshops and engage in conversation.
• In 2021, KIP:D+ expanded its geographic reach to Highland Park and Hamtramck, and Co.act Detroit became the administrator of the grant program.

Learn more about KIP:D+ and past KIP:D projects here.

Projects in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park neighborhoods that advance neighborhood priorities and reflect the culture, history and demographics of residents served. We support inclusive, collaborative processes that authentically engage community members in planning, design, and implementation as defined by the residents. KIP:D+ seeks:

• Organizations based in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park serving residents and neighborhoods of those cities,
• Organizations that are reflective of the community served in leadership and organizational demographics,
• Projects that support the vision and creativity of residents in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods or activate something new.
• We define inclusivity as providing equal access to opportunities for those who might be otherwise excluded, like:
  • people who belong to minority racial or ethnic groups
  • the elderly
  • people with disabilities
  • LGBTQ+ individuals
  • people of a lower socioeconomic status
  • those impacted by incarceration

In addition to funding for Planning + Implementation, or Implementation projects, KIP:D+ grantees also get:

• 1-on-1 technical assistance and support from Michigan Community Resources,
• The opportunity to be a part of a unique group of KIP:D+ grantees who learn from and share with one another.

• Nonprofit organizations or community groups located in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park that serve communities of those cities
• Nonprofit organizations or community groups that align with KIP:D+ principles

• Individuals
• Funders (foundations, CDFIs, etc.)
• For-profit organizations (corporations, small businesses, LLCs, etc.)
• Public Entities including city departments and quasi-governmental organizations (businesses within or under government entities)
• Academic Institutions – community college, college and university programs that concentrate primarily on degree-granting activities
• Places of Worship – if the project doesn’t serve the community at large
• Schools – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) schools, charter schools, etc.
• Organizations that have fewer than two years of experience working with and serving residents in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park
• Organizations that received a Planning and Implementation grant or Implementation grant in 2023
  • If you received a Planning and Implementation or Implementation grant in 2023, you are still eligible to apply as part of a collaborative application (as long as you are not the applicant of record)

All 501c3 nonprofits who are not eligible to apply may be fiduciaries for eligible organizations or apply as part of a collaborative application if they are not the applicant of record.

Our communities choose KIP:D+ projects. In December 2023, Co.act Detroit opened a public call for selection committee nominations to engage residents, advisory group members, past selection committee members and community partners. Here’s how the committee is structured:

• 75% residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park, and community partners
• 25% Co.act and Kresge staff

In Spring 2023, Co.act Detroit invited an advisory group made up of residents from all districts of Detroit as well as Hamtramck and Highland Park to collaboratively redesign the program. This diverse advisory group was chosen to ensure that residents of the communities KIP:D+ grants intend to benefit have a voice in how funds are invested, from program design to grant award. The advisory group recommended improvements to eligibility criteria, award structure, selection and application processes, fund administration and grant timeline. The group worked collaboratively until Fall 2023 to lend their experiences and expertise to KIP:D+.

The group informed key changes to the program, including:

• Updating KIP:D+ core underlying values and program principles
• Increased outreach to Hamtramck and Highland Park
• Open 2024 applications to Planning + Implementation and Implementation only
• Improved application questions
• Improved program accountability measures

Advisory Group Members

• Kourtney Neloms, Detroit City Council District 1 Resident
• Gwen Winston, Detroit City Council District 2 Resident
• Brandon Gleaton, Detroit City Council District 3 Resident
• Margo Dalal, Detroit City Council District 4 Resident
• Miah Davis, Detroit City Council District 5 Resident
• Akua Hill, Hamtramck Resident
• Maurice Turner, Highland Park Resident
• Nealmetria Loper, Detroit City Council District 7 Resident
• Lex Zavala, Past KIP:D Grantee
• Rei Fielder, Ujima Boston
• Nia Evans, Ujima Boston