KIP:D+

Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit Plus (KIP:D+) funds projects in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park neighborhoods that support the vision and creativity of residents. We support inclusive, collaborative processes that authentically engage community members in planning, design and implementation.

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About KIP:D+

What is 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.

What kind of projects does KIP:D+ fund?

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.

Who can apply for KIP:D+ grants?

  • 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

Who can not apply for KIP:D+ grants?

  • 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.

Who decides which projects get funded?

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

What's next for KIP:D+?

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

What kind of grants are available?

Planning + Implementation Grants

Planning and Implementation Grants are designed to help organizations complete plans and get to work on their projects. If your organization needs a little more help with planning, but can complete a project within 24 months, these grants may be for you!

In 2024, we anticipate awarding approximately 10-20 total Planning + Implementation Grants and Implementation Grants. Grantees may receive up to $150,000. The grant size may vary based on the unique needs of each project.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed to help organizations turn existing plans into action. If your organization has done all the planning, but needs support and funding to complete a project within 24 months, these grants may be for you!

In 2024, we anticipate awarding approximately 10-20 total Planning + Implementation Grants and Implementation Grants. Grantees may receive up to $150,000. The grant size may vary based on the unique needs of each project.

Applying

How to apply

KIP:D+ applications open on Monday, March 4, 2024. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. You can review Phase I application narrative questions here.

All KIP:D+ applications must include a budget along with the project proposal. Please use our required budget templates linked below:

There are five steps to the KIP:D+ application process:

  • Step 1: Phase I applications due (video or written) by 5PM on March 27, 2024
  • Step 2: The selection committee will review and score applications using the scoring rubric and Co.act Detroit will invite finalists to submit Phase II applications – May 2024
  • Step 3: Finalists schedule optional site visits with Co.act program staff – May – June 2024
  • Step 4: Finalists submit written Phase II applications – June 2024
  • Step 5: Selection committee reviews Phase II applications and chooses grantee projects – Q3 2024

Application support with Michigan Community Resources

Michigan Community Resources (MCR) will host virtual and in-person office hours until applications close. Office hours are optional, and designed to help you prepare the strongest application you can!

MCR can help answer any questions you may have while preparing your application. MCR staff will also be available by email to assist throughout the application process. You can reach them at askKIPD@mi-community.org, and let them know if you’d prefer a phone or email response in reply.

The 2024 KIP:D+ office hour schedule is:

  • Friday, March 15th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  |  Oloman Cafe + Gallery
    10215 Joseph Campau Avenue, Hamtramck, MI 48212
    In-person drop-ins, no appointment needed.
  • Wednesday, March 20th, 3 to 7 p.m.  |  Detroit Public Library Edison Branch
    18400 Joy Rd, Detroit, MI 48228
    In-person drop-ins, no appointment needed.
  • Thursday, March 21st, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  |  Online
    Registration is required here.
  • Tuesday, March 26th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  |  Online
    Registration is required here.

Please note: Registration is not required for in-person drop-in sessions. Attendees at in-person sessions will be supported on a first come, first served basis.

Selection committee

More information about the KIP:D+ 2024 Selection Committee is coming soon.

Information sessions

Want to learn more about KIP:D+? Sign up for an information session! Information sessions will provide an overview of what grants are available, information on who can apply, and walk you through the application process. There will also be time to ask questions of Co.act Detroit, Michigan Community Resources and Kresge Foundation staff. There will be two sessions on:

For those who are unable to attend either session, you can review the presentation here, and a recording of the March 7 virtual information session below.

Resources, program documents and FAQs

Program documents

All KIP:D+ applications must include a budget along with the project proposal. Please use our required budget templates linked below:

Do you need additional support with putting together a budget or your proposal? Sign up for free, 45 minute technical assistance with one of our fund development experts through Co.Lab Connect and check out our Candid workshops on creating budgets and proposal writing.

 

Additional wellness resources

Applying for grants is an exciting process, but the KIP:D+ team also knows how frustrating and stressful it can be! Check out the below tips for self-care strategies you can use while you apply:

Contact Us

Email: grants@coactdetroit.org
Phone: 313-789-1386