The Hudson-Webber Foundation Board of Trustees has approved $900,000 in new grants to support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing opportunities, enhance public safety and advance inclusive public policy across Detroit and the surrounding region.
The grants, approved at the Board’s December 2025 meeting, will support a mix of programmatic initiatives and core operating needs for organizations whose work directly impacts Detroit residents. According to the Foundation, the investments are designed to address evolving community needs while reinforcing Hudson-Webber’s long-standing funding priorities around equity, economic opportunity and civic well-being.
“These investments reflect Hudson-Webber’s commitment to supporting organizations that are driving meaningful, measurable progress for Detroiters,” said Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson-Webber Foundation. “From strengthening neighborhood safety and expanding access to housing, to advancing sound public policy and informed civic engagement, these partners are helping build the systems and conditions necessary for a more equitable, resilient and thriving Detroit.”
Organizations receiving grants include the Center for Michigan, Citizens Research Council, Detroit Economic Growth Association, Detroit Public Safety Foundation and the Michigan League for Public Policy. Together, the funded efforts span housing stabilization, violence prevention, policy research, journalism and economic opportunity.
A portion of the funding will support built environment initiatives led by the Detroit Economic Growth Association. One grant will support the Citywide Home Repair Taskforce, a collaborative effort aimed at improving coordination of home repair services across Detroit. The taskforce brings together more than 40 partners, including the City of Detroit, home repair providers, funders and utility companies, to streamline systems and make it easier for residents to repair and maintain their homes. The goal is to help preserve existing housing stock, reduce barriers to repairs and stabilize neighborhoods.
The Board of Trustees also approved a separate $100,000 grant to support the Pro-Housing In-Fill Program. This initiative focuses on developing single-family homes and other small-scale housing by addressing financial and regulatory challenges that make housing difficult to build or afford. By increasing access to family-friendly housing options, the program aims to strengthen Detroit’s competitiveness and promote long-term, sustainable growth.
Public safety and violence prevention are also a focus of the new grants. The Detroit Public Safety Foundation received $200,000 to support the City of Detroit’s planning, design and launch of an Office of Neighborhood Safety. The proposed office would bring together the city’s Community Violence Intervention work, the Mental Health Co-Response Program and youth safety and mentorship initiatives under a single coordinated structure. City leaders intend for the office to better align funding, establish clear standards for service providers, strengthen governance and advocate for sustained resources, resulting in a more coordinated and effective approach to public safety.
Detroit’s Community Violence Intervention efforts have already demonstrated measurable impact. Initially launched with philanthropic support, including significant involvement from the Hudson-Webber Foundation, Force Detroit became the city’s first formal CVI organization. Since then, CVI has evolved into a city-led strategy supported by federal and philanthropic funding and implemented in partnership with community-based organizations. The programs currently operate in six designated zones across Detroit and rely on outreach workers with lived experience. All six zones have reported crime declines that exceed citywide trends, contributing to historic reductions in violence.
In addition to program-specific grants, the Foundation announced core policy grants providing general operating support to three organizations focused on inclusive and shared prosperity. The Center for Michigan will receive funding to support its Detroit-based journalism initiative, Bridge Detroit, which produces community-centered reporting and uses deep engagement to elevate issues identified by Detroiter-led staff. Over the grant period, Bridge Detroit is expected to continue serving as an important information resource for residents and to strengthen coverage around state-level elections.
The Citizens Research Council will receive support to continue its nonpartisan analysis of key policy issues facing Michigan, including education, healthcare, public finance and economic development. With a renewed focus on Detroit’s public sector, the organization will provide budget and economic analysis for the city and advance research related to inclusive growth and tax reform.
The Michigan League for Public Policy has been awarded a $200,000 grant to advance its economic opportunity agenda. MLPP has recently deployed community engagement staff in Detroit to help connect residents with state decision-makers through training and advocacy tools. The organization will focus on protecting public programs such as SNAP, TANF and workforce initiatives, while also advancing policies like the Working Family Tax Credit or Child Credit aimed at reducing poverty, with significant impact for Detroit families.
By supporting these organizations and others within its policy and research portfolio, the Hudson-Webber Foundation continues to invest in an integrated network of partners working to improve the economic stability and overall well-being of Detroiters.
