Gilbert Family Foundation

We believe in the power of Detroit's creative entrepreneurs. Take our Graphic Designer, Betsy Cooper, (aka "Big Bets"), who doesn't just design—she champions our city's small business ecosystem. Her annual holiday gift guide for the Winter Markets isn't just a gift list; it's a love letter to Detroit's makers, artisans, and dreamers. This holiday season - and all year 'round - we're challenging our network to shop local. Discover what makes Detroit so unique. Make a purchase that matters! Check out the guide - and see you in Cadillac Square! https://bit.ly/4fWmjRx

Our friends at Byers Eye Institute at Stanford are looking for healthy volunteers to participate in their research initiative! This study will help us and our partners accelerate a cure for NF. Please consider applying.

Each step we take with the Gilbert Family Foundation brings us closer to new treatments and a cure, as we honor Nick Gilbert’s resilience, and the many lives touched by NF. By combining our resources, knowledge, and dedication, we’re forging a path toward a future without NF. Nearly halfway through #NoNFNovember, we continue our commitment to raising awareness, sharing stories, and inspiring action to make NF history, together with our friends at Modern Giving Foundation and Modern Executive Solutions. #EndNF Laura Grannemann

We're proud to have partnered with the City of Detroit to bring five magnificent Alebrijes sculptures to Mexicantown's Bagley Streetscape! These life-sized sculptures, crafted from car parts by Detroit-based artist Elton Monroy Duran, beautifully blend Mexican folk art tradition with Detroit's automotive heritage. Standing up to seven feet tall, these fantastical creatures are more than art installations – they're a celebration of Southwest Detroit's vibrant Latino community and their lasting contributions to the Motor City. "These statues are a reflection of the vibrant, creative and passionate community of Southwest Detroit and a perfect example of how art can infuse culture into our public spaces," said JJ Vélez Velez, our Director of Public Spaces, who helped bring this vision to life through our support of the project. The Alebrijes are the latest addition to the $2.78M Bagley Streetscape Project, which has transformed this corridor into a versatile "shared street" that serves both as a thoroughfare and community gathering space. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating safe, inclusive public spaces that celebrate Detroit's rich cultural diversity. A special thank you to Southwest Detroit Business Association for maintaining the sculptures. Learn More: https://bit.ly/4fA9IDo

You DON'T support small businesses during holiday shopping season?! This is your chance to make up for it, and get unique gifts for everyone on your list. The Downtown Detroit Markets are officially OPEN for business! 17 small businesses, free gift wrapping, plus treats and refreshments at the Cadillac Lodge. Also: free gift wrapping! Even the Grinch approves. Check it out: https://bit.ly/3BQ74e5 Special thanks to Bedrock Detroit, Downtown Detroit Partnership, TechTown Detroit, Linda Nosegbe, and Erica White, Santa and The Grinch for their partnership. #ShopLocal

When each of us shows up to the polls, we amplify the collective voice of our community. We demand to be seen, heard, and represented. We hold our elected officials accountable, and we advocate for the policies and programs that will create positive change in our neighborhoods. Your vote is your superpower. Use it.

Yesterday, Linda Nosegbe and Brandi McNoriell-Brown joined Black Tech Saturdays for a powerful conversation about the Gilbert Family Foundation's commitment to economic mobility. We know that if we're going to help Detroit residents build prosperity for themselves and future generations, we must work together differently and disrupt the status quo that has left too many residents on the outside looking in. That's why we were so proud to also announce a new $1.2 million grant to help BTS continue to grow! As our Executive Director Laura Grannemann explains: “All Detroiters deserve the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the city's growing tech sector. Johnnie Turnage and Alexa Turnage have built an incredible community through Black Tech Saturdays and we are proud to work with them to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunity for Black residents.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ev67ws_j Special thank you Orlando Bailey for moderating the discussion.

Welcome to the team, Jessica Brown! Jessica joins the Gilbert Family Foundation in a new role as Grants Manager for our Detroit Initiatives. She comes to us from the The Skillman Foundation where she served as a Grants Manager for five years, and brings invaluable expertise to our team. Jessica will be instrumental in leading our equitable grantmaking efforts, helping us build opportunity and create meaningful impact for Detroit communities. Her deep understanding of strategic grant management will be a tremendous asset as we continue our mission to support and empower Detroiters. We're excited to have you on board, Jessica!

We're proud to announce that in partnership with North Corktown Neighborhood Association (NCNA), we're unveiling seven factory-built homes that represent an innovative approach to attainable homeownership in Detroit! Introducing Tomorrow's Housing Innovation Showcase (THIS), a groundbreaking initiative that demonstrates our commitment to supporting Detroit's housing needs with innovative, sustainable solutions. Some Highlights of THIS: Creation of a new community land trust to ensure long-term affordability Seven energy-efficient homes designed with community input Homes priced for buyers earning 50-80% of Area Median Income Financing partnerships with Rocket Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank, and Fannie Mae. This initiative is part of our shared $500 million, 10-year commitment with Rocket Community Fund to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. By combining innovative construction methods with community-led development, we're creating a model for inclusive housing that could be replicated across the city and country. This project demonstrates how modern manufacturing techniques can help solve urban housing challenges while creating new economic opportunities. Finally, a very special note of gratitude to Andrea B., Senior Program Manager for Detroit Community Initiatives, and Darnell Adams, VP of Detroit Community Initiatives, whose leadership driving this project exemplifies our approach to community-centered development and housing innovation. As our Executive Director Laura Grannemann said, "Detroit put America in cars, let's put America in homes!"   Join us October 25-28, 1-6 PM daily at 2801 16th St., Detroit, to see how we're reimagining attainable homeownership in Detroit! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKEBrtGD

Celebrating the connection between entrepreneurship and vibrant public spaces, we are proud to announce alongside Bedrock Detroit and the Downtown Detroit Partnership that the Winter Markets are back! This year, we are proud to feature 17 small businesses - the majority of which are BIPOC or women-owned. TechTown Detroit will once again be supporting participating businesses with consulting and mentorship. Now in its seventh year, the Winter Markets (aka Downtown Detroit Markets) have served as a launchpad for more than 145 small businesses, collectively generating nearly $5million in sales. This year, each of our 17 vendors will receive $3,000 in support—$1,500 to help with business operations during the season and an additional $1,500 post-season to access wrap-around services. Learn More: https://bit.ly/3BQ74e5