Community Development

Coverage of community groups bringing about changes, innovations, and solutions in their community.

Gobioff Foundation artist microgrants make major impact

Over five years, Gobioff Foundation has awarded $32,000 in microgrants to 64 artist projects.

Latest in Community Development
How creating space for connections can drive neighborhood development

Fort Wayne's neighborhood leaders use a shared space to crowdsource solutions and share ideas. These connections lighten the workload and stretch resources.

Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth

Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the gap by providing crucial capital, workshops, and referrals to rural communities — funding affordable housing, high-quality education, and community development with small business growth.

U.P. tour helps historical communities build a stronger economic future

Michigan Municipal League travels north to share resources for small business development.

IFF’s energy-efficient work allows nonprofits to reduce energy costs, increase their mission-driven impacts across Indiana communities

IFF is helping Indiana nonprofits reduce utility costs and improve facilities through energy-efficient building upgrades. Programs in Bloomington, South Bend, and Indianapolis are helping organizations reinvest savings back into their community-focused missions.

This Michigan nonprofit is brewing success for immigrant entrepreneurs

Immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs can help revitalize and sustain Michigan’s economy.

Schools on the brink: Centers of small-town life, some districts face financial emergencies

Public schools are sources of pride and launching points for lives and careers. But in Ohio, an arcane, unfair system of funding schools persists.

Metro Detroit schools see progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Here’s how they’re doing it

Statewide chronic absenteeism rates remain above pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels, but Metro Detroit schools are tackling chronic absenteeism by removing barriers to attendance and creating enriching, fun school experiences for students.

On-Demand Coaching helps Michigan municipalities and their small businesses build a winning team

Program helps municipalities connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with existing capital and technical assistance. 

As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs

CEDAM has released a new housing TIF guide to help Michigan communities understand and apply tax increment financing as a tool to support local housing development and affordability goals.

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