Michigan Community Resources recently completed the fourth installment of their Security Alternative Funding and Empowerment (SAFE) mini grant initiative. Launched in 2011, SAFE provides mini grant funding to community-based organizations for the purpose of conducting neighborhood beautification activities designed to enhance community safety.
“MCR’s mini-grant program has become an important tool to increase quality of life in the neighborhoods," says Jill Ferrari, CEO of Michigan Community Resources. "They show a little bit can do so much to help improve a community and that everyone has a role they can play. MCR is very happy to help community organizations make their goals a reality.”
SAFE mini grants range in amounts between $1,000 and $5,000 and are available to community-based organizations that have a 501c3 nonprofit status and an operating budget of at least $2,000 during the previous fiscal year.
This year, MCR received applications from 32 organizations and awarded $50,000 to 16 organizations in the Central Woodward/Northend and Southwest neighborhoods. Recipients are as follows:
- Sages & Sprouts
- New Electric Vision
- Springdale Block Club
- New Horizons CDC
- UNI
- SDEV
- SITC
- Clark Park
- Vanguard CDC
- Women's Empowerment Center
- Stafford House
- Cameron ST Block Club
- Greater Woodward CDC
- Motor City Youth All Stars
- NE Neighborhood Patrol
- NE Neighbors Block Club
Award decisions were made by MCR’s external review committee, which is comprised of representatives from a number of community-focused nonprofits throughout Detroit as well as in the respective target areas.
Source: Jill Ferrari, CEO of Michigan Community Resources
Writer: Nicole Rupersburg