Grants

Supporting Results Oriented Programs

The Alternative Foundation supports sustainable redevelopment in Detroit and seeks to provide quality of life programs for residents through urban agriculture and food systems, youth education and entrepreneurship and community redevelopment. We look for new and innovative approaches to problem solving that lead to tangible and measurable results. The Alternative Foundation prioritizes giving to organizations and programs that have a direct impact on individuals and communities. We view grant-making through a “people first” lens, emphasizing environmental, social, racial and economic justice. We are exploring how the three ‘Ps’ that define sustainability — people, place and profit — can work in harmony to further enhance our grant-making in Detroit and welcome inquiries from impactful nonprofit organizations focused on our priority areas.

Helpful Submission Guidelines:

  • The Alternative Foundation operates on a calendar-based fiscal year but will accept and review application submissions year-round.

  • The Foundation will consider funding for results-oriented programmatic requests that include measurable outcomes.

  • Our grant awards range from $10,000-$100,000.

  • Requests for grant awards should not exceed 15 percent of your organization’s annual budget.

  • The Foundation no longer funds requests for general operating expenses.

Making Dollars go Further

At the Alternative Foundation we believe in the power of community and collaboration. To help impactful nonprofits make every dollar go even further in advancing their missions, the Alternative Foundation helps facilitate relationships between grantees to share information, data and success stories to help them achieve their growth and impact goals. The Alternative Foundation is also open to opportunities to participate in, and support, matching grant opportunities with other private and corporate funders.

Current Grantees

Bailey Park Neighborhood Development  (baileyparkndc.org)
Bailey Park is one of the largest community-led parks in the city. Bailey Park reactivated 22 contiguous vacant lots centrally located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood to provide a place for community gatherings, play and recreation.

Detroit Food Academy 
Detroit Food Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to inspire young Detroiters (ages 10-24) through culinary arts and food entrepreneurship. By engaging in our programs from growing operations to food services, young people grow as holistic leaders who are healthy, connected, and powerful and are better prepared to affect change in our communities and beyond.

Developing K.I.D.S
Developing Kingdoms In Different Stages (Developing K.I.D.S) is nonprofit organization serving it’s community through After-School and Summer Camp programs, Workforce Development programs and Family and Parental Support and Engagement. With an emphasis on youth and family programming, Developing K.I.D.S creates stronger communities throughout metropolitan Detroit and works to build vibrant communities where individuals and families are heard, valued and thrive.