The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation is seeking preliminary request for proposals from 501(c)3 organizations to gauge their interest and capacity to serve as an anchor agency and provide resource and referral services for Southwest Detroit residents at 3700 Gilbert Street.
Donor Name: Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation
State: Michigan
City: Detroit
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/11/2023
Details:
The Foundation and DCDC collaborated with a variety of community stakeholders, including neighboring nonprofits, nearby residents, and a community neighborhood organization to assist in the preliminary design of the physical space and onsite community programming. Through the design and engagement process, attendees shared assets in the surrounding neighborhood, local challenges, gaps in services, and how the space could address community-identified needs. Needs that were identified include three program areas:
- Neighborhood Resource Center (NRC) that will serve as the anchor organization, provide resource and referral services for community residents and act as connector to additional governmental and community programs, services, and resources. Additionally, the nonprofit agency that oversees the NRC will help identify and select nonprofits that provide youth and adult programming and coordinate usage among nonprofits in the space.
- Youth Programming:
- Afterschool programming (such as arts/culture, college/career readiness, leadership development)
- Workforce development and job readiness
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Health and wellness (including nutrition)
- Adult Programming:
- Workforce development and job readiness
- ESL/GED classes
- Health and wellness (including nutrition)
The 9,500 square-foot space includes a commercial kitchen and is designed to accommodate the identified programming noted above.
Objectives
- The objectives of 3700 Gilbert Street are:
- Support organizations that develop and sustain programs that empower individuals, youth, and their families and offer opportunity to improve their lives
- Provide high-quality programs that ensure youth, families, and individuals have equitable access to opportunities
- Connect individuals to additional educational, health, human services, and workforce resources, opportunities, and services
- These components tie directly to the Foundation’s mission to “transform lives in profoundly positive ways through grants focused on health, youth and family, and animal welfare.” The Foundation works with organizations in the focus areas to create opportunity, have community impact, and promote wellbeing.
Eligibility Criteria
The nonprofit, in conjunction with the Foundation will also assist the Foundation to identify and select nonprofits that provide high-quality adult and youth programming at 3700 Gilbert Street.
For more information, visit VJDF.
