Advancing Macomb Awards $45,000 to Strengthen Local Nonprofits

Advancing Macomb is proud to support Macomb County communities by helping to strengthen local non-profit organizations. Through its new Capacity Building Grant Program, Advancing Macomb has awarded $45,000 to 13 small and growing nonprofits making a meaningful difference.

Launched this spring in partnership with Huntington Bank, the program supports nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income communities in Macomb County by providing one-time grants of up to $5,000. These funds help organizations improve operations, strengthen leadership and expand their reach – ensuring long-term sustainability and greater impact.

“These grants are an investment in their long-term success, helping them grow stronger from the inside out, whether it’s improving infrastructure, building leadership capacity or enhancing outreach,” said Phil Gilchrist, Executive Director of Advancing Macomb.

The program drew strong interest, receiving 39 applications totaling nearly $185,000 in requested funds. A panel of seven community members and nonprofit professionals selected the recipients, focusing on organizations working in areas such as healthcare access, youth development and food security.

Meet the 2025 Grant Recipients:

• Bravo Programs of America – Grant will support professional development and strategic marketing initiatives.
• DRIVE One – Grant will help expand the organization’s training facility, including the construction of space to house an additional vehicle.
• Dutton Farm – Grant will support leadership development through training programs, executive coaching and participation in sector-specific conferences.
• The Ellington Grace Foundation – Grant will strengthen internal infrastructure through strategic planning, financial upgrades and communication improvements.
• Elms Family & Community Services – Grant will support organizational growth through strategic planning, staff development, technology enhancements and marketing efforts.
• Leadership Macomb – Grant will cover staff participation at a national leadership conference.
• Macomb County Habitat for Humanity – Grant will be used to implement a new data management system to streamline operations.
• Macomb Food Program – Grant will support a communications overhaul, including website improvements and social media updates.
• Macomb Immigrant Service Center – Grant will support the purchase of desktop computers for administrative use.
• Michigan Notary Association – Grant will build foundational infrastructure, including financial systems and educational resources.
• MyCare Health Center – Grant will support the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan.
• Single Family Living – Grant will enhance the organization’s K–12 tutoring program through technology upgrades and program evaluation tools.
• Trinity Community Care – Grant will cover a formal financial review conducted by an external accounting firm.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this grant program is making a difference,” said Mike Land, Regional President at Huntington Bank. “We’re proud to support their efforts to build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods across Macomb County.”

Advancing Macomb’s Capacity Building Grant Program fills a critical gap by supporting the internal growth of small nonprofits in areas that are often underfunded. By investing in these foundational needs, the program helps organizations operate more effectively, grow sustainably and deepen their impact in Macomb County communities.