A new study commissioned by Advancing Macomb is shedding light on a longstanding challenge facing Macomb County. Despite being Michigan’s third-largest county, Macomb continues to lag behind its peers in nonprofit density and philanthropic investment.

The report, Nonprofit & Grantmaking Trends in Metro Detroit, was completed by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and builds on Advancing Macomb’s original 2022 Philanthropic Investment Study. The research examines nonprofit activity and grantmaking trends across a seven-county region, including Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

According to the study, Macomb County ranks last in the region for nonprofit density, with approximately 33 nonprofit organizations per 10,000 residents. In comparison:

• Oakland County has 60 nonprofits per 10,000 residents.
• Wayne County has 54 nonprofits per 10,000 residents.
• Washtenaw County leads the region with 70 nonprofits per 10,000 residents.

The study did find encouraging signs of growth in grant funding entering Macomb County. Between 2021 and 2023, annual grant funding nearly doubled from $17.7 million to $31.2 million.

However, there are major disparities when comparing Macomb to neighboring counties.

Macomb County currently receives approximately $36 in grant funding per resident. By comparison:

• Oakland County receives $479 per resident.
• Wayne County receives $202 per resident.
• Washtenaw County receives $561 per resident

The study also found that Macomb County receives between $18 million and $31 million annually in grant funding. In comparison:

• Oakland County receives between $525 million and $608 million annually in grant funding.
• Wayne County receives between $264 million and $352 million annually in grant funding.
• Washtenaw County receives between $141 million and $207 million annually in grant funding.

“Macomb County’s nonprofit sector is not underperforming; it is under-resourced. Our nonprofit community is working hard to meet the needs of nearly 900,000 residents. Still, it is doing so with far fewer resources than neighboring counties,” said Phil Gilchrist, executive director of Advancing Macomb. “This is an opportunity for funders, businesses and community leaders to invest in a region that has tremendous potential for growth and impact.”

Jennifer Lawson, project director for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, added that the study serves as an important reminder about the role nonprofits play in every community.

“Too often, nonprofits are the ‘most common organization that no one thinks about,’ even though nonprofits provide critical assistance throughout the community,” said Lawson.

County and philanthropic leaders say the findings reinforce the importance of investing in nonprofit infrastructure and collaboration.

“Nonprofits exist because not every need can be met by government,” said Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive. “Advancing Macomb brings people, organizations and resources together to strengthen and improve the quality of life for those who call Macomb home. Their study highlights the incredible contributions of our existing nonprofit partners and provides strategic insights on how we can work together to grow this critical network of service organizations.”

“The Four County Community Foundation serves as both a funder and connector in Macomb County,” said Kathy Dickens, executive director of the Four County Community Foundation. “We are committed to partnering with nonprofits, philanthropy, business and community leaders to address the significant underinvestment in Macomb County’s nonprofit sector relative to the county’s population and economic strength.”

Advancing Macomb hopes the study will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness, collaboration and long-term investment in Macomb County’s nonprofit sector.

Building on the report’s findings, Advancing Macomb plans to continue working with foundations, nonprofit leaders, businesses and community stakeholders to strengthen nonprofit capacity and expand opportunities for community impact throughout the county.

The full report is available upon request, for more information email info@advancingmacomb.com. Study highlights can be found here.