Advancing Macomb has been selected to be one of 13 organizations in the state to partner with the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) to launch the Michigan Community Resilience Program. The MCSC, which utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities, awarded a total of $200,000 in grants among those nonprofits to aid in COVID-19 response and recovery.  

Michigan Community Resilience Program will focus on making an impact during the COVID-19 response and recovery by expanding volunteerism and increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and geographic reach of organizations throughout the state. 

Locally, Advancing Macomb will be working with another grantee, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to promote volunteerism and improve connections between nonprofits and available volunteers in our region. 

The program will provide:  

• Technology resources that assist individuals and organizations to address community issues and connect with nonprofits through volunteering and donating 
• Support for youth to be engaged with developing solutions to address challenges 
• Training and technical assistance for nonprofits as they continue to respond to the pandemic 
• Inspiration for Michiganders to be involved in the path forward by celebrating individuals and organizations who have been making a difference in their communities 

“We want to tap into Michigander’s grit and determination to help others and start a volunteer movement,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “We want to ensure we collaborate across the state and that organizations have the tools and resources to support local efforts.”  

The funding for this program comes through a Volunteer Generation Fund grant from AmeriCorps. The Michigan Community Service Commission received $2,222,811 in federal funds over three years to support volunteerism in Michigan. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.