Loading...

Detroit Nonprofit To Subsidize Public Sector Training Program

A public sector training program for nonprofit and public sector workers in Detroit will be subsidized by the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan. The program will teach employees economic development, land use, city systems, planning and neighborhood development.

The training is supported by a $400,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation which represents an increase from the Foundation’s initial $250,000 investment announced in September. Twenty-six nonprofits in the Detroit area will share the grant to support education, training, and conference attendance for staff members who are directly involved in the revitalization efforts in Detroit.

The Foundation’s initial announcement in September also included a $5.75 million Knight investment in the economic revitalization of Detroit as part of a partnership between federal and state government and local leaders to spur citywide transformation.

“This is a unique opportunity to support on-the-ground efforts in Detroit by investing in talent at organizations that are engaged in strengthening the city,” said Katy Locker, Knight Foundation program director in Detroit. “Skilled civic leadership is integral to bringing about a more vibrant future for our community.”

The Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan will administer and manager the capacity training program. The program will fund professional development opportunities up to $5,000 per employee.

“We know education and training are critical for success in every sector, so we try to ensure that nonprofit and public sector employees do not fall behind when times are lean and budgets for professional development dry up,” said Mariam C. Noland, president of the Community Foundation. “Those are the times when the performance of staff means the most and can have the greatest impact. Our region depends upon high-quality public and nonprofit talent.”

Some of the 26 organizations slated to share the $400,000 grant include:

  • Belle Isle Conservancy;
  • Community Development Advocates of Detroit;
  • Detroit Creative Corridor Center;
  • Detroit Economic Growth Corp;
  • Detroit Hispanic Development Corp; and,

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.