DETROIT – The DTE Energy Foundation announced the continuation of its successful Community Giving grant program, aimed at supporting community events throughout Michigan. The Community Giving initiative was introduced in 2017 as a pilot program and distributed hundreds of grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to community organizations in Michigan. Moving forward, the program will now serve as an annual feature of the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy.

The Community Giving grant program is focused on funding events that bring Michigan communities together and drive economic activity. From large events, such as the Michigan State Fair, to smaller community events like the River Country Logging Festival in Newaygo and the Grand Rapids Maker Faire, the Foundation is committed to providing programmatic and financial support to benefit the residents and organizations in the upper and lower peninsula.

“The DTE Energy Foundation takes great pride in supporting the diverse cultural events in our state that welcome and connect thousands of visitors through unique experiences,” said DTE Energy Foundation President Lynette Dowler. “We understand that these local events build community pride, draw visitors to the region and boost overall economic activity – outcomes that benefit our entire state.”

The following list includes many of the local events that received Community Giving grants in 2017:

  • Clark Park Summer Festival (Detroit)
  • Grand Rapids Maker Faire (Grand Rapids)
  • Hamtramck Labor Day Festival (Hamtramck)
  • Headwaters Music Festival (Gaylord)
  • Lapeer Summer Concert Series (Lapeer)
  • Michigan Lighthouse Festival (Ludington)
  • Michigan Peach Festival (Romeo)
  • Michigan State Fair (Novi)
  • Muskegon Polish Festival (Muskegon)
  • Oceana County Fair (Hart)
  • Paddle Antrim Festival (Bellaire)
  • Rally on the Raisin (Monroe)
  • River Country Logging Festival (Newaygo)
  • Rochester Arts & Apples Festival (Rochester)
  • Sparta Summer Celebration (Sparta)
  • St. Clair Jazzfest (St. Clair)
  • The Brooksie Way Races (Rochester Hills)
  • Thumbfest 2017 (Lexington)
  • UP State Fair of Michigan (Escanaba)
  • VillageFest (Grosse Pointe)

 “We believe that music, art and cultural events enrich communities. The Community Grant program provided us with a new way to connect with local event organizers statewide to help them draw visitors, showcase local restaurants and retail stores, and further build vibrant communities,” said Dowler. “We look forward to partnering with communities again this year to support the events that highlight all that Michigan has to offer.”

To learn more about DTE Energy Foundation’s mission and philanthropic efforts, go to our website at www.dteenergy.com/foundation.