Macomb County is a desirable place to live for many reasons – one of them being that people are willing to think outside the box to get things done or provide services that residents might need.
Among the groups that support this progressive way of thinking is Advancing Macomb.
Now, thanks to a $118,000 grant from Ralph C.Wilson Jr. Foundation this conduit for collaborative community solutions can do even more.
“We are extremely grateful to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation for this generous grant,” said Brian Pilarski, board chair of Advancing Macomb in a news release. “This funding will help us expand our reach and impact throughout Macomb County and set us up for continued success in 2024.”
As Jim Boyle, vice president of programs and communications points explained, Advancing Macomb plays a pivotal role within the nonprofit sector of Macomb County. But not only through its support of nonprofit organizations but through its work to connect them to like minded businesses and individuals who can advance their ideas and goals for the communities they serve.
“We are excited to contribute to their growth as they continue their coordinating efforts to strengthen the nonprofit community in the region,” Boyle said.
In 2023, Advancing Macomb continued to invigorate communities and build the nonprofit infrastructure in Macomb County. Highlights include:
• Launching the inaugural Community Engagement Summit at Macomb Community College as part of a broader initiative to strengthen Macomb County communities. This kick-off event, attended by business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit leaders and community residents, served to inspire investment in emotionally engaging citizen-led projects that enhance the county and region’s quality of life and economic vitality. The summit served as the launch to a broader plan for Advancing Macomb leadership to work with Macomb County cities and townships to bring community-building ideas to life.
• Celebrating a successful first year of Breaking Barriers to Play, a program that levels the playing field and makes recreation accessible and affordable to youth and families in underserved communities in Macomb County. Over the past year, 600 kids have participated in Breaking Barriers to Play camps and leagues. The program has expanded beyond Mount Clemens to serve youth in the City of Fraser. Programming will also be offered to students in the Clintondale School District in the fall of 2023.
• Growing the Advancing Macomb Nonprofit Roundtable, a monthly forum for nonprofit leaders to seek and provide feedback, brainstorm solutions, learn new strategies and identify collaboration areas. The Advancing Macomb Nonprofit Roundtable has grown from 20 to 80 organizations strong and continues to expand. It has connected nonprofits to valuable resources, introduced members directly to funders and addressed important issues in the nonprofit sector.
“Our board members, community leaders, sponsors and donors have helped us gain significant momentum this year to support our mission,” said Pilarski. “Their support is critical in helping us transform our vision for Macomb County into a reality.”
For more information about Advancing Macomb, visit advancingmacomb.com.
