О нас

We're relaunching the chapter after a 8 year hiatus! Now accepting applications for review on March 22, 2026.

About Us The Detroit Awesome Foundation is the local chapter of the Boston-based micro-philanthropic organization, the Awesome Foundation. We award a $1,000 grant every month to a group or individual working to make an impact in our community. These micro-grants come out of the pockets of the chapter's "trustees" – awesome individuals just like you who want to see Detroit become even awesomer than it already is! Grants are given on a no-strings-attached basis. We fund one project per month from what can be a large pool of applicants, so don't be discouraged if your project isn't funded, and feel free to apply again for future projects!

Anyone can apply. Yep, even you! Don’t worry if you’ve never applied for a grant. You do not need to be a non-profit or formal organization.

HOW WE WORK Every month, trustees review applications submitted from the previous month. As a result, it may take up to six weeks for us to consider and respond to grant applications. We then come together to discuss applications. We look through photos, follow shared links, and give impassioned speeches about which awesome application is most awesomest. We then vote on the spot, and our local dean follows up soon after with the winner to issue the grant. No reporting is required, but we always love updates. Specifically, we ask that you attend our meeting the following month to present your project, answer some curiosity-minded questions, and receive your grant.

WHAT WE FUND

Where: We prioritize projects in the City of Detroit, but may consider projects in Metro-Detroit if the reach and impact align.

Topics: We support projects and causes of all types, including art, culture, music, community, education, environment, animal welfare, human rights, diversity, and community events.

Impact: We favor grant proposals with a clear articulation of how the money will be used to make an impact in your community. Especially if it is something that would not be possible without this funding, rather than our grant being just a small contribution to a larger fundraising campaign. It's a big help to us when an applicant can clearly articulate what our mini-grant would make possible.

Who: We’ve funded individuals, collectives, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations, regardless of nonprofit status or formal organization.

WHAT WE DON’T FUND

Business costs: there are a lot of seed funding opportunities out there.

Personal creative projects: - sorry, we can’t fund your novel, or pay your rent, bills, travel, supplies, stipends, or limited scholarships.

-Individual education or training.

-General operating funds for nonprofits.

ADDITIONAL TIPS -Be sure to describe how your project will make your community more awesome.

-Break down how you will spend the grant. Is this budget part of a larger fundraising effort, or will $1,000 get your project off the ground?

-Have partners? Let us know if you’re working with anyone to make your awesome project possible.

-We prefer to support projects where our $1,000 makes a difference - either enabling a project that might not otherwise happen, or supporting an individual or group that may otherwise be overlooked or not fit within more traditional funding and grant opportunities.

-Finally, equity and inclusion aren’t just words for us. We’re committed to supporting those on the ground working to make their communities more fair and just.

Questions? Email us at detroit@awesomefoundation.org