As Black History Month unfolds, Gilbert Family Foundation is spotlighting its year-round commitment to the Detroit community, with a focus on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering economic empowerments for all.
But as a nearly 80% Black city, you can’t talk about Detroit’s past, present or future without talking about its Black residents.
“They have built the city, driven its industries and shaped its culture, but have often been excluded from the economic benefits of that work,” said Darnell Adams, Gilbert Family Foundation’s Vice President of Detroit Community Initiatives.
That means working with partners to create programs and inform systems that ensure that Detroiters -- regardless of their background, race or economic status -- have the tools to build wealth and stability that will last for generations to come.
“The racial wealth gap in Detroit is persistent,” said Adams. “We know that Detroit’s success depends on ensuring all residents have real access to homeownership, business opportunities and thriving cultural spaces. That’s what our work is about.”
Tackling housing instability
Opportunity begins at home, which is why stable housing is core to Gilbert Family Foundation’s investments in Detroit. Through initiatives like the Detroit Tax Relief Fund and Detroit Eviction Defense Fund, Gilbert Family Foundation is protecting families from displacement.
The organization also supports a network of housing service providers in Detroit who provide assistance with the City of Detroit’s Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program.
“The HOPE program helps eligible residents reduce or eliminate their property tax burden, ensuring families who qualify are not pushed into tax foreclosure due to unaffordable tax bills,” Adams said. “By pairing the Detroit Tax Relief Fund with HOPE outreach, we are not just helping Detroiters clear past debts, we are keeping them in their homes for the future.”
Through on-the-ground assistance, education and direct support, these investments help Detroit families gain access to the tools needed to maintain generational wealth and housing stability.
“The proof is in the people,” Adams said. “I’ve met homeowners who were facing tax foreclosure, often because of unfair tax assessments dating back years, who can now breathe again because of the Detroit Tax Relief Fund.”
Supporting Black farmers and entrepreneurs
Recently, Gilbert Family Foundation made a $1.5M investment into Eastern Market, a historic hub for Detroit’s food economy. With a rich history dating back to 1891, the market has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s cultural and economic landscape. Gilbert Family Foundation’s investment aims to help Detroit’s urban farmers scale their businesses.
Over the last decade, the food system has undergone radical change, as more consumers demand local, healthier and distinctive food products. Eastern Market has played a key role in promoting entrepreneurism across economic classes.
In its long history, new immigrants have found their economic footing as vendors at the market, which aims to continue to develop in a way that ensures traditionally underrepresented populations are key participants in the growth.
This effort, along with the help of Gilbert Family Foundation, is helping to create quality jobs in Detroit’s neighborhoods.
“I know the good that will come from our investment in Eastern Market, where Detroit farmers, who historically had fewer opportunities to secure prime market space for manufacturing and storage of their goods, are now setting up shop, increasing their revenue and creating job opportunities for other Detroiters,” Adams said.
Eastern Market’s authenticity and economic democracy are central to its success. The market’s ability to foster economic democracy and conviviality can also be leveraged as food processing and distribution businesses relocate to adjacent sites.
Bridging the tech gap
Gilbert Family Foundation also supports Black Tech Saturdays (BTS), a fast-growing organization that describes itself as “the premier network for Black professionals and entrepreneurs in tech.”
Black Tech Saturdays aims to break down barriers that have historically excluded Black professionals from the tech industry and create opportunities that empower Black tech communities nationwide to close the racial gap.
Adams said there’s a great amount of energy and community spirit at the learning and networking events hosted by BTS, where entrepreneurs and technologists can find support and resources to build businesses in Detroit.
“These events break down barriers, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to make sure the next wave of innovation isn’t just happening in Detroit, but that it’s intentionally including and centering Detroit’s majority Black community.”
Cultivating Black arts and entrepreneurship
The Seed & Bloom Fund is a program launched by the Gilbert Family Foundation and United States Artists in 2024. The initiative provides capital, networking opportunities and strategic mentorship to Black artists and arts organizations based in Detroit neighborhoods.
“This fund ensures that the arts community isn’t just surviving but has the opportunity to thrive in Detroit.” Adams said. “By recognizing the value of this ecosystem, Detroit has a real opportunity to harness the talent of its arts community and transform it into an economic engine that strengthens the local economy.”
[Related: Gilbert foundation commits $1.5M to support BIPOC-led Detroit arts organizations, artists]
Over the course of three years, 10 minority artists receive $150,000 and technical support to help them identify their objectives and pathways to growth, sustainability and success.
“We are truly grateful to be seen and felt in the Detroit community by the residents and Gilbert Family Foundation,” said Asia Hamilton, Seed & Bloom fund grantee and founder of Norwest Gallery. “We are excited to use this incredible opportunity to expand this work, building a legacy for artists of the future to experience and continue for generations to come.”
A vision for the future
Adams said there is a simple truth to adhere to: Systemic barriers require systemic solutions.
“Our approach is not about one-time grants or short-term fixes; it’s about changing the systems that have kept too many Detroiters locked out of economic opportunity. We listen first to the needs of the families we work with.”
He said this is done through conversations with residents, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and Gilbert Family Foundation’s nonprofit partners to better understand real challenges and build real solutions that work.
“We’re not just funding programs for a year or two; we’re making multi-year, sustainable investments in housing, economic mobility and cultural spaces to ensure lasting impact.”
The Foundation actively seeks out and works to dismantle the economic barriers that have existed in Detroit for generations, whether that’s through policy advocacy, funding access or programmatic interventions.
“Detroiters aren’t looking for a handout; they’re looking for fair access to wealth-building opportunities, and we’re committed to making sure they get it.”
To explore more about the Gilbert Family Foundation’s impactful work, visit the website here.