Design Detroit Spaces for Early Learners is currently closed for funding. Watch for new children’s spaces in a neighborhood near you!
This grant is intended to encourage grassroots community groups and stakeholders to develop outdoor spaces for public use, specifically for young children ages newborn to age 8 and their families and caregivers. This opportunity provides resources for groups to imagine, design and improve vacant lots, underused parks and other assessable land in communities for young children and families’ safe, developmentally appropriate activities and enjoyment. Grantees can also use resources to develop spaces for expectant and nursing parents.
Your implemented design ideas will serve as not only hubs that inspire imagination, creativity, early learning and positive early childhood development but also signal Detroit resident’s commitment to supporting young children.
Groups can apply for funds ranging from $500 to $10,000 to develop neighborhood spaces for activities and environments suitable for children ages 0-8 and their caregivers. Community Connections will provide support to build group’s capacity to ensure your space’s safety, design integrity, and sustainability.
We encourage groups to apply with their creative ideas. Groups and organizations with access to space are encouraged to contact program staff to discuss ideas for their space and receive assistance.
Community Connections has devised a platform to link philanthropy to ordinary citizens, giving them a chance to achieve extraordinary results. We believe people closest to the problems are best suited to identify and implement solutions. A community panel representative of grantees will meet to discuss and review grants monthly to respond quickly to grant requests.
GUIDELINES
- 1) Groups must be able to demonstrate control of designated spaces via ownership, leasing or other contract arrangement.
- 2) We encourage groups to seek input from community residents, particularly families with young children who might use the space.
- 3) Groups may apply for one grant to design and develop one space.
- 4) Consider what the space will be used for and how it will support children ages 0-8 and their caregivers and include that in your grant proposal.
- 5) Groups are encouraged to consider how the space will be maintained over time.
- 6) Talk to Community Connections before you apply to ensure your design idea supports children and families.
