Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc. (CFI), a Flint headquartered nonprofit, was recently awarded a $40,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation. CFI was 1 of the 17 new community partners for the 2022 funding cycle.
“Integrated throughout nearly all The Children’s Foundation’s work is the intention to create healthier, more equitable communities,” said Lawrence J. Burns, president & CEO of The Children’s Foundation.
“Our new partnership with CFI helps achieve that goal in an area of the state that has a great need for increased access to resources, programming and community,” Burns added.
When added to its previous 2022 grant cycle, the Foundation has awarded $7 million to support projects in community benefit, research and educational pillars. To date, the Foundation has granted $80 million to more than 160 community partners in Michigan and beyond.
Communities First will use grant funds to support physical improvements to its Community Enrichment Center (CEC) in North Flint. Once redeveloped, the facility will include on-site amenities that respond to various social determinants of health and family wealth building.
“CFI takes a holistic approach to enhancing children and their families’ health by providing quality opportunities in a safe and supportive environment” said Glenn Wilson, president and CEO of Communities First.
“Our vision for the site is to redevelop the CEC into a multi-use facility focused on improving the economic and social mobility of families,” Wilson added. “When activated, features like the large auditorium will offer ongoing programming and informal opportunities focused on building community, strengthening social networks and improving access to resources.
Like-minded organizations, including local health care providers and community service agencies and nonprofits, are invited to connect with Communities First to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
About Communities First, Inc. (CFI)
Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.
