Philanthropy Features

Can small ideas add up to big change for cities? 13 projects that prove they can (VIDEO)

Claire Nelson & John Notarianni Monday, September 15, 2014

Urban revitalization is not built on stadiums and skyscrapers alone. Vibrant cities begin with passionate people working on the ground, doing the creative heavy lifting to make their communities better. Leading up to Urban Innovation Exchange Sept. 24-26 in Detroit, we take a look at 13 small projects with big potential.

Business Must Do Good

Neil Tambe Thursday, October 10, 2013

Neil Tambe reflects on his own disillusionment with the profit-driven ethos predominant in business school and asks, "Can business do good?" He decides yes, it must.

From banking to changemaking: Chris Uhl reflects on his move to the Skillman Foundation

Chris Uhl Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Chris Uhl left the world of banking to join the Skillman Foundation (as a director, no less). Here he reflects on his reasons for making that life-changing decision to dedicate his life to changemaking.

Call for Ideas: Innovative ways to fund small-scale community projects?

Tunde Wey Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Detroit has very active foundations and corporations that invest millions of dollars in our community. Usually these funds are directed toward larger, established civic institutions and non-profit organizations with a demonstrated record of impact and success. But what if you have a new, untested idea to address a neighborhood need? How can we create more funding opportunities for smaller-scale but potentially transformative community projects?

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Philanthropy Videos

UIX: Portraits of Detroit Innovation

Doug Coombe Monday, September 15, 2014

For the last 3 years, UIX has been documenting the growing movement of artists, makers, entrepreneurs and innovators leading creative neighborhood transformation in Detroit. In this look back, photographer Doug Coombe shares some of the people, projects & places he has captured along the way. Want the full experience? Join us at #UIXDET Sept 24-26, 2014 in Detroit. Music: "Baptism" by Passalacqua, off their new album CHURCH.

VIDEO: Shaka Senghor at TEDxMidwest

TEDxMidwest Friday, March 28, 2014

Writer, teacher and MIT Media Fellow Shaka Senghor recently gave the last talk of Session 10 on "Passion" at TED2014, receiving a standing ovation from the national audience. While we wait for the footage, here's a video from Senghor's earlier talk at TEDxMidwest, which starts with a literal bang: When he was 19, he shot and killed another man. At the time, he was a young drug dealer “with a quick temper and a semi-automatic pistol.” Senghor says that the “23 years since have been a story of apology, acknowledgement and atonement.”

VIDEO: Tom Nardone

DETROIT LIVES! Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Tom Nardone, founder of the Detroit Mower Gang, doesn't really see himself as an innovator. He's just a guy who saw a need and a way to address it. While his "gang" has attracted the attention of visiting celebrities like Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, what gives him the most satisfaction is seeing kids playing on a swingset he just mowed around. Video by DETROIT LIVES!