FLINT, Mich. — The FlintNOW Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint has announced its first round of grant funding, totaling almost $1.6 million to support essential programs in the Flint community.
Created by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores in response to the Flint water crisis, the FlintNOW Fund seeks to strengthen the community by supporting economic growth, education access and overall well-being.
“Our partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint has stretched the impact of our giving,” Gores said. “What started as a response to a water crisis has now evolved into a tremendous grantmaking program that is delivering support in my hometown. These first round of grants will help these well-deserved organizations continue their mission to transform communities and create change for children and families of Flint.”
The grants support innovative programs designed to uplift Flint’s children, families and neighborhoods, according to Dan Kildee, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
“These grants exemplify the power of collaboration in addressing Flint’s most urgent needs while investing in our community’s future,” said Kildee.
Grant recipients include:
- Communities First, Inc. was awarded $120,000 for Safe Play at the Community Enrichment Center, providing recreational spaces for children in Flint’s MLK+ neighborhood.
- Vision to Learn received $300,000 over two years to bring vision care directly to Beecher and Flint students, removing barriers to learning.
- Michigan State University was granted $500,000 over two years for Rx Kids, which offers financial support to expectant mothers and infants in Flint, promoting early childhood health and equity.
- The Greater Flint Health Coalition secured $75,000 to expand Mid-Michigan CHAP, connecting families to essential pediatric healthcare.
- Motherly Intercession, Inc. received $100,000 over two years to strengthen Strengthening Family Villages, a program aiding families affected by incarceration.
- Child Care Network was awarded $150,000 over two years for Family Support Program 2025, helping Flint families access quality childcare.
- The Flint Institute of Music received $50,000 for Systems-Impacted Youth Therapy, supporting children affected by trauma and lead exposure.
- The R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center was granted $125,000 to expand the Northeast Flint Client Choice Pantry, providing fresh food to residents.
- The Salvation Army secured $75,000 over two years for the L.I.F.E. Center, offering free health and education programs for disadvantaged Beecher youth.
For more information about the FlintNOW Fund and its grant recipients click here.