Features

Feature Story Robyn and Melissa Childers, owners of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness.

LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Metro Detroit you should know about

In celebration of Pride Month, here are some businesses owned by folks in the LGBTQ+ community that you should check out.

Longform Making connections at Dinan Park.

How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington

“That keystone moment of creating Riley Park has led downtown Farmington down the direction of creating this network of other cool little public nodes, like Dinan Park and the Masonic park, and connecting them,” says John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County.

Feature Story Randi Rossario Maples holding her newly launched book "Sis I Get It!"

Detroit influencer's new book, “Sis, I Get It” explores black girl empowerment and sisterhood

Randi Rossario Maples, Detroit's most followed influencer, has authored several books focusing on co-parenting and the art of goal setting. In her latest publication, “Sis, I Get It!” which hit the shelves last month, delves into themes such as establishing boundaries in friendships, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey of discovering one's voice.

Development News The city’s African American Coalition hosts their 4th annual event on Thursday, June 19, with free activities planned throughout the day at the Sterling Heights Public Library and Dodge Park.

Juneteenth event expands to all-day celebration in Sterling Heights

"Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our shared journey toward freedom and justice," says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Development News The Clinton River at Budd Park.

Placemaking projects, caregivers, and youth sports latest to benefit from Detroit area endowment

“From transportation for caregivers and construction of an accessible nature trail, to coaching for girls field hockey and inclusive theater performances, these grants demonstrate the positive impact that can happen when donors, philanthropy, communities and nonprofits work together,” says Community Foundation President Nicole Sherard-Freeman.

Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Feature Story Shed 5 Flea Bowls

Shed 5 Flea returns to Eastern Market for its 9th season

This summer, the Shed 5 Flea event series returns to Eastern Market to bring local vendors and food trucks for the community. The events will be held throughout the season on June 8, July 13, and August 10, 2025.

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Feature Story Friends of the Rouge Fish

What the Friends of the Rouge are doing to fight water pollution and connect communities

In an industrialized area like Metro Detroit, connecting communities to nature can be challenging. Friends of the Rouge are working on strategies to engage people with their local watershed and keep the river healthy for future generations.

Feature Story Shelley and Greg McArthur, co-founders and owners of NTL Industries, Inc. celebrate their 2025 National Small Business Persons of the Year award.

Sterling Heights businesses collect bevy of awards in contests both local and national

On the doorstep of summer, Sterling Heights businesses have already put an exclamation point on the year as accolades and awards have flooded the business community and, in turn, the city itself.

Development News A Vincent van Gogh reproduction from the DIA in downtown Farmington in 2022.

These communities have been selected to host DIA masterworks in public spaces

“Seeing art in the community is just one way we hope people will connect with our collection,” says Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Engagement at the DIA.

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Feature Story Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, February 2025

How Michigan nonprofits are navigating federal uncertaintyNonprofit Journal Project

Michigan nonprofits are facing uncertainty as federal funding streams fluctuate and administrative support wanes. The Michigan Nonprofit Association is helping organizations navigate this instability through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Longform Spring has sprung in downtown Farmington.

New businesses begin to bloom as spring has sprung in downtown Farmington

Spring has sprung in downtown Farmington, where flowers and new businesses continue to bloom with vim and vigor.

Development News "This is a great example of transforming a purely functional space into a piece of public art,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

Gateway project nears fundraising deadline in its effort to unite Detroit, Oak Park, and Southfield

"This is a great example of transforming a purely functional space into a piece of public art,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

Development News “These enhancements reflect our long-term commitment to building a more sustainable Sterling Heights,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor.

Community Garden opens at Nelson Park with improvements 'as engaging as they are practical'

“These enhancements reflect our long-term commitment to building a more sustainable Sterling Heights,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor.

Longform Labrea Robinson with her daughter Amarrah.

Oakland County residents give back to family, community, and more after experiencing homelessness

After finding housing, people who've experienced homelessness frequently seek to further stabilize their lives, better support their families, and give back to their communities. Here are a few of their stories.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.