Grantmaking
In 2016, Flint native Tom Gores, who is chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, launched FlintNOW, a $10 million private sector campaign to support short- and long-term relief and revitalization initiatives in response to the Flint water crisis.
In the years that followed, FlintNOW cultivated relationships with dozens of key stakeholders and deployed financial and operational resources to create and support programs in Flint focused on immediate relief, healthy food and nutrition, education, and long-term economic revitalization. FlintNOW partnerships included a $25 million economic development program launched with Huntington Bank, a healthy foods initiative created with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and the National Basketball Players Association and the creation of the Flint Promise scholarship program. Gores and the FlintNOW campaign provided millions of dollars in support to the Flint Kids Fund, the United Way of Genesee County, the American Red Cross, Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Vision to Learn.
To continue the work of the FlintNOW campaign, in 2023 Gores allocated $3 million to create the FlintNOW Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. The fund provides grants to organizations focused on education, community development, nutrition, and healthcare initiatives in the Flint community.
- Promote Education: investment in educational programs and initiatives to empower individuals and build a brighter future for Flint's youth
- Support Community Development: to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, contributing to a thriving Flint economy
- Enhance Community Wellness: support initiatives that promote health, safety, and overall community wellness
Organization | Purpose | Grant Amount |
| Communities First, Inc. | To support Safe Play at the Community Enrichment Center. This program provides safe recreational spaces and equipment for children in the MLK+ neighborhood on Flint’s Northside, fostering a safe and supportive environment for local families. | $120,000 |
| Vision to Learn | To support At-School Access to Vision Care for Beecher/Flint Area Students. By delivering essential vision care services directly in schools, this program removes barriers to learning and promotes educational success for students in Flint and Beecher. | $300,000 over two years |
| Michigan State University | To advance the Rx Kids: Prenatal and Infant Allowances initiative. This innovative program provides all expectant mothers and infants in Flint with direct financial support, including a one-time prenatal allowance of $1,500 and monthly allowances of $500 for infants through their first year. By supporting mothers and infants, this initiative promotes health, equity, and opportunity from the earliest stages of life. | $500,000 over two years |
| Greater Flint Health Coalition | To expand Mid-Michigan CHAP, a program that coordinates access to health services for children, helping families secure well visits, preventive care, and developmental support. This program aims to improve health outcomes for Flint’s children and reduce healthcare costs. | $75,000 |
| Motherly Intercession, Inc. | To strengthen the Strengthening Family Villages program, which provides support for families impacted by incarceration. Through this initiative, families in Flint gain access to essential resources and support networks that promote positive outcomes for parents and children. | $100,000 over two years |
| InvolvedDad | To continue DIALOGUE Year 2, a two-generation program focused on health and well-being. This program equips Flint’s youth and families with tools for resilience and empowers service providers to build stronger family connections. | $100,000 over two years |
| Child Care Network Washtenaw Regional 4C | To support the Family Support Program 2025, which expands access to high-quality childcare for Flint families. By providing financial assistance for childcare, this program enables parents to pursue education and employment while ensuring their children are safe and well cared for. | $150,000 over two years |
| Flint Institute of Music | To support Systems-Impacted Youth Therapy, a program that uses therapeutic approaches to address the effects of trauma, neglect, and lead exposure on Flint’s youth. This initiative promotes healing and resilience among young people, empowering them to build brighter futures. | $50,000 |
| R.L. Jones Community Outreach | To expand the Northeast Flint Client Choice Pantry Project, which offers Flint residents access to fresh food in a respectful and empowering way. This model supports food security while honoring individual preferences and reducing waste. | $125,000 |
| The Salvation Army | To support the L.I.F.E. Center, which offers free health, fitness, and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in the Beecher community. This initiative supports healthy lifestyles and positive development for young people in Beecher. | $75,000 over two years |
