2023 Rehmann Foundation Grant Recipients
TechTown
TechTown, a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Wayne State University, stands at the forefront of driving economic development in the city of Detroit. Their multifaceted approach includes business incubation, venture capital, and technology commercialization, making them a vital force in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the city.
At the Rehmann Foundation, we deeply value economic development and education as cornerstones for positive change in our communities. TechTown’s commitment to nurturing innovation aligns seamlessly with our core pillars, making our support for their efforts a natural and meaningful partnership. Together, we are contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering the next generation of leaders in Detroit. To learn more about TechTown and how you can get involved in their mission, click here.
The Konnection
Founded in 2020, The Konnection is dedicated to inspiring Detroit-based children and young adults to broaden their horizons through positive relationships and healthy connections. The Konnection’s focus — improving school performance and attendance — is achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes mentoring, after-school programs, career exploration, and travel opportunities.
The Rehmann Foundation is honored to support The Konnection, specifically by aiding its after-school program at Durfee Elementary-Middle School during the second half of the 2023-24 school year. Through our support, Durfee students will benefit from focused one-on-one or small-group instruction in a positive and supportive learning environment. The aim is to empower these students, providing them with the additional academic help needed to reach their highest learning potential. The Rehmann Foundation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and by supporting The Konnection, we are contributing to a brighter future for the young minds in our community. Click here to learn more about The Konnection and to see how you can get involved in their efforts.
Puertas Abiertas
Puertas Abiertas, meaning “Open Doors,” has been supporting the Latino community of West Michigan since 2019. This vital organization focuses on empowering Latina women and children in Kent County and the surrounding areas to live a self-sufficient, safe, and authentic life. In addition to health, wellness, and educational opportunities, Puertas Abiertas essential resources to victims and survivors of rural and urban domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking, sexual assault, and workplace discrimination.
The Rehmann Foundation stands in solidarity with Puertas Abiertas, recognizing the critical importance of its work. As an organization deeply committed to improving the lives of everyone in our community, we take immense pride in supporting Puertas Abiertas in its mission and knowing we are contributing to the safety and well-being of a vulnerable population. Together, we are opening doors to a safer, more secure future for Latina women in West Michigan. To learn more about Puertas Abiertas’ work and how you can get involved, click here.
NIA Centre of Grand Rapids
The NIA Centre of Grand Rapids is a beacon of cultural celebration and community empowerment. Through impactful programs focused on cultural arts, wealth building, entrepreneurship, and health awareness, NIA Centre is transforming lives in Grand Rapids and Kent County — and aspires to become a nationally recognized cultural center dedicated to celebrating Black excellence.
The Rehmann Foundation deeply values initiatives that improve communities through economic empowerment and education. Our support aims to provide essential business-centric technical assistance education to entrepreneurs facing challenges of high poverty rates, low incomes, and high unemployment. By empowering these businesses, we hope to ensure they and the NIA Centre have the necessary means and tools to continue uplift the lives of people in Kent County and beyond. Partnering with the NIA Centre aligns perfectly with our commitment to making positive and lasting. Click here to learn more about the NIA Centre of Grand Rapids.
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
Since 1949, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan has been a cornerstone in shaping the financial futures of young students throughout the region it serves, providing essential financial literacy education to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Its comprehensive programs, classroom instruction, mentoring, and field trips are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful money management and economic mobility.
As an organization that values education – and financial education, in particular — as a catalyst for positive change, the Rehmann Foundation recognizes the profound impact of Junior Achievement’s work. Its dedication to providing financial literacy education aligns with our commitment to nurturing informed, empowered, and financially independent citizens. By instilling sound money management habits and fostering a mindset of entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan is not only shaping individual futures but also contributing to the overall economic resilience of our shared community. To learn more about Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and how you can get involved, click here.
Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project
Since 2017, The Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project has been a positive force for change in the greater Grand Rapids community. With a dedicated focus on economic empowerment and family life, this nonprofit organization has been instrumental in transforming lives by addressing the core challenges low-income and underemployed individuals face — and providing them with the necessary training and tools to foster economic and career advancement.
The Rehmann Foundation is proud to support the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project in its mission to uplift the community. By investing in project initiatives, we are endorsing the nonprofit’s commitment to creating sustainable change. The support our foundation provides is intended to help the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project further develop and implement a comprehensive plan to empower its community members. We firmly believe in the power of education and training to break the cycle of poverty, and the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project shares this belief. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Nehemiah Project and its efforts to make a positive impact in their community, click here.
If you’d like to see f the current programs and accomplishments of the GRNP, check out the annual impact report.
Jeff Industries Inc.
For over 40 years, Jeff Industries Inc has been helping individuals with emotional and mental health challenges to live independently, learn coping and employment skills, and work to become sustainable members of their Palm Beach County, Florida, community. The organization’s mission goes beyond providing support; it empowers individuals, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to be self-sustainable. By offering comprehensive resources, including information about various mental health conditions and avenues for seeking help, Jeff Industries plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between awareness of and access to vital mental health services.
Through collaboration and support, the Rehmann Foundation aims to bolster the efforts of Jeff Industries in several key areas — from providing essential health education and fostering social networks to offering peer-to-peer mental-health support services. The Rehmann Foundation is honored to support Jeff Industries create a supportive ecosystem that enables individuals in our shared community to thrive more independently. To learn more about Jeff Industries and how you can get involved, click here.
