Detroit is a city shaped by people who don’t wait for change – they build it. That determination is alive and thriving through the NOF/ARPA grants, a funding opportunity focused on restoring hope and investing in organizations doing the work on the ground. These grants are designed for nonprofits serving Detroit’s low- and moderate-income residents – those hit hardest by the pandemic and most often left out of traditional funding systems.
At the center of this initiative is Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross and her team at SP Grace. As both the grant administrator and technical assistance provider, SP Grace is responsible not only for managing the funds but also for building the confidence, clarity, and capacity of the organizations applying. The goal is clear: to help nonprofits not only access funding but also use it to strengthen their foundation and scale their mission.
Training That Builds Capacity, Not Just Compliance
The technical assistance that SP Grace offers isn’t just about checking boxes – it’s about building confidence and systems that last. With a range of upcoming sessions, awardees and nonprofit leaders have access to coaching and workshops tailored to real-world nonprofit challenges. From fundraising and marketing to cybersecurity and compliance, the sessions are designed to meet organizations where they are and help them grow stronger from the inside out.
Workshops like “Strong Start, Smart Strategy” introduce leaders to the basics of funding requirements while helping them map out scenarios for sustainability. “Networking for Growth, Power, and Capital” moves beyond icebreakers and teaches nonprofits how to build relationships that drive impact. In a city where tech literacy can be the difference between stagnation and growth, sessions like “Protect the Mission & Power the Work” guide participants through cybersecurity, digital tools, and the role of AI in nonprofit operations.
“I noticed a recurring pattern in leadership development,” Dr. Carmen explains. “Many programs focus solely on skills and strategies but miss the crucial element of personal connection and meaning.” That insight is now a cornerstone of SP Grace’s philosophy. “At SP Grace, we help leaders align their practices with their values and what’s important to them and their organizations.”
Three Organizations Making a Local Difference
Since the NOF/ARPA grant cycle began, 67 organizations have received funding, with additional organizations expected to receive funding soon. Most grantees receive between $10,000 and $20,000, which is used to expand services that meet urgent community needs. These grants aren’t theoretical – they’re tangible tools for real Detroiters navigating the long-term effects of COVID-19.
The Dominican Literacy Center is one example. Based in Detroit, the organization offers one-on-one tutoring and small group classes for adults seeking to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. With the help of NOF/ARPA funding, they plan to provide 100 hours of instruction across reading, math, ESL, and GED prep. The expected outcomes are clear and measurable: fifty percent of learners will demonstrate educational gains, ten will earn their GED, and all will improve their tech literacy, equipping them to be stronger parents, workers, and citizens.
At WJP Urban Farms, funding supports the expansion of the “Kiddie Garden” program, an initiative that teaches children the principles of organic farming, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. With over 700 students expected to engage in hands-on agricultural learning this year, WJP Urban Farms isn’t just growing food – it’s growing the next generation of resilient Detroiters who understand how to care for their environment and their health.
In East Canfield Village, the Canfield Consortium is bringing neighbors together through public art, revitalizing green spaces, and improving infrastructure. Their program, Canfield Connect, aims to increase access and mobility by developing safe walking paths while enhancing community pride through beautification projects and mural installations. For residents of all ages and abilities, this work is not just about aesthetics – it’s about safety, dignity, and belonging.
Resilient Roots, Real Results
The strength of the NOF/ARPA grant program lies in more than the dollar amount awarded. It’s in how the process is structured to support the whole organization, not just their project goals, but their capacity to lead, adapt, and grow.
Eligibility requirements are clear: organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a fiscal sponsor, be in good standing with the state, and demonstrate a clear, COVID-relevant community need. Beyond eligibility, the program prioritizes areas like education, public safety, youth programs, health, and accessibility. Every application must include a defined scope of work, measurable outcomes, and a budget that is reasonable and sensible.
Even organizations that don’t receive funding can attend select training sessions, helping them strengthen their foundation and apply again in the future. It’s a deliberate strategy to grow the ecosystem, not just fund it.
For Dr. Carmen, this work has never been just about paperwork or process – it’s about people. “We want every organization we touch to feel seen, supported, and capable of delivering the impact they know is possible,” she says. “Our job is to help clear the path so they can focus on what they do best – serving their communities.”
For updates on future sessions and how to get involved, visit spgrace.com/nof-arpa.
About SP Grace
SP Grace is a woman-owned small business founded by Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross, a distinguished leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in professional development and organizational transformation. The company specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, and workforce readiness programs that address the entire career lifecycle. They also offer strategic guidance for students looking to get an edge that helps them stand out in a crowded landscape as they navigate the highly competitive college admissions process. Through customized training programs, technical assistance, and strategic consulting, SP Grace has helped numerous organizations and individuals achieve breakthrough results in leadership effectiveness and professional growth. Dr. Bell-Ross’s unique approach combines her expertise in organizational psychology with practical leadership strategies, making SP Grace a trusted partner for organizations seeking meaningful transformation. For more information, visit spgrace.com.
