The DTE Energy Foundation has awarded eight Michigan-based nonprofits each a $10,000 grant and the option for DTE employee volunteers. The Your Cause, Your Choice contest is one way the company is demonstrating its commitment to community investment and development, committing energy to the community and building upon a long and proud history of employee volunteerism and charitable giving.
“DTE Energy and the DTE Energy Foundation are focused on being a force for good in communities across Michigan where we live and serve,” said Lynette Dowler, vice president of public affairs at DTE and president of the DTE Foundation. “The pandemic has required us to reimagine the ways we mobilized our team in support of our customers and communities, and the Your Cause, Your Choice contest is just one example of how we expanded our commitment to helping communities on a grassroots level. It’s our hope that these grants and volunteers can bolster the winning nonprofits, helping them expand their missions.”
The Your Cause, Your Choice contest launched in June through which Michigan-based nonprofits throughout DTE Energy service territories were nominated by DTE employees. Eligible nonprofits were then opened to public voting.
“We are honored to receive a grant from the DTE Foundation and volunteers from DTE Energy,” said Erin Maten, executive director at Northville Art House (NAH), Inc. “This past year and a half has been a group effort between our staff, volunteer boards, NAH members and community business partners to fulfill our mission here in Northville. We are looking forward to having DTE volunteers onsite during our monthly, Live @ 5 Artists Receptions, which are outreach youth programs in the community, along with our annual summer Arts & Acts Festival in 2022.”
Listed are the winners and their missions:
- Christy’s Legacy Of Hope in Taylor, MI
- Christy’s Legacy Of Hope aims to put smiles on children’s faces throughout the world that have not been blessed with parents.
- Downriver for Veterans in Wyandotte, MI
- Downriver for Veterans is dedicated to enhancing the pride and patriotism in all Michiganders by building a stronger, more supportive community around those who served.
- Soroptimist of Trenton Area in Trenton, MI
- Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
- Sparrow Freedom Project in New Hudson, MI
- The mission of the Sparrow Freedom Project is to build a survivor community to support and empower exploited and trafficked individuals on their journey to achieving independence through services and prevention.
- Motor City Mitten Mission in St. Clair Shores, MI
- The Motor City Mitten Mission is dedicated to helping the homeless, the needy, the sick and those striving for a better way of life while educating, partnering and collaborating with other organizations, schools, churches, clubs and businesses.
- Northville Art House in Northville, MI
- Northville Art House Inc. is an art facility where over 20,000 artists and community patrons come together annually to gain exposure and appreciation for the visual arts, experiment and learn art techniques, and unleash their imagination and self-expression in exciting ways.
- Colors of Heroes in Rosebush, MI
- Colors of Heroes is dedicated to rebuilding confidence for combat wounded veterans and gold star families through new relationships and outdoor adventures.
- 22 2 None in Mancelona, MI
- 22 2 None’s goal is to stop the inconceivable number of veterans who take their own lives by reaching out and supporting those who have sacrificed themselves for this country and now fight a daily inner battle with demons no one can see.