The DTE Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis. 

Foundation staff actively engage with nonprofit organizations, community partners, and philanthropic networks to assess current and emerging community needs. Through these conversations, Program Managers build relationships and assess whether an organization aligns with the Foundation’s strategies and priorities.  Program Managers will reach out to organizations directly if there is potential alignment. 

Only DTE Foundation staff may request a grant proposal from an organization. An invitation to apply is extended only after a relationship has been established and alignment has been confirmed by the program manager. 

At this time, there is no process to request or solicit an invitation to apply.  

The DTE Foundation does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals. 

Our funding primarily supports established organizations and ongoing programs that demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s strategy across six priority giving areas:  

• Arts & Culture – Funding is prioritized, but not limited to organizations that provide: 

• • Cultural Representation – projects that encourage broader participation in the arts by supporting work that elevates local and underrepresented artists, ensuring cultural experiences reflect the communities they serve 

• • Arts Access – projects that provide free or low‑cost, inclusive, and publicly accessible experiences that remove barriers such as cost, geography, and availability 

• Education & Employment –Funding is prioritized to organizations or programs that support underserved youth and adults in the following areas: 

• • Postsecondary Success – programs supporting foundational skills and targeted supports that enable underserved youth and adults to persist through postsecondary education and achieve sustained career outcomes 

• • Employment Pathways – programs and wraparound services that help underserved youth and adults remove barriers, earn credentials, access employment training, and connect to job opportunities 

• Community Transformation –Funding will be prioritized, but not limited to, organizations or initiatives that focus on placemaking and community safety  

• • Placemaking – Support micro, resident‑led projects in neighborhoods that beautify shared spaces, reflect community needs, and foster connection while creating clean, safe, and accessible public places 

• • Community Safety – Support place-based, community-rooted interventions that advance public safety by promoting stability and prevention through support of programs for youth ages 12–18 providing supervision, conflict management, and safe environments during high-risk hours, and animal welfare efforts that reduce stray populations, address cruelty risk factors, and keep pets in homes 

• Economic Progress – Funding will be prioritized, but not limited to, organizations or initiatives that focus on charitable community development, and small business resiliency 

• • Community Development – Support inclusive economic growth in disinvested communities by pairing sustainable development with charitable business attraction, building infrastructure-ready places that attract employers, create jobs, and reduce poverty and neighborhood decline, especially in rural areas 

• • Small Business Resiliency – Support entrepreneurship among traditionally excluded groups, providing education and technical assistance to strengthen small businesses and foster economic opportunity 

• Human Needs – Funding is prioritized, but not limited, to organizations that address essential human needs for vulnerable communities 

• • Food Security – Programs that increase access to food and reduce hunger through grocery distribution, meal services, or other food assistance efforts 

• • Shelter – Organizations that provide temporary shelter for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity 

• • Hardship Support – Organizations that provide essential items and emergency assistance, such as clothing or hygiene supplies, to individuals and families experiencing hardships 

• Environment – Funding is prioritized, but not limited, to environmental organizations that demonstrate a commitment to underserved and environmentally overburdened communities through the following focus areas: 

• • Habitat Restoration – Initiatives that restore damaged ecosystems, including reforestation, vacant lot restoration, and river or watershed rehabilitation 

• • Community Agriculture – Programs that connect communities to locally grown food while providing education on sustainable and resilient food systems 

• • Land Protection – Programs that preserve undeveloped land and promote equitable access to nature 

Yes, we support nonprofit programming that serves communities where DTE Energy has a business presence.   

• Projects that may result in undue personal benefit to a member of the DTE Energy Foundation board, or to any DTE Energy employee  

• Private foundation, as defined in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code 

• Individuals (including those seeking direct scholarships) 

• Political parties, organizations or activities 

• Religious organizations for religious (denominational) purposes 

• Organizations that are not able to demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity (clients, staff and board composition) 

• Student group trips 

• Projects that may result in undue personal benefit to a member of the DTE Energy Foundation board or to any DTE Energy employee 

• Conferences, unless they are where DTE Energy has a business presence  

• Hospitals, for building or equipment needs 

• Medical research or medical service delivery organizations 

• Energy related projects or initiatives 

• Capital campaigns or projects 

• Individual robotics, or sports teams 

The DTE Foundation funding is available through the following matching programs: 

McCarthy Grants - Available to employees, retirees, and long-term contractors (working a year or more at a DTE facility) who have volunteered for an organization located in communities where DTE has a business presence. ​ 

Matching Gifts – This program supports educational and cultural organizations. The DTE Foundation matches gifts from full-time, active employees, retirees, and board members to amplify their impact.​ 

United Way Campaign – This program provides a match across all employee and retiree donations during the annual United Way Campaign.