Features

Development News “CVF and Christian Financial have a similar origin story as we were born to meet the needs of everyday people who embraced a common faith and evolved to a more inclusive structure serving all the communities where we operate,” says Patricia Campbell,

Sterling Heights and Livonia credit unions plan merger that creates new opportunities for growth

“CVF and Christian Financial have a similar origin story as we were born to meet the needs of everyday people who embraced a common faith and evolved to a more inclusive structure serving all the communities where we operate,” says Patricia Campbell, President and CEO of Christian Financial Credit Union.

Development News The award-winning Farmington Farmers Market, a warm weather destination in Oakland County.

Oakland County seeks public input as it looks to develop strategic plan for boosting tourism

“This strategic plan will help us build on our county’s strengths and ensure Oakland County remains an inviting destination for visitors,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It also gives us a chance to support and promote our local businesses, cultural institutions and outdoor recreation.”

Development News A crowded house for the 2023 Cultural Exchange.

Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange offers a chance to celebrate community

The Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange gathers the diverse array of cultures, communities, and ethnic backgrounds that form together to make the city what it is today.

Development News The First Baptist Church was organized in 1826 and remains in service today, operating out of a building that was first built in 1861. Where that building sits is the original Quaker settlement that grew to become Farmington, Michigan.

History organizations offered grants to exhibit Michigan history as part of U.S. Semiquincentennial

"This is an incredible opportunity to invest in local history," says Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center.

Partner Content Gala Banner

Gala rocks and raises funds to advocate for autistic Michiganders

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) Michigan Shines for Autism Gala, its largest fundraiser, will rock Detroit’s Motor City Casino Hotel on April 25, 2025 with “an electrifying evening blending a black-tie event with a rebellious twist.” 

Feature Story Macomb nonprofit leaders gather at Advancing Macomb's Nonprofit Roundtable to network

Advancing Macomb connects local changemakers with solutions for lasting impactNonprofit Journal Project

In Macomb County, collaboration is driving meaningful change. Advancing Macomb connects nonprofits, businesses and public entities to strengthen communities, boost resources, and support nonprofit sustainability through partnerships.  

Feature Story Hazel Park's past and future are represented in Zach Curtis's new mural aside the Hazel Park Library.

How these programs are making it easier to grow up – and age in place – in Hazel Park

“The Hazel Park Promise Zone plays a vital role in opening doors to higher education by helping break down financial barriers and providing the tools students need to succeed,” says Mike McFall, state Representative for Michigan’s 14th district.

Feature Story “It's important we act now to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more resilient community for future generations,” says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Ahead of the curve: How Sterling Heights aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

“The Climate Action Plan positions Sterling Heights as a leader in sustainability,” says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “It's important we act now to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more resilient community for future generations.”

Development News “The Circular Economy Grants fund innovation and collaboration to reimagine the reuse and recycling of materials,” says Matt Flechter, recycling markets specialist with EGLE.

Innovators in Michigan's circular economy win big grants in Detroit, Southfield, Wixom, and more

“The Circular Economy Grants fund innovation and collaboration to reimagine the reuse and recycling of materials,” says Matt Flechter, recycling markets specialist with EGLE.

Feature Story Culinary students in Zaman International's training kitchen

In the kitchen with Kim: Immigrants, refugees and other women find a path and purpose at ZamanNonprofit Journal Project

Developing self-confidence and culinary skills are key to Zaman International's culinary program for women who are immigrants or refugees or face other barriers to employment.

Feature Story Shiawassee Basin Preserve

Springfield Twp. Parks and Recreation collaborates with Oakland County to preserve natural assetsNonprofit Journal Project Feature

“Once those ecosystems are lost, they can’t be recreated,” says Sarah Richmond of Springfield Township Parks and Recreation. The township collaborates with Oakland County Parks on projects to steward land in northern Oakland County.  

Feature Story “We’re not just investors with a bunch of money trying to capture revenue. We are a real family-owned business that’s working hard at supporting ours and other families,” says Rick Fandakly, co-owner of Boozy's Bar & Grill in Hazel Park.

Hazel Park's newest business hopes to spark a more robust commercial corridor in city's South End

“We’re not just investors with a bunch of money trying to capture revenue. We are a real family-owned business that’s working hard at supporting ours and other families,” says Rick Fandakly, co-owner of Boozy's Bar & Grill in Hazel Park.

Development News The 13th annual Macomb Business Awards is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, at the AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights.

Sterling Heights theater to play host to the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards this May

“This event is one of the County’s largest celebrations of local businesses and organizations, and this year’s program will be unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Vicky Rowinski, director of the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.

Feature Story Boozy's, Hazel Park

PHOTOS: Inside the new Hazel Park eatery

A new bar and grill in the heart of Hazel Park is the brainchild of Rick Fandakly and Marvin Putrus. Busy weekends find the bar serving up pub favorites like sliders, tacos, flatbreads, and sharables. Spinach and artichoke dip, anyone?

Longform Sean Wolski at his home in Royal Oak. Wolski was inspired to advocate for more housing in Oakland County after struggling to buy a house himself.

From zoning reform to fair market rent, what policies would ease Oakland County's housing crisis?

We talked to homeowners, nonprofit leaders, and government officials about what local, state, and federal policy changes would help address the county's housing shortage and boost affordability.

Feature Story A box of Lekker Chócó Treats chocolate-covered strawberries.

Black-owned foodie businesses you should know about, and try

This month we are celebrating Black history by looking to our future-makers. Here are some Black-owned businesses driving our foodie scene (and giving us some great Valentine's gift ideas!).

Feature Story Program leader for GiGi's Kitchen gives directions to participants to prepare food and teach the importance of health and wellness

Volunteers provide all-ages support to people with Down syndromeNonprofit Journal Project

Volunteers do “all of the magic” at GiGi’s Playhouse, an achievement center with developmental and recreational programs for people with Down syndrome.

Feature Story Yoga with Cats

Yoga with cats brings the mental health we need right now

Yoga with goats got us through a pandemic, but now there's a new fur-friendly option happening in Ferndale. Yoga classes with cats are taking off, and it's just the zen we've been looking for.

Feature Story PieSci

4 Oak Park eateries that are taking pizza to the next level

The city of Oak Park is cultivating a fresh vision for their community, and Michigan restauranteurs are taking notice.

Feature Story "I love country music, and grab influences from that, and sometimes you can hear a little bit of pop in my songs as well," says Rebecca Cameron, a local singer/songwriter set to play the 2025 Sterling Coffeehouse series.

Sterling Coffeehouse series provides a chance for community to warm up over coffee and music

The Sterling Heights Community Center plays host to the Coffeehouse series, where local businesses provide complimentary refreshments and a varied roster of performers take the stage for free and ticketed events alike.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.