Chris Holman welcomes Patricia Hinojosa, Senior Foundation Program Manager, DTE Energy Foundation at DTE Energy, Detroit, Michigan.
Hear Patricia and Chris discuss how DTE Foundation grants support housing stability, transportation access, and stronger Michigan communities in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Patricia in this conversation:
What is the 2026 Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program?
Tell the Michigan business community about the areas of focus, especially Housing Stability and Transportation Access?
What is the DTE Foundation offering?
Who has benefited in the past?
How can interested organizations apply?
The proposal submission window will open from May 25 through July 3, 2026. Organizations can go to empoweringmichigan.com/community-emp…rment-awards/
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TE Energy Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for 2026 Community Empowerment Awards
Grant Program Advances Housing Stability and Transportation Access Through Critical Repairs
Detroit, Mi. (May 18, 2026) – The DTE Energy Foundation (Foundation) today announced it is inviting qualified nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for the 2026 Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program, an initiative designed to support community members experiencing housing
instability and transportation barriers across Michigan in DTE’s service territories.
Through this open call, the Foundation works to promote safe, stable housing that honors individual dignity and to eliminate transportation barriers that impede access to basic human needs (including, but not limited to, employment, access to health care and other essential services). Awards of up to $30,000 per organization will be made in each focus area.
“The DTE Foundation is committed to removing barriers that prevent individuals and families from living safely and with dignity,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By supporting initiatives that address home safety and transportation limitations, we are helping nonprofits deliver solutions that create stability, open doors to opportunity and strengthen the communities we live and serve.”
In its third year, The Community Empowerment Awards has evolved into an impactful support program for organizations making a difference in their communities. To date, the community empowerment awards have supported 22 nonprofits with a total of $669,500 grant dollars given. The multi-step, open call process begins with an initial proposal submission. Organizations whose concepts best align with program goals will be invited to submit a formal application in a second round.
Past recipients continue to see the lasting impact of the program. Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, a previous Community Empowerment Awards grantee, credits the support for helping transform its community vision into reality.
“This project is a gift to the families of Highland Park. With the support of the DTE Foundation, we are turning an overlooked space into a place of joy, safety and community pride.” said Dr. Chad Audi, president and CEO, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries. “Together, we are building a legacy of hope where children can play and families can thrive.”
Program focus areas include:
o Housing stability – remove barriers through home projects that promote safe, stable housing that honors individual dignity.
o Transportation access – remove barriers through vehicle projects that eliminate transportation barriers that impede access to basic human needs (including, but not limited to, employment, access to health care and other essential services).
The proposal submission window will open from May 25 through July 3, 2026. Final award notifications are expected in September, with grant recipients publicly announced in October.
Eligible applicants must be legally established 501(c)(3) public charities, located in and directly benefiting projects within the DTE service territory, and able to directly receive and manage grant funds.
Organizations currently receiving DTE Foundation funding are not eligible to apply. Submitted projects must be non-energy related, demonstrate long-term sustainability and align with the Foundation’s commitment to community-centered impact.
Full program guidelines and proposal instructions are available at LINK.
About the DTE Energy Foundation
The DTE Energy Foundation (Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy (DTE) with a strong legacy of community support and involvement. In 2025, the Foundation provided $15.1 million in grant support to 445 nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has a business presence, with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in priority giving areas: arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment and human needs. As one of Michigan’s leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires to be the best in the world and the best for the
world. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
images courtesy of DTE Energy
