In the heart of Detroit, change isn’t just a vision – it’s happening. Block by block, community organizations are stepping up with bold ideas to solve real problems. From expanding cultural access to teaching financial literacy and making space for kids to play and learn, the momentum is strong. However, even the most passionate nonprofits need more than vision. They need support.
That’s where Dr. Carmen Bell-Ross and her team at SP Grace come in. They serve as both the grant administrator and technical assistance provider for the City of Detroit’s NOF/ARPA program, a joint effort powered by the Neighborhood Opportunities Fund (NOF) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). They are doing more than reviewing applications; they’re helping organizations build real capacity, deepen their roots, and stretch toward long-term sustainability. As new technical assistance sessions roll out this summer, they’re inviting even more leaders into the fold.
Empowering Leaders with More Than Funding
Dr. Carmen’s work with SP Grace goes beyond compliance. It’s about care and relationships. That’s evident in the tailored technical assistance being offered this grant cycle. It’s helping nonprofits meet expectations and redefine success in their communities.
From July through October, SP Grace is leading a comprehensive schedule of training sessions, workshops, and virtual office hours. These aren’t generic, check-the-box meetings. They’re intentional spaces for growth. Leaders will have the opportunity to study topics ranging from grant writing and AI adoption to creating a fundraising culture and improving internal processes. Each session is designed to meet nonprofits where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
One upcoming session, “Networking for Growth, Power, and Capital,” is about making relationship-building more intentional and less scary. Another, “Grant Writing Through the Reviewer’s Eyes,” pulls back the curtain on what funders look for and helps applicants write proposals that resonate. There are even virtual office hours with tech and fundraising specialists to get one-on-one guidance.
“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. At SP Grace, we help leaders align their practices with their values and what’s important to them and their organizations.”
Local Vision, Lasting Change
Grants through the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act typically range from $10,000 to $20,000. So far, over 60 nonprofits have received funding, and more disbursements are underway. Each of these organizations brings its own focus, but they all have one thing in common: a deep commitment to serving Detroit’s low- and moderate-income communities.
The TeMaTe Institute for Black Dance and Culture, for instance, is using its grant to expand its Rule of III performance series. It’s more than an arts program – it’s a cultural invitation. They’re making it easier for people from all backgrounds and mobility levels to access the beauty of African diaspora dance. From updating their marketing materials to scheduling diverse instructors, the team is determined to reach wider audiences and ensure that no one feels left out.
For Fashion For Progression, it’s about empowering creatives through financial literacy. Their program, the Creative Finance Lab, helps designers learn how to manage cash flow, set budgets, and price their services without fear. It’s not just survival in the industry – it’s thriving with a plan.
Bat, Inc. is turning summer into a season of growth for Detroit youth. Their enrichment program integrates baseball and softball with STEM learning, literacy, and social-emotional development. Children learn science by working with robots, practice their reading comprehension, and establish daily routines that emulate a school day. It’s not just about sports; it’s about building the habits and skills that lead to academic success and lifelong confidence.
These three organizations are among the 67 NOF/ARPA grantees who have already received funding this cycle, with more on the way. Each one brings a vision shaped by lived experience and grounded in service. Also, each of these organizations now has access to added resources, guidance, and momentum thanks to the SP Grace-led program.
Walking the Path Together
The NOF/ARPA grant program is more than a financial opportunity – it’s a strategic collaboration between the City of Detroit, SP Grace, and the communities they serve, and that collaboration continues even after the checks are written.
To qualify, groups need to be registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or partnered with one and be in good standing with the state, and show that their work addresses a real community need linked to the impact of COVID-19.
Organizations that receive funding are paired with post-award support: group workshops, coaching, one-on-one mentorship, and help preparing for future grant opportunities. Even those not awarded funding can still access certain technical assistance sessions, reinforcing Dr. Carmen’s commitment to building an ecosystem where no one is left behind.
That kind of leadership is already changing lives. Across Detroit, nonprofits are transforming NOF/ARPA dollars into books, food, workshops, summer camps, and healing spaces. They’re rewriting what’s possible, and SP Grace is walking beside them, step by step.
As more sessions open and more nonprofits join the program, one thing is clear: this is what community looks like when it’s built on strategy, equity, and trust.
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. For more information, visit spgrace.com.
