What we do

Born & Raised Detroit Foundation 501(c)(3) supports initiatives that contribute to building a stronger community and positive way of life for the youth of Detroit. We believe that an inspired, educated, and creative youth is the key to our city’s progression. We are 100% volunteer and 100% of proceeds go to empowering the upcoming generation of young Detroiters.

Who we are

In 2009, a group of friends had an idea while wondering how to stay connected in the midst of all the changes life brings. Forced to move away from Michigan due to a struggling economy, our founders created Born and Raised Detroit Foundation in order to give back to where they came from. Who doesn't like to rep their hometown....where they were truly Born and Raised? This group of passionate individuals found a way to stay connected not only to each other, but to their beloved hometown—Detroit.

How we got here

After moving to adopted cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, we started noticing a large amount of proud displaced Detroiters. An Olde English D on a baseball cap, the winged wheel on a Red Wings sweater, and Wolverines and Spartans abound, we saw an opportunity to connect with people who love and miss being in their hometown. These are the same people who understand what you mean when you point to your hand to show where you grew up. We started finding that though life had taken us to far off corners of the globe, there was this need, this passion, to stay connected to the place we call home.

In the fall of 2011, we officially became a 501(c)(3) and started hosting events across the U.S.A. We learned from many of our supporters that our events were the first time they had given to a non-profit. We take pride in that. It is our aim to make the younger generations passionate about giving to those in need. Because of our loyal base of supporters, we have found that together, we can contribute to making Detroit a hopeful place for future generations.