Michigan Business Beat | Rodney Cole, DTE Foundation, Community Transformation Grant

Chris Holman welcomes Rodney Cole, President, DTE Foundation, Chelsea, MI, and also Crystal Houston, Executive Branch Director, Bethany Christian Services, East Lansing, MI. The DTE Foundation awarded $310,000 across 12 Michigan nonprofits through its inaugural Community Transformation Grant program, which drew over 115 submissions and exceeded its original $150,000 budget due to the strength of the applicants. Rodney Cole, President of the DTE Foundation, emphasized the program's goal of discovering new partnerships and addressing community needs across Michigan. One recipient, Bethany Christian Services, represented by Executive Branch Director Crystal Houston, will use its grant to serve over 800 youth and 1,500 parents and community members through programs including alternative education, GED and pre-apprenticeship certifications, life skills development, and workforce readiness training. Cole noted that Bethany serves one of the most resource-deprived communities in Michigan, making the partnership especially meaningful. The DTE Foundation confirmed plans to continue the Community Transformation Grant initiative in 2025. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/