Upcoming Minority Philanthropy Initiative a celebration of culture, community, and giving

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When it comes to giving back to the community, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County has been doing so since 1944. From students to nonprofit organizations, for nearly 80 years the Community Foundation has been using philanthropy to shape the future of the Thumb Coast Region.

Later this month, the Community Foundation is hosting its second-ever Minority Philanthropy Initiative (MPI), a multicultural event offering diverse food, live entertainment, community building, and philanthropy. Held on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron, three local nonprofits will be selected during the event to receive a grant to help improve their services.

“The amount of money given doesn’t define philanthropy, it’s the purpose behind the donation that means the most,” says Cliff Thomason, a member of the MPI Committee. “That’s why we created the slogan, “Gather, Give, Grow Philanthropy.’”

Guests are asked to nominate their favorite nonprofits where during the event, three nonprofits will be randomly selected to give a pitch. Guests will then cast their votes anonymously with first place receiving the top grant funding, with second and third also receiving grants as well.

Martha Moore, owner of Martha’s House, is awarded a grant during last year's Minority Philanthropy Initiative. — Martha Moore, owner of Martha’s House, is awarded a grant during last year’s Minority Philanthropy Initiative.

At last year’s inaugural event, $12,000 was awarded to three local nonprofits: Martha’s House: Home of Me Time Ministry, SONS Outreach, and Restoration Christian Community Church (RC3).

“Due to the lack of income this year, the grant funding has been a tremendous help with paying the bills and keeping the ministry afloat,” says Martha Moore, owner of Martha’s House.

Live entertainment, cocktails, and a variety of ethnic food will be offered at the event with performances by a Native American fancy dancer, Tim Seneca, Mariachi Jaliso de Detroit, as well as the Nanou Djapo Drum & Dance.

To register or learn more about the upcoming Minority Philanthropy Initiative, visit stclairfoundation.org.