CANFIELD CONSORTIUM AWARDED THE FORD COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT

CANFIELD CONSORTIUM AWARDED THE FORD COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT TO IMPLEMENT THE CANFIELD CONNECT PROJECT

Each year, up to 10 proposals are selected to receive a $25,000 grant to implement their project. This grant will allow Canfield Consortium to kick start their "Canfield Connect Project." The project aims to utilize vacant lots and alleys to create safe neighborhood greenways inside the Detroit neighborhood, East Canfield Village, from Brewer Playfield to nearby Pingree Park, which will feature low-maintenance, flood preventing, native plants.

“As Canfield Consortium grows, it’s important to build meaningful partnerships. We are so excited that the Canfield Connect project was chosen by the Ford Fund, and look forward to engaging the community and working with students from Wayne State University to activate vacant lots in a unique way, said Canfield Consortium Co-Founder, Kim Theus. “This project will provide space for residents to connect outdoors and improve walking conditions. We hope to include rain gardens to help reduce flooding in our neighborhood. “

Ford College Community Challenge grant funding will allow Wayne State University students to develop detailed design options for the "Canfield Connect Project" to increase access to recreation space and improve walkability in the area, including a path for a senior walking club. In partnership with Canfield Consortium, students will gather input from the community about the plan. Students will organize and manage volunteers in the installation process and develop a design guidebook that outlines strategies to replicate other Detroit neighborhoods.

Please visit for more information on the Ford Fund and other 2021 Ford College Community Challenge Winning Projects. https://www.fordfund.org/united-states/2021-unitedstates