Impact

FFE's impact starts and ends with the people of Kalamazoo. It supports outreach and engagement like neighborhood planning and community visioning, and then invests in projects and programs to make that vision a reality. FFE also provides funding to stabilize the City of Kalamazoo's budget so residents can rely on the essential city services it provides, and funds a property tax reduction that benefits every property taxpayer in the city. Because of FFE, the people of Kalamazoo are getting more and paying less.

People are at the center of everything FFE does. Below are some of the projects, programs, and people that FFE is proud to support as we continue our mission to empower Kalamazoo residents to achieve the lives they want for themselves and their families.

Projects & Programs

Kalamazoo Attainable Homes Partnership

The KAHP provides high-quality homes built by HBA members that are both attainable in cost and provide homeowners with low maintenance costs.

Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund

The KSBLF provides low-interest loans up to $50,000 to eligible small businesses with an intentional focus on reducing disparities in communities of color and for women-owned businesses.

MyCITY Youth Employment

MyCITY is a seasonal youth employment program that serves as the gateway to paid internship and work experience.

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Stories

Designing for Change

When Jasmine Childress started her studio Eight Thirty Seven in 2020, she wanted her passion for art and design to also make a difference in her community.

Continuing a Family Tradition

In 2019, the Foundation for Excellence invested in Diamonds & Pearls Special Events, Cea Green's business in the Northside neighborhood.

Re-Inventing Career Pathway Planning

In 2021, staff and students engaged in more than 300 hours of live, face-to-face meetings and participants logged over 1,700 hours of career planning in the Virtual Job Shadow.

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