Detroit ToolBank opens its doors with $25,000 donation from Ford Philanthropy and Carhartt
During National Volunteer Week, a new nonprofit organization, Detroit ToolBank, opened its doors. It aims to provide tools to the community to aid in service projects and workforce training programs.
Ford Philanthropy and Carhartt donated $25,000 to a joint startup fund called Re-Tooling Detroit. By covering the lending fees for the ToolBank’s initial community projects, the fund will help kickstart a new wave of local impact, according to an article from Ford.
“Tools can often be expensive for nonprofits, community groups, and schools, so the ToolBank will loan out the equipment for pennies on the dollar to help support neighborhood projects, disaster response, and workforce training,” the article states.
Community leaders, nonprofit partners, and volunteers gathered at the new East Milwaukee facility for a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, including Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.
“Bringing ToolBank to Detroit is a natural extension of our work to support the people who build and sustain our communities,” Culler said, according to the article. “By covering the initial lending fees with this fund, we are empowering local organizations to get to work immediately — helping them build stronger homes and revitalize neighborhoods right here in Detroit.”
Trey Bearden, CEO of ToolBank USA, added that launching the Detroit ToolBank with Ford and Carhartt was a pivotal moment.
“Their commitment goes far beyond just opening the doors,” he said. “They are ensuring that cost and logistics never stand in the way of Detroiters rolling up their sleeves to build a stronger community.”
Less than 12 hours after the ribbon was cut, tools were already out the door and hard at work, the article states.
On Wednesday, nearly 200 volunteers from Ford and Carhartt gathered at Belle Isle for National Volunteer Week using brand-new tools and custom wood kits provided by Detroit ToolBank to assemble picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. They will remain in the park to serve the community.
To support these community efforts, Ford Philanthropy also donated an F-150 truck to the ToolBank to transport equipment to neighborhoods across Southeast Michigan. Carhartt outfitted the organization’s disaster relief teams with rugged, essential gear.
Images
Photos provided by Ford Motor Co.