Lansing, MI – The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) has received a $100,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation supporting CEDAM’s economic inclusion initiatives across Michigan. As tax season kicks off, CEDAM’s multi-pronged approach is effectively connecting Michiganders to the federal, state, and local resources aimed at building household and community wealth.

“The lingering economic hardships brought on by COVID-19 and record levels of inflation mean Michigan’s most vulnerable households are facing serious financial hardship,” said Brandon Hofmeister, President of the Consumers Energy Foundation. ” The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to support CEDAM’s spectrum of programming, which meaningfully gives Michigan families access to resources to enable them the chance they deserve to succeed.”

With support from the Consumers Energy Foundation, CEDAM is adding capacity for its members and stakeholders engaged at the frontlines of this work. CEDAM is providing technical assistance and training, deploying AmeriCorps members, and coordinating communications efforts about resources and tax credits available to low- and middle-income households. By also engaging a diverse coalition of community organizations, elected officials, and state agencies, CEDAM is empowering community partners statewide and supporting them in implementing locally-based solutions that will impact more than 100,000 Michiganders.

“CEDAM supports a strong statewide network of community-based organizations that work directly with thousands of families to provide access to resources through resource fairs, free tax preparation, and housing services,” said Brian Rakovitis, director of economic inclusion at CEDAM. “We are extremely grateful for the Consumers Energy Foundation’s continued support of these programs and services. Their investment is impacting nearly every county in Michigan and ensures that CEDAM can continue educating public and private decision-makers on the importance of expanding access to asset-building opportunities.”

About CEDAM

CEDAM is a nonprofit membership association building vibrant communities across Michigan. Our capacity building programs, policy advocacy, and training events emphasize supporting communities in the areas of affordable housing, economic growth, and wealth-building at both the federal and state levels. Through engagement and collaboration with CEDAM members, policymakers, state departments, and other partners, we sustain a thriving and equitable community economic development sector across the state.

About the Consumers Energy Foundation The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $19 million to Michigan nonprofits.