The Walters Family Foundation is sharing highlights of its recent work, including several multi-year initiatives that align with the foundation’s priorities to conserve the natural environment, advance economic vitality and empower people to reach their full potential through innovative learning initiatives.
The Walters Family Foundation is sharing highlights of its recent work, including several multi-year initiatives that align with the foundation’s priorities to conserve the natural environment, advance economic vitality and empower people to reach their full potential through innovative learning initiatives.
The foundation provided a grant to Detroit University Prep’s first-ever zoology program. Through this work, Detroit University Prep partnered with the Detroit Zoological Society and Belle Isle Aquarium to create an immersive Zoology and Aquarium Studies curriculum that prepares students for college and professions in the natural sciences.
The foundation also provided funding for Eastern Market Corporation’s Metro Food Accelerator. The accelerator is a 15,000 square foot facility divided into ready-to-occupy suites for emerging food businesses. This comprehensive eco-system supports food entrepreneurs by providing long-term space at below-market rental rates and opportunities for rapid expansion —barriers that prevented many of these small businesses from succeeding in the past.
These are just two examples of the work that emerged from the foundation after they welcomed a new director, Libby Levy.
“I’m excited to implement the family’s vision for the foundation and I look forward to working with organizations that are improving the environment and empowering individuals,” Levy said.
Moving forward, Levy said the foundation is planning to expand its reach to more communities across the state to “build relationships with impactful organizations that are inspiring change across Michigan.”
