During National Volunteer Week, Detroit ToolBank opened its doors downtown — and Ford Philanthropy and Carhartt brought along more than just tools to the neighborhood.
The two iconic Detroit companies announced a joint $25,000 "Re-Tooling Detroit" start-up fund, as the centerpiece of Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.By covering the lending fees for the ToolBank's initial community projects, this fund will help kickstart a new wave of local impact.
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.
Community leaders, nonprofit partners, and volunteers gathered at the new East Milwaukee facility, 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. "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, said that launching the Detroit ToolBank with Ford and Carhartt was a pivotal moment. Joining Bearden and Culler at the ceremony was Carhartt President and CEO Linda Hubbard and Detroit ToolBank Executive Director Dave Bartek.
"Their commitment,” Bearden said, referring to Ford and Carhartt, “goes far beyond just opening the doors. 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, those tools were already out the door and hard at work.
On Wednesday morning, 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, the team spent the day assembling picnic tables and Adirondack chairs that will remain in the park to serve the community for years to come.
To support these community efforts, Ford Philanthropy also donated an F-150 truck to ensure the ToolBank can easily transport equipment to neighborhoods across Southeast Michigan. Carhartt outfitted the organization's disaster relief teams with rugged, essential gear.
With the doors open, the seed fund launched, and the first volunteer project already in the books, ToolBank Detroit is already helping Detroiters build a stronger, more resilient community.
Kate Dennis shares stories as part of the Ford Philanthropy communications team.
