About Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation

The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, established in 1991, is a certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life of area residents through cultural, educational and recreational activities. The Foundation sponsors programs and projects that reach every member of the Sterling Heights community and surrounding areas and has contributed more than $1.5 million to organizations and activities that support its mission.

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Examples of the Foundation’s contributions include support for: the public library, senior activity center, art sculptures, city park picnic shelters, the city trolley, city park playcenters, city skate park, city dog park, city ice rink, city splash pad, youth baseball and softball, teenfest, sponsorship of Sterlingfest, Farmer's Market, the annual Dodge Park run, contributions totaling more than $200,000 to dozens of organizations addressing smoking cessation programs and programs helping area seniors, providing scholarships totaling nearly $500,000 to 525 area students pursuing a college education, city Police Department Drug Free Coalition program, restoration of the historic Upton House, the city center brick paver program, construction improvements at Rotary Park, Nature Center enhancements, Dodge Park concerts, and hosting a series of City Summits to discuss the future of the city with residents, and more.

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The Foundation also manages 34 donor advised permanent endowment funds which may receive charitable donations. Contributions may also be made to the foundation’s general endowment fund to support the Foundation.

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The goals of the Community Foundation are:

• Initiate and coordinate functions and activities within the Sterling Heights area to enhance the quality of life of area citizens.

• Award grants and support projects that are in accordance with the Foundation's purpose (cultural, educational and recreational activities).

• Improve, preserve historical areas, public facilities, and parks and recreational areas of Sterling Heights.

• Develop civic leadership and initiate civic action.