By 
Lisa Leverette’s journey in creating the nonprofit “Community Connections” is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Detroiters. A proud third-generation Detroiter and graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Leverette channeled her deep connection to the city to cofound an organization she describes as “philanthropy of the people, for the people and about the people.”
With its unique “alternative philanthropy” model, Community Connections Grant Program is empowering historically marginalized communities to design and implement solutions that resonate authentically for them.
“If we’re going to move forward and thrive as a people, if we’re going to dismantle a system full of barriers, we have to do something different,” says Leverette, co-founder, executive director and chief operating officer at Community Connections. “Community Connections is that difference.”
A self-described “chief change orchestrator,” Leverette has been at the helm since 2006 and instrumental in shaping the organization’s equity-driven approach to philanthropy.
PROVIDERS
Occupying what Leverette calls an “interesting middle space” between traditional philanthropy and grassroots giving, Community Connections prioritizes partnering with their neighborhood leaders to ensure resources—whether monetary, technical or educational—really make an impact. Affectionately called “providers,” these neighborhood leaders are the thread that runs through the organization, making the hard decisions on what efforts to fund and curating resourceful ways forward when they encounter tough challenges.
“We provide the resources for them to create solutions that are meaningful for them,” she explains. “This isn’t about outsiders dictating what’s best. It’s about letting the community lead.”
At the core of Community Connections is a belief in the power of people; its efforts provide grants directly to frontline responders, including grassroots groups, teachers and especially home-based child care providers. During the pandemic’s most critical moment, the organization secured $3.7 million in critical funding that helped 100 child care centers that were on the brink of closing.
DEVELOPING K.I.D.S.
Leverette recounts the story of one of their partners, Kimberly Johnson, founder and CEO of Developing K.I.D.S., and a single mother who began working with children in her own neighborhood to create enriching spaces. Johnson didn’t just dream of change—she created it, turning her dream into a vibrant landscape of opportunity and enrichment for children.
“Developing K.I.D.S. is a nonprofit organization serving youth and their families all across the city of Detroit; working with them from ages of 5 to 24, providing after school programming, family engagement and transition programs when they age out of the program,” explains Johnson. “The Community Connections program is so important because it provides opportunities to that neighbor who lives in the community that has been giving back and has been part of a change; the team will help and support them.”
Through Community Connections’ support, which included small financial investments and technical assistance, Johnson’s grassroots efforts blossomed into a thriving 35,000 square foot facility in Detroit’s Eastside that continues providing safe spaces to more and more Motor City children – contributing to the program’s successful expansion, from serving about 600 children and youth a year to more than 1,000 children and youth a year.
“She just needed that spark,” Leverette said. “People need resources to take their passion and expertise to the next level. Oftentimes, policies and resources don’t trickle down to the folks in the community. Community Connections bridges that gap, giving Detroiters the tools to shape their own futures.
“It’s about investing in people who have been intentionally set aside and denied opportunities.”
EMPHASIS ON CHILD CARE
“We believe our community partners know best on where the dollars can be spent to have the greatest impact. Lisa Leverette has been able to leverage her relationships with the community who created a board of leaders who are best informed to allocate where the funds will go,” said Eileen Storer Smith, a WKKF program officer focused on early care and education. “They’re our providers. Providers, whether formal or informal, provide a needed service of child care to a family member, or friend who steps in so that the parent can go to work. Providers are whatever fits the parent.”
Leverette’s Community Connections highlights the critical role of home-based child care centers, which have often been overlooked or dismissed.
“People counted them out,” she recalls. “But these (home-based) centers are lifelines for so many families, providing not just child care, but also stability and a stronger sense of community. They deserve investment and recognition for the essential work they do.”
Through small grants and targeted support, Community Connections continues to enrich the lives of both individuals who operate child care centers and their families, while also providing nurturing environments for children.
Another transformative project stems from their collaboration with local leaders to revitalize neglected community spaces. One such effort turned an underused public lot into a vibrant community garden and meeting space, fostering creativity and providing fresh produce for neighborhood residents. Community Connections focuses on redefining philanthropy itself; moving beyond just funding toward fostering collaboration to create transformation.
“We’re not here to tell people what to do,” Leverette asserts. “We’re here to listen, learn and empower.”
As she looks to the future, she remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of Community Connections and this approach has led to a range of innovative projects, from designing spaces for young children to supporting single mothers driving change in their own neighborhoods.
Through Community Connections, Leverette and the “providers” have shown that Detroit can empower its own communities.
“Our work proves that the solutions to systemic challenges already exist within our communities; they just need the tools to make them real.”
Learn more about Community Connections at communityconnectionsdetroit.org. Community Connections welcomes nonprofits led by disinvested Detroiters to apply for resources and technical assistance.
As Leverette puts it, “When communities have the resources they need, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”
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