At this pivotal moment for the Great Lakes region, funders will gather to learn more about emerging issues, develop strategies to address shifts in the regional philanthropic landscape, and discuss opportunities to work together to magnify our collective impact in key areas. By connecting, sharing, and learning from each other, we hope to help catalyze new opportunities for funders to work together to address pressing issues in the communities in which they work.

We will gather in Detroit, a major port and industrial hub, at the heart of the Great Lakes, on the Detroit River. A city that continues to face major challenges with poverty, population loss and aging infrastructure, Detroit is also known for its rich history, diverse culture, revitalized downtown and vibrant neighborhoods. Detroit is also a center of the Great Lakes Region’s binational economy, with the Detroit-Windsor border crossing handling more than 25% of all trade between the US and Canada.The city’s great legacy of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit has the potential to create a truly sustainable city—balancing equity, economy and environment. The issues and efforts in Detroit, while in many ways unique, can inform—and be informed by—experiences in other Great Lakes communities.