Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: DEMOGRAPHIC INSPIRATIONS-DETROIT
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: DEMOGRAPHIC INSPIRATIONS-DETROIT
Mailing Address: 3430 W. Outer Dr.
City: DETROIT
State: MI
Postal Code: 48221
Main Phone: 5862607409
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.facebook.com/Demographic-Inspirations-Detroit-148473492624407
Employer ID Number: 47-1730621
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) 3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: February 26, 2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Dexter-Linwood Cordon Food Pantry
Project Description:

Demographic Inspirations–Detroit respectfully seeks support from the Hermanowski Family Foundation to expand the Dexter-Linwood Cordon Food Pantry Project, a community-based initiative addressing food insecurity among Veterans, seniors, families, and unhoused residents in Northwest Detroit.

The Dexter-Linwood Cordon experiences persistent food access challenges driven by economic hardship, transportation barriers, and limited proximity to full-service grocery stores. Many residents—particularly Veterans and older adults—depend on irregular emergency food resources. This project provides a reliable, neighborhood-centered solution that delivers nutritious food in a dignified and accessible manner.

Grant funds will support the operation and expansion of a secure 20-foot shipping container food pantry, including the purchase of fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable food; shelving and storage systems; food safety and sanitation supplies; and distribution materials. The pantry will host regular food distributions serving approximately 300 individuals per event, with the capacity to reach 1,500–2,000 individuals annually.

Demographic Inspirations–Detroit is a Veteran-led nonprofit with more than eleven years of experience implementing community-driven solutions, including blight removal, vacant land reuse, placemaking, and food access programming. The food pantry is a key component of a broader neighborhood revitalization strategy designed to stabilize communities, improve health outcomes, and support housing pathways for Veterans.

Impact will be measured through meals distributed, number of households served, volunteer engagement, and community feedback. Partnerships with local schools, volunteers, and food donors will help ensure efficient operations and sustainability beyond the grant period.

This project addresses immediate hunger while strengthening long-term neighborhood resilience, health, and stability within the Dexter-Linwood Cordon.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed Sources • Neighborhood Beautification Grant (NBG) – Support for community cleanup, supplies, and operational capacity • Individual Donations – Community and supporter contributions • In-Kind Support – Volunteer labor and donated materials/equipment from local partners Potential / Pending Sources • Hermanowski Family Foundation – Project support for food pantry operations • Sprouts Farmers Market – Financial or in-kind food sponsorship • Kroger Community Giving – Hunger relief and food access support • Kwik Trip Community Program – Food distribution sponsorship • Lowe’s Community Impact Grant – Materials and supplies for site improvements • Sunbelt Rentals – In-kind equipment sponsorship and discounted rentals • Local Faith-Based & Corporate Partners – Event-based and ongoing support • These combined sources will ensure diversified funding, sustainability, and the successful implementation of the Dexter-Linwood Cordon Food Pantry Project.

Project Duration: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Geographical Area Served: Demographic Inspirations–Detroit primarily serves residents within the Dexter-Linwood Cordon in Northwest Detroit, specifically within an eight-block boundary micro-slice community in the City of Detroit. Our service area includes the broader neighborhoods with boundaries Dexter to Linwood and M-10 Lodge Service Drive to Fenkell in the zip code 48238. Replicating our initiative, we focus on communities experiencing high rates of food insecurity, vacant land concentration, economic hardship, and limited access to fresh, affordable groceries. While our core programming is centered within this defined Detroit footprint, we also serve: • Low-income families • Seniors • Veterans • Unhoused and housing-insecure individuals • Returning citizens Many individuals travel from adjacent neighborhoods within the City of Detroit to access our food pantry distributions and community programming. Our geographic focus allows us to concentrate on resources in a historically underserved corridor while creating measurable, neighborhood-level impact through food access, land reuse, and Placemaking initiatives.
Age Group To Be Served: Demographic Inspirations–Detroit serves all age groups, with programming intentionally designed to meet the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations within the Dexter-Linwood Cordon corridor. Primary Age Groups Served: • Children & Youth (0–17 years) – Families with school-aged children experiencing food insecurity • Young Adults (18–24 years) – Workforce-entry individuals and returning citizens • Adults (25–59 years) – Low- to moderate-income households, veterans, and unemployed residents • Seniors (60+ years) – Fixed-income residents facing food access and housing instability Special focus is placed on senior citizens and veterans, as both groups represent a significant portion of the households we serve. Our intergenerational approach ensures that food access, community gardening, placemaking activities, and future housing initiatives benefit entire families and strengthen neighborhood stability across all age ranges.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Ronald
Contact Last Name: Matten
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 5862607409
Contact Email: rmatten1@aol.com