Advancing Macomb

What Advancing Macomb does

Advancing Macomb is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit convening organization (EIN 46-2344176) founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mount Clemens, Michigan, that strengthens Macomb County's nonprofit sector by connecting community challenges with high-impact solutions. The organization operates as an intermediary rather than a direct service provider, bridging nonprofits, businesses, county government, and major foundations through a portfolio of capacity-building programs. Its core offerings include the four-month Nonprofit Accelerator Program (cohort-based leadership and operational training, free to participants), the Capacity Building Grant Program (up to $5,000 per nonprofit in partnership with Huntington Bank), Advisory Services (one-on-one consultation and coaching), and a biweekly Nonprofit Roundtable that serves as an ongoing peer convening mechanism. Signature annual events include the Community Engagement Summit (held at Macomb Community College) and the Summer Soirée (a 160+ attendee fundraising event).

The organization's business model is grant- and donation-funded rather than revenue-generating: services are provided at no cost to beneficiary nonprofits, with operating expenses covered by foundation grants (notably the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, which has provided $1.718M across 2023-2024 for an incubator program, operational capacity building, and a $1M Clinton River pedestrian bridge capital project), Macomb County appropriations ($100K in FY2025), corporate sponsorships (DTE Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Consumers Energy, First State Bank, and others), and individual donations. The organization serves a geographic market of approximately 900,000 Macomb County residents through a network of ~300 nonprofit organizations (33 per 10,000 residents — last in the seven-county Detroit region), addressing a documented philanthropic underinvestment of $36 per resident versus $479 in neighboring Oakland County. Leadership comprises Executive Director Phil Gilchrist (appointed December 2023 from the Anton Art Center), three program/administrative managers (totaling four full-time staff as of November 2025), and a board chaired by First State Bank EVP Kelley Walters.

Name

Advancing Macomb

Legal name

Advancing Macomb Foundation

Website

https://advancingmacomb.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Advancing Macomb is a Mount Clemens, Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 that strengthens Macomb County's nonprofit sector through cohort training, capacity-building grants, advisory services, and convening events serving ~900,000 county residents and 300+ local nonprofits.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Capacity Building & Community Development

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Federated Giving Organizations (e.g., United Way-type) (BPAGAKAG)

Keywords

• Nonprofit capacity building
• Community development
• Grant administration
• Nonprofit leadership training
• Convening and partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Mount Clemens

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants: Primary funding from foundations including Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grants ($600,000 distributed over three years for nonprofit incubator program, $1 million for Clinton River pedestrian bridge, $118,000 for operational capacity building), Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation support for Nonprofit Accelerator, and Four County Community Foundation partnerships.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Support from corporate sponsors including Fifth Third Bank, Kapnick, First State Bank, Consumers Energy, Consumers Energy Foundation, Warner Norcross + Judd, Macomb Community College, O'Reilly Rancilio Attorneys at Law, Lipari Foods, CollabPEO, Chaldean Foundation, Macomb County Chamber, Goodwill Detroit, WM, Connect Macomb, Switalski Law, Choice One Bank, Barton Malow, Monahan Company, City Institute, Motor City Rockers, DTE Energy, and others.
3. Individual Donations: Donations from individual supporters including Mick Brody, David F. Girodat, Brian Pilarski, James O. Sawyer IV, Kelly Walters, Gayle Joseph, Lauren E. Brosch, Madeline Bialecki, Mark Carr, Jose Guzman, Harmony Kinkle, and Michael Werner.
4. Government Partnerships: Funding from Macomb County including $50,000 approved for nonprofit support services (2024), increased to $100,000 in FY2025 budget, and partnership with Macomb County Planning and Economic Development for resource navigation and technical assistance.
5. Capacity Building Grant Program: In partnership with Huntington Bank, grants of up to $5,000 awarded to small nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income communities. Program awarded $45,000 to 13 organizations in 2025.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Advancing Macomb is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit convening organization that strengthens Macomb County's nonprofit sector by delivering capacity-building programs (Nonprofit Accelerator Program, Capacity Building Grant Program), expert Advisory Services, and the recurring Nonprofit Roundtable. It connects nonprofits, businesses, and government entities through signature events (Community Engagement Summit, Summer Soirée) and provides resources such as the Resource Directory and workshop series. Services are offered at no cost to participating nonprofits thanks to foundation, corporate, government, and individual donor support.

Product overview

Advancing Macomb operates as a nonprofit capacity-building organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs designed to strengthen Macomb County's nonprofit sector and community development. The core offerings include the Nonprofit Accelerator Program (a four-month leadership development initiative), the Capacity Building Grant Program (grants up to $5,000 for organizational improvements), Advisory Services (expert consultation and coaching), and the Nonprofit Roundtable (monthly peer networking sessions). Signature events include the annual Community Engagement Summit and Summer Soirée. Additional resources include a Resource Directory, Storytelling Series workshops, and Nonprofit Building Blocks workshops. These programs work together to provide comprehensive support from education and peer networking to funding and strategic guidance for nonprofit organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nonprofit Accelerator Program A four-month leadership development and operational capacity-building program for small to mid-size 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Macomb County. Combines expert-led virtual and in-person sessions with one-on-one mentoring on board development, fundraising, financial planning, marketing, technology, and leadership. Graduates are paired with mentors to continue implementation.
• Capacity Building Grant Program A grant program offering one-time awards of up to $5,000 to small 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Macomb County that serve low- to moderate-income communities. Funds support organizational development, financial management, technology upgrades, staff and board training, and marketing and communications. Priority is given to organizations with 2025 operating budgets of $250,000 or less.
• Advisory Services Expert advisory services for nonprofit organizations covering resource navigation, technical assistance, one-on-one consultation, and ongoing coaching on grant research, nonprofit finance, fundraising, governance, and operations. Initial consultations are provided at no cost; meetings are available virtually or in person.
• Nonprofit Roundtable A recurring meeting series for Macomb County nonprofit leaders that meets virtually every other Wednesday at 1:00 pm, with some in-person sessions throughout the year. Provides a peer forum for discussing shared challenges, sharing best practices, and connecting on local sector priorities.
• Community Engagement Summit An annual summit bringing together business, civic, and nonprofit leaders for networking, collaboration, and learning focused on community engagement best practices. Features keynote speakers, hands-on group activities, and networking opportunities.
• Summer Soirée An annual fundraising and recognition event bringing together community leaders, nonprofit professionals, partners, and supporters. Features networking, food, drinks, and entertainment in support of Advancing Macomb's mission.
• Storytelling Series A free four-part storytelling workshop series hosted in partnership with Velocity, Macomb County's business and innovation hub. Designed to help nonprofit and business leaders strengthen communication and community engagement through practical storytelling skills.
• Nonprofit Building Blocks Workshop Series A three-part workshop series equipping nonprofit leaders and board members with practical tools to strengthen their organizations. Originally developed through the Nonprofit Accelerator, the interactive sessions are now offered to the broader nonprofit community.

Quantifiable outcome

• 28 nonprofit organizations graduated from Nonprofit Accelerator Program with strengthened operations and expanded impact
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Dorothy A. Johnson Center for PhilanthropyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Completed study on Nonprofit & Grantmaking Trends in Metro Detroit, building on Advancing Macomb's original 2022 Philanthropic Investment Study. Research examines nonprofit activity and grantmaking trends across seven-county region including Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
• VelocityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2025Macomb County's business and innovation hub in Sterling Heights partnered to host free four-part storytelling series designed to help nonprofit and business leaders strengthen communication and community engagement. Series kicked off August 2025 with session led by Roop Raj of FOX 2 Detroit.
• Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2024County partnership to provide resource navigation and technical assistance for local nonprofit organizations. Approved as part of county's 2024 budget with $50,000 initial funding (increased to $100,000 in FY2025). Advancing Macomb serves as bridge connecting 501c3 charitable organizations with local, regional, and statewide programs and services.
• First State BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity bank headquartered in Macomb County. Executive Vice President Kelly Walters serves as Advancing Macomb board chair. Bank supports through sponsorships (Summer Soirée Partner), Community Engagement Summit presenting sponsor, annual Banksgiving event ($30,000 in grants), and ongoing organizational support. Described as an incredible partner with commitment beyond financial support.
• Macomb Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Community Engagement Summit (John Lewis Community Center) and Summer Soirée events. College represented on board and supports organizational initiatives.
• Nonprofit NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to Nonprofit Accelerator curriculum development. Provides expert-led sessions and best practices for nonprofit leaders.
• Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to Nonprofit Accelerator curriculum. Provides expert-led sessions and resources for nonprofit development.
• Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to Nonprofit Accelerator curriculum and providing resources for nonprofit leaders in Michigan.
• Co.act DetroitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to Nonprofit Accelerator curriculum development. Provides expert insights and resources for nonprofit organizations.
• Michigan Community Resources (MCR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization contributing to Nonprofit Accelerator curriculum. Provides expert-led sessions and guidance for nonprofit organizations.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation: Community foundation serving Washtenaw County, the in-region benchmark for nonprofit density ($561/resident) and grantmaking. Models the trajectory Advancing Macomb could pursue if it successfully grows Macomb County's funding ecosystem.
• Grand Rapids Community Foundation: Community foundation serving Kent County, MI. Comparable geographic scope, convening role, and grantmaking portfolio to what Advancing Macomb aspires to scale into within Macomb County.

Direct peers

• Michigan Nonprofit Association: Statewide nonprofit sector intermediary providing capacity building, training, advocacy, and convening for Michigan nonprofits. Already partnered with Advancing Macomb on Accelerator curriculum; operates at larger scale with similar mission.
• Co.act Detroit: Detroit-based nonprofit ecosystem builder supporting local nonprofits with capacity-building, training, and accelerator-style programs. Direct peer in the Accelerator-curriculum partnership and as a regional nonprofit intermediary in southeast Michigan.
• Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: Regional community foundation pooling philanthropic funds and distributing grants to nonprofits across southeast Michigan. Directly comparable grantmaking-intermediary model operating in the same geography and donor ecosystem as Advancing Macomb.
• Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy: Research and evaluation partner of Advancing Macomb that produces the sector data on nonprofit density and grantmaking trends. Serves as a knowledge/advocacy hub for community foundations and nonprofit capacity builders across Michigan.
• United Way for Southeastern Michigan: Federated giving organization pooling workplace donations and distributing to nonprofits across southeast Michigan. Closely mirrors the cross-sector convening and pooled-donation-to-grantmaking flow that defines Advancing Macomb's model.

Broad incumbents

• National Council of Nonprofits: National network of state and regional nonprofit associations providing training, advocacy, and resources. Adjacent as a sector-support intermediary; relevant comparator for how capacity-building services scale and monetize.
• Council of Michigan Foundations: Statewide membership association of Michigan grantmaking foundations. Macro-level comparator as a sector-building and advocacy organization, with broader scope than Advancing Macomb but overlapping funder and capacity-building relationships.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Michigan: National nonprofit providing capacity building, grants, and loans to community development nonprofits. Operates a Michigan office and shares the 'funder + capacity builder + convener' value proposition at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/advancingmacomb
• Facebookfacebook.com/AdvancingMacomb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/advancing-macomb

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Advancing Macomb