Born & Raised Detroit Foundation is a Detroit-rooted nonprofit that brings together supporters, sponsors, and community partners to fund youth-serving organizations. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2011, BARD has raised more than $1.2 million for Detroit-based nonprofits and helped connect Detroiters across cities through events, grants, and civic pride. Our belief is simple: love your city, raise its future.
What began as a gathering of Detroiters coming home for Thanksgiving grew into a foundation built around a simple idea: people who love a city should help shape its future. Since officially becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2011, BARD has used events, partnerships, grants, and community giving to support organizations creating meaningful experiences for young people.
BARD funds youth-serving work across arts, education, mentorship, wellness, sports, communication access, safe spaces, and community development. We believe young people deserve more than basic support. They deserve creativity, confidence, opportunity, joy, and the chance to build a future they are proud of.
Over the years, BARD has raised more than $1.2 million for Detroit-based nonprofits and supported 20+ organizations helping young people learn, grow, lead, and imagine what is possible. Our events have also connected Detroiters and Detroit supporters across cities including Detroit, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Our name says what we believe: where you are born and raised shapes you. It gives you stories, pride, responsibility, and roots. For BARD, “Love Your City” is not just a slogan. It is a call to action.
As BARD enters its next chapter, we are focused on strengthening our foundation, growing our partnerships, and building a sustainable model for long-term youth impact. We began as a volunteer-led movement and remain community-powered. Now, we are working to make sure the mission can keep growing beyond any one event, board, or founder.
BARD exists to turn civic pride into action — and action into opportunity for young people.
Fund youth-serving organizations and community projects.
Host events that bring Detroit-connected supporters together.
Build partnerships with nonprofits, schools, artists, brands, and civic leaders.
Support programs that create positive, memorable, confidence-building experiences for young people.
Give Detroiters near and far a meaningful way to love their city.
We believe an inspired, educated, creative, and supported youth is essential to Detroit’s future.
We believe giving should feel accessible, joyful, and connected.
We believe Detroit pride should become Detroit investment.
And we believe the best way to honor where you were born and raised is to help raise what comes next.
