The Bridge Builders Microgrants program is fortunate to have generous support from its funders. Our funders share our values about the power of community, the importance of bringing people together, and the confidence that communities know best.

It is our pleasure to highlight one of those funders here! Read on for a Q&A with DTE Foundation President and Chair Lynette Dowler.

Q: What is your role at DTE Foundation?
A: As the president and chair of the DTE Foundation and vice president of Public Affairs for DTE, my team leads all corporate social responsibility (CSR) work including volunteerism, community outreach, and neighborhood revitalization. The DTE Foundation is among the state’s largest foundations committed to Michigan-focused giving, and I ensure its investments create maximum statewide impact by aligning them with – and tailoring them to – priority giving areas including arts and culture, basic human needs, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, and environment.

Q: How did you learn about the Bridge Builders Microgrants program?
A: In 2020, the Foundation’s funding primarily focused on basic needs and providing support to small businesses as they were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We were intentionally exploring innovative programs that supported small businesses and community members. Michigan Municipal League’s (MML) leadership shared the purpose of the 2021 Michigan Municipal League Foundation Bridge Builders Microgrants program and the initiative aligned with our goals to support not only small businesses but also entrepreneurs. Our contribution specifically includes the Michigan Municipal League Foundation's Main Street Microgrants which unites small businesses, artists, residents and local officials, while also encouraging placemaking and transformation in business corridors.

Q: Tell us a little bit about DTE Foundation and its values.
A: The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2021, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $18.9 million in grant support where the company has a business presence with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change on three key areas: jobs, equity and the environment. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in the communities across Michigan.

Q: What makes the Bridge Builders Microgrants program so special to DTE Foundation?
A: Supporting the Michigan Municipal League Foundation and the Bridge Builders Microgrants program means bringing people together. It allows for a collective effort to improve the community, benefitting residents and visitors. To us, supporting this program means furthering economic progress, unique collaborations and new opportunities.

Q: Any additional thoughts or comments for our readers? 
A: At DTE and through the DTE Foundation, we aspire to be the best in the world and the best FOR the world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in communities across Michigan. We’re focused on supporting effective, equitable programming that is culturally relevant and serves the unmet needs of diverse, vulnerable residents while engaging the community.