Kresge unveils more neighborhood grants

DETROIT (AP) — The Kresge Foundation is awarding $1.5 million in grants to projects or planning efforts aimed at improving and revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods.

The Troy-based foundation said last week that the grants are going to 21 nonprofits.

They will fund projects that include repurposing abandoned buildings and vacant lots, rehabilitating parks and teaching high school students about entrepreneurship.

The grants are the second round of the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit. It’s a three-year, $5 million initiative.

Nine organizations received grants of $50,000 to $150,000 for projects that have to be completed within a year to 18 months. One project will bring high school and college students together to transform shipping containers into retail space.

A dozen organizations also received up to $25,000 in planning grants.