Being that GreenLight Fund Detroit is relatively new to the Detroit area and recently invested in their first program in the area, the nonprofit is still in the process of developing a stronger partnership landscape with social entrepreneurs, social enterprises, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and potential funders within this region. One of my internship projects this summer involves researching social entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and potential funders in the Detroit area and compiling comprehensive profiles on each individual or corporation reviewed. My final product will be a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database where my executive director can easily and intentionally contact the individuals and organizations listed in the database and track his relationship development process. Though my project involvement directly affects GreenLight Fund Detroit, it indirectly affects the greater Detroit community. By developing a robust and in depth landscape of the various players in the Detroit community, GreenLight Fund will be better suited to understand the Detroit community in a deeper scope and to invest in programs that are for the betterment of the community as a whole. Referring back to the social entrepreneurial and non-governmental ecosystem in Detroit, one of the best ways a social impact program can be effective in a given space is if the program truly learns about the given landscape and social implications before introducing themselves to the community. This specific project seeks to bring a deeper sense of understanding to the programs or initiatives the Detroit community truly needs. Personally, this project has made me better able to conceptualize the character and landscape of the city and its progress based on the individuals and organizations who shape and mold Detroit’s present and future. Looking at the extensive work being done by amazing and passionate individuals makes progress a reality as opposed to a distant dream or future. Detroit’s future is bright because the individuals who work for the betterment of the city and its residents are bright. Though I may not be closely interacting with the Detroit community, I feel that through my work I am contributing to the process of correctly and appropriately addressing social problems in Detroit. Once this specific project is completed, I will be better able to determine the specific elements of my work that will eventually interface with the greater Detroit community. I am tremendously excited to see how our work in our prospective work sites and organization partnerships will immediately or eventually impact the growth and development of the city.
GreenLight Fund's first investment!
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