To invest in the future of our entire region, AAACF’s Board is committed to devoting grant resources and time  to promote economic, educational and cultural renewal in Ypsilanti.

A few years back, when investigating opportunities to award Pfizer’s $1 million legacy gift,  the Ypsilanti area emerged as a priority for our region – a place of great need and great opportunity.

The recent economic downturn has hit Ypsilanti especially hard.
Since 2001, Ypsilanti has lost more than 14,000 higher-paying manufacturing jobs. Between 2006 - 2008, per capita income in Ypsilanti fell 19% vs. an average drop of 10.5% for the State. In 2009, 40% of the foreclosures filed in Washtenaw County were in Ypsilanti or Ypsilanti Township. 

Comparative statistics for Ypsilanti share a telling story:

• Median household income of $35,733 vs $60,713 for the County.
• Approximately 13% of families and 24% of individuals live below the poverty line.
• 68% of students attending Ypsilanti public schools are eligible for a free or reduced lunch.
• Ypsilanti High School reports a graduation rate of 60% vs. 83% for the County.

Enriching the quality of life in Ypsilanti - and by extension helping to create employment, educational and cultural opportunities - is important for an entire region.

Over the last two years, AAACF grants have been instrumental in helping to promote community renewal in Ypsilanti:  setting the stage for the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse to reopen in Depot Town in September,  SPARK East's efforts to support a number of new start-ups, and $300,000 to support a new educational option for Ypsilanti high school students - new Tech High School which will open this September. 

To learn more about AAACF's investments to support Ypsilanit renewal:

• Pfizer Legacy Grants
      Ypsilanti Freighthouse
      WISD – New Tech High School
      SPARK East
• Recent AAACF Grants
• Ypsilanti Area Community Fund