Dexter 

When it comes to small town charm, Dexter is an appealing destination in Washtenaw County. Local families and businesses are deeply rooted here and are strongly committed to maintaining its vitality and history.

With the Huron River winding and flowing through town, beautiful local parks, and the growing Border-to-Border Trail, Dexter provides many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Specialty shops, local events, art venues, and the welcoming environment all blend together to create this cherished and connected space.

Dexter Community Fund

Programs like the Dexter Community Fund (DCF) keep the community vibrant through thoughtful, strategic grantmaking by supporting arts and culture, youth and seniors, recreation, and other local needs. Established in 2014 as part of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, the DCF is a permanent endowment dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone who is fortunate to call the Dexter area home and for those many generations to come.

The DCF Advisory Committee performed an updated needs assessment in 2023, partnering and soliciting input from representatives across local government, schools, faith communities, nonprofits, and public safety. This needs assessment helped the DCF define and determine its current focus areas.

The DCF is a maturing source of community capital, available to invest in projects and nonprofit
organizations in perpetuity, focusing on:

• Seniors & Youth Services
• Food & Housing Improvements
• Arts & Cultural Development
• Mental Health Programs
• Recreation & Fitness

Through these investments, the Dexter Community Fund continues to build a stronger, more resilient community—now and for the future.
 

Past Grantees

In 2017, the Dexter Community Fund awarded its first grants. As DCF’s endowment grows, the Fund will address the changing needs of the community and it will have an even greater impact touching the lives of every resident in the Dexter community.