Our Mission, Vision, and Values
The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation envisions a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem and a culturally vibrant, sustainable Southeast Michigan. Toward this end, we strengthen the cultural and environmental organizations that share our vision to make this a reality for generations to come.
Making a Lasting, Transformative Difference
Embrace Possibility
Work and Learn in Partnership
Pursue Fairness and Respect
Our Legacy and Spenddown
The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation continues the legacy of two lifelong Southeast Michigan residents who were deeply committed to their community. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $180 million to initiatives Fred and Barbara cared about most—supporting the environment, arts and culture, jazz education, sustainable business, and Alzheimer’s research.
In 2022, the Foundation made the strategic decision to spend down all assets by 2034, enabling bold investments in projects that address pressing needs and drive lasting change. It remains dedicated to working closely with its partners, fostering collaboration and continuing its commitment to meaningful progress.
Grant Programs Areas
Fred and Barbara Erb had a desire to create a better world for their “grandchildren’s grandchildren.” In its final decade, the Foundation will make grants that align with their deep commitment to giving back.
Great Lakes
The Foundation seeks to support the people, organizations, and institutions working to achieve a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem at different scales. We are also interested in work that strengthens efforts to address environmental harms and adapt to future challenges faced by Great Lakes communities and ecosystems. Our work in this area will be conducted through a lens for environmental justice and climate change.
Arts + Culture
The Foundation seeks to strengthen Detroit’s jazz culture and mentorship traditions and the resiliency and development of arts and culture organizations, leaders, and the sector in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Alzheimer’s Research
Fred Erb lived with Alzheimer’s for the last 12 years of his life. In honor of Fred’s experience, the Foundation invests in very targeted research aimed at finding a cure. It does not accept unsolicited proposals for Alzheimer’s Research.
Sustainable Business
The Foundation seeks to promote the growth of the sustainable business sector by helping to create favorable conditions, strengthening the ecosystem for small sustainable businesses, and creating a more resilient regional economy. Our work in this area will be conducted through a lens for environmental justice and climate change.
Democracy
The Foundation seeks to promote voter engagement and access to the ballot in Southeast Michigan – particularly for those who have been historically targeted by voter suppression – and fair election administration.
Legacy Giving
Legacy grants directly reflect the personal passions and interests of Fred and Barbara Erb. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for Legacy Giving.
Our Team
Douglas E. Ebert
Debbie D. Erb
John E. Erb
Chair
Lawrence Garcia
Leslie Erb Liedtke
Rhonda Welburn
Ira J. Jaffe
Chair Emeritus
Left to right: Margaret (“Mimi”) D. Liedtke; J. Hugh Liedtke; Katherine (“Lark”) L. Liedtke; Elizabeth G. Erb
Interested in Partnering?
Please check back in January 2025 for more information about how to apply for funding. In the meantime, learn more about our approach to spenddown and our program areas by viewing our announcement webinar.