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.
Make 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 its assets by 2034 in order to make 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 improving the health of communities.
Program 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 the resiliency and development of arts and culture organizations, leaders and the sector in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and Detroit’s jazz culture and mentorship traditions.
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 fair election administration, voter engagement, and access to the ballot in Southeast Michigan—particularly for those who have been historically targeted by voter suppression.
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.
News and Stories
Read about our latest grants, partner stories, team updates, and other news across our program areas.
Interested in Partnering?
If your organization also envisions a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem or a culturally vibrant, sustainable Southeast Michigan, let’s work together to create lasting change.
