QUICK + EQUITABLE IMPACT (QEI) FUND

The Quick + Equitable Impact Fund is designed to support swift and uplifting renovations of smaller community spaces on the terms of those they serve. We will award two to four projects with both funds and technical (Design and Construction Consulting if applicable) support to complete refreshes of community spaces in the spring of 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible to apply to the the Quick + Equitable Impact Fund if:

Your project is located in Detroit
Your work is mission-driven, and the potential renovation / refresh of your space will improve, evolve, or expand the work you do on behalf of your community
Your project does not require a building permit: it’s a refresh or minor renovation that does not include things like moving walls or re-working electrical or plumbing
You currently own or lease the space you intend to renovate
Your renovation or refresh is limited to one room or space, or a relatively small number of spaces, whether they be indoor or outdoor (or a combination of both) as opposed to an entire building needing a significant renovation effort
You have some amount of matching funds set aside, or have already invested in a portion of the renovation or refresh project; this does not have to be large budget or investment already in place but, rather, it’s about ensuring that you have some amount of resources to help leverage our support and expand the impact of your project
Award amounts will vary based on project scope and need, likely ranging between $5,000-$10,000 at the lower end, to $25,000-$30,000 at the higher end. Regardless of the dollar amount of the award, we will ensure that each selected project receives meaningful support – both in terms of funds, and the people-power required for each project
You have reviewed our library of Quick and Equitable Impact projects to contextualize your project (see below!)

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact graig@proxybydesign.com and we would be happy to discuss with you! The Quick + Equitable Impact Fund is part of the Community Owners’ Representative Initiative, and you will not be expected to manage your renovation project alone. If awarded a grant, we will deploy our network of designers and contracting partners to get your project to the finish line. APPLY HERE! Applications will close on January 20, 2026 at 11:59pm EST, and awards will be announced no later than February 2, 2026.

QEI PROJECT EXAMPLES

ISAAC AGREE DOWNTOWN SYNAGOGUE CHILDREN'S AREA

BUDGET: $4,000

After the multi-million dollar renovation of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) in the core of Detroit, a project which experienced a long series of setbacks to the budget while Proxy ensured that the client never had to compromise on its values or on the quality of the built environment, few dollars were left for a critical space in which children could play and relax while their parents worshipped just down a short hall. Proxy partnered with IADS staff to use donated books and toys along with off-the-shelf IKEA furniture and products to outfit a nook where the youth of their community could play and just be themselves within a matter of just a few days.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AT THE ALLEY PROJECT

BUDGET: $24,000

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Inside Southwest Detroit couldn’t safely use its indoor studio space for what ended up being multiple years, disrupting a culture of gathering and connection. Inspired by outdoor classrooms built by the Detroit Waldorf School as a COVID-19 response, this construction of this outdoor classroom at The Alley Project was co-led by Proxy and a Waldorf parent. It became a vehicle for restored connections between neighbors, and ultimately created a lasting physical intervention for shared, accessible, multi-use outdoor space.

DETROIT PHOENIX CENTER

BUDGET: $50,000

This new headquarters for Detroit Phoenix Center includes offices and programming spaces for staff and constituents, including an education hub, “joy zone”, game room, and zen room for relaxation. Proxy connected Detroit Phoenix center with END Studio, (a Detroit-based, women-owned, architecture, design and research practice) to thoughtfully renovate their new space after moving out of a basement that was prone to flooding. This move, paired with accessible yet design-forward renovations, improved Detroit Phoenix Center’s work to serve youth at risk of homelessness, offering them new programming space infused with dignity, vibrancy, and pride.

URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES (UNI) YOUTH RELOUNGE

BUDGET: $13,000

Proxy facilitated a partnership between a longtime client —Urban Neighborhood Initiatives — and designer, small business owner, and lifelong Detroiter Bucky Willis of Crane+Boom. She facilitated a trauma-informed design process driven by the youth who would use these two small rooms totaling about 300 square feet as a space to feel safe and foster hope, and led the selection and installation of new furniture and furnishings to quickly transform the rooms into a place to build wellness and well being.