With a goal to improve the lives of African Americans through economic support, social programs and holistic wellness, Michigan-based Minority Freedom Community Fund had big plans when it launched. But it didn’t have a strategic plan—yet—and needed to engage new board members through its first-ever in-person event.
It also didn’t have staff with the specific skillset to make those plans happen or the funds to hire a consultant.
So, when founder and Chief Operating Officer TeQuion Brookins learned about DTE Energy’s skills-based volunteerism program—which matches the expertise of DTE employees with nonprofit organizations that need help—Brookins signed on immediately.
DTE matched MFCF with Senior Program Manager Erica Schlenker, who helped establish and develop the skills-based volunteerism program at DTE, and Frank D’Angelo, manager of community outreach and event strategy at the DTE Foundation, who, like Schlenker, has nonprofit experience. He also has event experience. “I jumped right on,” said D’Angelo. “Especially since it was something in my wheelhouse … It’s such a rewarding way to give back.”
At first, the nonprofit was thinking of hosting its event in Miami, where one of its board members is located. Schlenker and D’Angelo suggested considering its target audience, where that audience is based and where the nonprofit planned to grow and expand. The two DTE employees—who volunteered during some work hours with the utility’s support and extensively outside of work—also offered guidance on how to recruit attendees and other best practices. “It was a complete overhaul from what they had planned,” said Schlenker. “But they were thrilled with it, and it was very successful.”
The event was hosted in Detroit and attracted 23 in-person attendees. It engaged five new volunteers, raised $1,000, and supported eight Black-owned businesses through a raffle and by engaging them as on-site suppliers.
At a celebration event in December, Brookins presented Schlenker with the inaugural DTE Community Champion Award for her partnership with MFCF. “She really talked about how much they cherished not only the results they received from the partnership and experience but also the process,” said Schlenker. “And they named it after DTE. That legacy says it all for us.”
DTE’s skills-based volunteerism program now attracts more than 1,200 DTE volunteers, who used their skills during more than 38,000 hours spent last year at 96 organizations.
For D’Angelo, who plans to bring his 5-year-old daughter with him to his next volunteer opportunity at the local Humane Society, “The need is always out there, but as good community partners, it’s up to us to make sure those needs are met,” he said.
And for others who are interested in launching a similar program, “Listen to your employees, highlight and focus on their passions, and find opportunity, because it’s everywhere in the community,” said Schlenker. “And if someone is reading this and their company doesn’t have something established yet, you can be the person to spark it. You can be the person to pitch it, and you can be the person to create it.”