Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, based in Lansing, Michigan, is a public charity that supports community economic development across the state. Its work includes strengthening organizations through training, technical assistance, capacity building, policy advocacy, and funding, with an emphasis on affordable housing, economic opportunity, and wealth-building.
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan at a glance
In short: Community Economic Development Association of Michigan gave $1.7M across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $75K), mostly in Michigan. 48% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,721,840
- +329.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- +109.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $74,863
- +105.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $38,704
- Total assets
- $4,480,938
- -10.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 48% first-time grantees (11 of 23, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
- How to Apply
-
The 2026 opportunity invited eligible organizations to submit a proposal. Its stated submission deadline has passed; the available information does not establish a current application process.
- Review Cycle
- August 28, 2026 (past cycle).
- Deadline
- August 28, 2026 (past cycle).
- Contact
Mailing address: 1118 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910-1647
Phone: (517) 485-3588
Website: https://cedamichigan.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Community Economic Development Association of Michigan funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Accounting Aid Society ($550K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
49 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 27 grants of 49 (55%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
CEDAM describes its work as statewide and focused on Michigan. All reported grant dollars in 2025 went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Community Economic Development Association of Michigan open to new grantees?
48%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 23 grantees (48%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $46K; repeat grants $102K. How we count
Medians: $36K first-time, $63K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2022–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $343K (2023) to $1.7M (2025). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Aid Society Detroit, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $550,017 |
| Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan's Heartland Battle Creek, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $145,603 |
| United Way of South Central Michigan Kalamazoo, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $126,501 |
| Heart of West Michigan United Way Grand Rapids, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $125,039 |
| Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency Petoskey, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $116,000 |
| Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency Detroit, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $92,519 |
| United Way of Marquette County Marquette, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $92,065 |
| Community Action Agency Jackson, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $87,058 |
| Southwest Organizations Unifying Resources for Our Communities and Employer Wyoming, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $50,000 |
| United Way for Southeastern Michigan Detroit, MI | Expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation program | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Community Economic Development Association of Michigan?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,480,938 | $9,586,566 | $9,382,775 | $1,721,840 | 23 | $49,828 |
| 2024 | $4,990,698 | $5,164,060 | $5,162,504 | $401,349 | 11 | $65,108 |
| 2023 | $3,086,019 | $3,268,290 | $3,190,424 | $343,211 | 6 | $27,718 |
| 2022 | $2,302,310 | $4,096,846 | $3,430,945 | $710,790 | 9 | $878 |
| 2021 | $2,787,287 | $2,264,650 | $2,089,882 | — | — | $1,425 |
| 2020 | $2,895,236 | $1,903,505 | $1,823,578 | — | — | $-5,653 |
| 2019 | $1,652,463 | $2,071,998 | $1,857,737 | — | — | $21,885 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
CEDAM’s stated mission is to support its diverse membership in creating vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities. It says it enhances locally driven community economic development through training and resources, technical assistance, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Its current economic initiatives focus on free tax preparation and children’s savings account programs. For tax preparation, CEDAM provides funding and technical assistance to local programs and supports statewide coordination. Its children’s savings account work includes funding and technical assistance for programs, along with resources and a statewide network.
The 2025 filing’s grants show support for organizations expanding and sustaining volunteer income tax preparation programs. Among the supported organizations, Accounting Aid Society says its mission includes free tax preparation, small-business financial services, financial coaching, and call-center workforce training. Community Action Agency says it promotes self-sufficiency in Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties. United Way of South Central Michigan says it brings together people, ideas, and resources to create a flourishing, equitable life for everyone.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, CEDAM reported 23 grants totaling $1,721,840. Grant amounts ranged from $5,393 to $550,017, with a median grant of $38,704. The listed grants supported expansion and sustainability of volunteer income tax preparation programs.
The largest grants included $550,017 to Accounting Aid Society in Detroit; $145,603 to Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland in Battle Creek; $126,501 to United Way of South Central Michigan in Kalamazoo; $125,039 to Heart of West Michigan United Way in Grand Rapids; and $116,000 to Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Petoskey.
CEDAM’s website describes a Free Tax Preparation Expansion Funding Opportunity for organizations seeking to expand and sustain free tax preparation services. The stated eligibility requirements included being based in Michigan and primarily serving Michigan residents, and directly managing a qualifying VITA, TCE, or AARP Tax-Aide program, or planning to establish a new VITA program. Grant funds could support staff and volunteer costs, outreach, technology, supplies, and other project-related needs. The opportunity was described as a state-funded, reimbursement-based grant, with indirect administrative costs capped at 10%.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists these directors: Aaron Cooper, Rawley Van Fossen, Michelle McGregor, Jameka Williams, CJ Felton, Lisa Evans, Penny Payea, Dana Christian, Hope Lovell, and Jonathan Stimson.
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is led by Luke Forrest, Executive Director on every filing since 2019; 4 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Luke Forrest
Executive Director
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$128K (2021) → $147K (2025)
Essence Wilson
President
Vice President → Vice President & President, 2024
Vice President & President → President, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eddie Fakhoury
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Madeleine March-Meenagh
Director of Economic Initiatives
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$103K (2025)
Rachel Diskin
Director & Cheif Talent Offr.
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$111K (2025)
Brad Michaud
Director
Board Member → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rawley Van Fossen
Director
Treasurer & President → President, 2024
President → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dana Christian
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deamo Murphy
Director & Secretary
Director → Director & Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hope Lovell
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Stimson
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Zosia Eppensteiner
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cj Felton
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Evans
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Penny Payea
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Kieler
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Distelrath
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yelena Ramautar
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Cooper
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jameka Williams
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle McGregor
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Benjamin Dowd
Deputy Director & COO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$108K (2025)
Libby Palackdharry
Secretary & Vice Presnident
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Secretary & Vice Presnident, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela Aaron-Benifield
Treasurer
Director & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (27)
- Former: Charlotte Smith (2019–2024) — Past President
- Former: Barbara Sistrunk (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Brion Edwards (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Yolanda Jackson (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Christine Bell (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Jeremy Deroo (2019–2023) — Past President
- Former: Luan Nguyen (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Bonnie Gettys (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Linda Smith (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Michelle Lajoie (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Tony Lentych (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Allan Martin (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Sarah Lucas (2021) — Director
- Former: Dennis West (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Glenn Wilson (2019–2020) — Past President
- Former: Kirsten Elliott (2019–2020) — President
- Former: Kris Brady (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kwaku Osei (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Mikki Droste (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Paul Schmidt (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Toby Berry (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Byrnes (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Al Martin (2019) — Treasurer
- Former: Diane McCloskey (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Jamie Schriner (2019) — Executive Director
- Former: Mark McDaniel (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Appel (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $147K, to Luke Forrest (Executive Director (Ended 1/10/25)). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
How much does Community Economic Development Association of Michigan give each year?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan gave $1.7M across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $401K across 11 grants.
What is Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's typical grant size?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's median grant in 2025 was $38,704, and its average grant was $74,863, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Economic Development Association of Michigan that year got $46K on average.
Where does Community Economic Development Association of Michigan give grants?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (4 grants) and Lapeer, MI (2 grants).
Does Community Economic Development Association of Michigan give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support of Children's Savings Account Program" (6 grants).
Who are Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's largest grantees?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's largest 2025 grantees include Accounting Aid Society ($550,017), Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan's Heartland ($145,603) and United Way of South Central Michigan ($126,501), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Community Economic Development Association of Michigan?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan reported $4.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $9.6M.
What does Community Economic Development Association of Michigan fund?
CEDAM’s stated mission is to support its diverse membership in creating vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities. It says it enhances locally driven community economic development through training and resources, technical assistance, capacity building, and policy advocacy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Economic Development Association of Michigan?
The 2026 opportunity invited eligible organizations to submit a proposal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's EIN?
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3445097. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 22, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Community Economic Development Association of Michigan funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/community-economic-development-association-of-michigan-morg_165a9e20b0934eddb1e8ff47cde06583
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_383445097_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Community Economic Development Association of Michigan funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/community-economic-development-association-of-michigan-morg_165a9e20b0934eddb1e8ff47cde06583},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan down — hundreds of funders to go?