Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Detroit, Michigan that serves as the City of Detroit's workforce agency. Established in 2012, DESC functions as the fiscal and administrative agent for the Mayor's Workforce Development Board (MWDB). The organization is a key player in Michigan's workforce development network, consisting of 16 agencies statewide.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$23.6M
-11.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$24.3M
+19.9% YoY
Grant Count
25
+19.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$972K
+0.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: The mission of DESC is to cultivate local workforce talent to align with the needs of the business community through partnerships with key workforce agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, education and training institutions, and philanthropic, economic development and government entities.
Primary Program Areas:
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA): DESC utilizes WIOA funds to provide career, training, and supportive services to approximately 3,000 adult and youth residents annually. Services include job readiness workshops, occupational training, career planning, and job placement services.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The organization delivers workforce services through Michigan's PATH (Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope.) Program, which provides support to custodial parents on cash assistance.
Career Services: The organization offers barrier removal, interview preparation, resume assistance, and career coaching through its Detroit at Work centers.
Grantmaking
DESC functions primarily as a workforce services provider and fiscal agent rather than a traditional grantmaking foundation. However, the organization does distribute funds to support workforce development initiatives.
Ready to take the next step with Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
DESC primarily serves the Detroit area and Michigan. The organization operates nine career centers throughout Detroit and is part of Michigan's statewide workforce development network.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2024):
- Total assets: $23,560,838
- Total revenues: $84,390,253
- Total expenses: $88,235,463
- Number of employees: 184
Historical Financial Data (2023):
- Revenue: $77.2M
- Expenses: $76.6M
- Total assets: $26.5M
- Total liabilities: $14.1M
Tax Status:
- Designated as 501(c)(3)
- Tax-exempt since November 2019
- EIN: 38-3353746
- Donations are tax-deductible
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,560,838 | $26,508,257 | $25,202,052 |
| Revenue | $84,390,253 | $77,242,425 | $61,743,492 |
| Expenses | $88,235,463 | $76,646,039 | $67,729,669 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | $587 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Serco Inc ($3,241,533), Payne-pulliam School of Rade & Commerce ($2,915,926), Ross Innovative Employment Solutions Corporation ($2,608,063).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARAB COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SERVICES (ACCESS) DEARBORN, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $2,376,119 |
| ARBOR E&T LLC DBA EQUUS WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS LOUISVILLE, KY | SUBCONTRACTOR | $2,463,706 |
| CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES INC NEW YORK, NY | SUBCONTRACTOR | $83,063 |
| CONNECT DETROIT DETROIT, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $1,465,867 |
| DOWNRIVER COMMUNITY CONFERENCE SOUTHGATE, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $1,506,619 |
| DETROIT CRIME COMMISSION DETROIT, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $5,337 |
| DEVELOPMENT CENTERS DETROIT, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $1,734,072 |
| EDUCATIONAL DATA SYSTEMS INC CANTON, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $388,603 |
| GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER DETROIT DETROIT, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $586,242 |
| THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT SOUTHFIELD, MI | SUBCONTRACTOR | $47,586 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key Personnel:
- Dana Williams: Principal Officer
- Calethia Binion: Chief People Operations Officer
- Stephanie Nixon: Chief Program Officer
DESC's leadership is characterized by vast experience in workforce activities and strong ties across the community.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERRI WEEMS | DIR./GROUP EXECUTIVE DETROIT AT WORK | 40 | $161,663 |
| RIAN BARNHILL | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| RIC PREUSS | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| REATTA STRAUD | DIRECTOR (ENDED 2/24) | 0.5 | — |
| MARIA WOODRUFF-WRIGHT | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| MARK REDMAN | MEMBER-AT-LARGE | 0.5 | — |
| PAUL TRULIK | MEMBER-AT-LARGE | 0.5 | — |
| LENA BARKLEY | SECRETARY | 0.5 | — |
| CHRIS UHL | TREASURER | 0.5 | — |
| DANNIS MITCHELL | VICE CHAIR | 0.5 | — |
| ALICE THOMPSON | CHAIR | 0.5 | — |
| TRACI SASSAK | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 40 | $163,862 |
| DANA WILLIAMS | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $153,109 |
| DIANA PROSI | DETROIT AT WORK BRAND MANAGER | 40 | $163,100 |
| CALETHIA BINION | HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR | 40 | $127,639 |
| STEPHANIE NIXON | CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $121,821 |
| SARA AZU | CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 40 | $135,091 |
| MADELYNE BERNARD-DIAB | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | 40 | $120,079 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In March 2022, Bank of America awarded a $1 million grant to Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation to support the organization's workforce development initiatives.
Bank of America awards $1 million grant to Detroit Employment ...DESC joined the MITN Purchasing Group, expanding its capacity to serve the community through cooperative purchasing arrangements.
Detroit Employment Solution Corporation joins the MITN Purchasing GroupSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation fund?
**Mission Statement:** The mission of DESC is to cultivate local workforce talent to align with the needs of the business community through partnerships with key workforce agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, education and training institutions, and philanthropic, economic development and government entities. **Primary Program Areas:** • **Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):** DESC utilizes WIOA funds to provide career, training, and supportive services to approximat…
How do I apply for a grant from Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation?
DESC functions primarily as a workforce services provider and fiscal agent rather than a traditional grantmaking foundation. However, the organization does distribute funds to support workforce development initiatives. **Financial Distribution:** • Total giving: $50,816,409 (based on most recent IRS Form 990 filing) • Typical award range: $5,337–$3,757,273 **Focus Areas for Support:** • Nonprofit human services • Human and social service grants • Poverty alleviation
Where does Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation make grants?
DESC primarily serves the Detroit area and Michigan. The organization operates nine career centers throughout Detroit and is part of Michigan's statewide workforce development network.
What size grants does Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation award?
In 2024, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation awarded 25 grants totaling $24.3M — an average of about $972K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation's EIN?
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3353746. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Kadant Johnson Inc Scholarship Foun
THREE RIVERS, MI
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$5K
Thomas W Itin Charitable Trust
KEEGO HARBOR, MI
Assets
—
Grants
11
Total Given
$4K
Robert a Leonard Jr Charitable Trus
SOUTHFIELD, MI
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$11K
Homer Youth Athletic Association
TEKONSHA, MI
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$4K
Dr Shanti Swarup & Mrs Chawla Devi
TROY, MI
Assets
—
Grants
9
Total Given
$3K
Bojrab Family Foundation
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI
Assets
$185K
Grants
9
Total Given
$27K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation to a real strategy.