Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit is a public charity based in Detroit, Michigan, that operates as TechTown Detroit. Founded in 2000, TechTown describes itself as Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub and Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub. It supports technology startups and small businesses as they develop, launch, and grow, and works with community partners to provide services in Midtown and neighborhoods throughout Detroit.
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit at a glance
In short: Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit gave $1.3M across 33 grants in 2024 (avg $39K), mostly in Michigan. 84% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,300,000
- -37.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 33
- -41.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $39,394
- +6.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $8,000
- Total assets
- $20,872,657
- -19.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 84% first-time grantees (27 of 32, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
- Contact
Mailing address: 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 887-1639
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
Detroit Elevate
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
Amount
Up to $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Detroit Small Business Stabilization Fund (DSBSF)
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
Amount
Up to $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Hatch Detroit
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
Amount
$100,000 grand prize
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was A Girl Like ME Inc ($150K). Together the top 10 received $1.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
165 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 129 grants of 165 (78%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Detroit. Its website describes support for Detroit entrepreneurs and, in a 2024 article, says its small-business services and technology programs were offered to entrepreneurs residing in or operating businesses in Wayne County. The 2024 filing reports that 99% of grant dollars went to Michigan recipients, with 1% each reported for North Carolina and Delaware; the percentages may not total 100% because of rounding.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 33 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit open to new grantees?
84%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 27 of 32 grantees (84%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $36K; repeat grants $66K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $15K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $251K (2021) to $2.1M (2023). In 2024 it made 33 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A Girl Like ME Inc Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Class Act Detroit Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Detroit Horse Power Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Freedom House Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $150,000 |
| Bulk Space Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $115,000 |
| Allied Media Projects Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $47,500 |
| Urban Neighborhood Initiatives Inc Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $41,531 |
| Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation Detroit, MI | Non-Profit Support Grant | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing reports 33 grants, the 2023 filing 56 grants, and the 2022 filing 35 grants.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $20,872,657 | $4,808,210 | $12,535,531 | $1,300,000 | 33 | $75,271 |
| 2023 | $26,034,168 | $6,792,234 | $11,795,490 | $2,066,246 | 56 | $99,826 |
| 2022 | $31,848,008 | $15,845,749 | $8,937,181 | $1,000,633 | 35 | $14,865 |
| 2021 | $24,221,060 | $8,978,851 | $5,753,462 | $251,239 | 16 | $146 |
| 2020 | $20,621,192 | $5,453,364 | $7,901,750 | $1,047,816 | 25 | $6,390 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to help technology startups and small businesses develop, launch, and grow, opening doors to opportunity while strengthening Detroit, its neighborhoods, and its economy.
Its programs include technology-based entrepreneurship support, such as Start Studio, technology commercialization, and assistance with business growth and capital access. Its small-business offerings include Retail Boot Camp and other neighborhood business services. TechTown also describes office, laboratory, coworking, meeting, and event space, as well as human-resources and financial-management back-office support.
The 2024 filing records grants described as nonprofit support and small-business development. Among the nonprofit recipients, the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice says it uses legal and public advocacy to defend the rights of working people and their communities; Detroit Horse Power says it teaches urban youth to ride and care for horses to develop skills for future success; and Freedom House Detroit says it supports refugees, asylum seekers, and others seeking humanitarian protection. Other grantees describe work in community development, arts and media, and neighborhood revitalization.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the organization reported 33 grants totaling $1,300,000. Grants ranged from $5,050 to $150,000, with a median of $8,000. The largest listed awards were $150,000 each to A Girl Like Me Inc, Class Act Detroit, Detroit Horse Power, Freedom House, Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market, and the Sugar Law Center for Economic & an individual recipient received $115,000, and Allied Media Projects received $47,500. The filing also lists small-business development grants, including $11,594 to an individual recipient and $10,000 to Next Chapter Books LLC.
TechTown’s website lists three currently open programs offering funding: Detroit Elevate, a competition for established businesses with awards up to $50,000; Hatch Detroit, a competition offering a $100,000 grand prize for entrepreneurs; and the TechTown Startup Fund, which offers grants up to $10,000 to Detroit-based Black tech founders at early stages between idea validation and revenue generation. The website does not specify application materials or deadlines for these programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The organization’s 2024 filing lists Edward Staebler as president and CEO and Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy as chair. It also lists Dr. Ali Abolmaali, Ben Bernstein, Bethany Gielczyk, Chanell Scott Contreras, Cornelia Butler, Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, Gwen Jimmere, and Hassan Beydoun as board members. The filing states that Wayne State University appoints the board chair and that the Wayne State University Board of Governors appoints two board members.
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit is led by Edward Staebler, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 39 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Edward Staebler
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$56K (2020) → $176K (2024)
Allandra J. Bulger
Executive Director & Co.act
Executive Director & Co.act → Executive Director & Co.act Detroit, 2023
Executive Director & Co.act Detroit → Executive Director & Co.act, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$125K (2020) → $190K (2024)
Kimberly Andrews Espy
Chair
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Danielle Manley
Senior Director & Development
Director & Development → Senior Director & Development, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$104K (2021) → $126K (2024)
Kimberly S. Watts
Director of Business Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$117K (2023) → $113K (2024)
Kyla Carlsen
Program Director & Co.act
Director of Programs & Co.act Detroit → Program Director & Co.act, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$124K (2023) → $128K (2024)
Natrina Groce
Senior Director Human Resources
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$120K (2024)
Norma Jean Zaleski
Senior Director Finance & Compliance
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$110K (2024)
Kelly Kozlowski
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$150K (2020) → $188K (2024)
Christianne Malone
Chief Program Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$9K (2022) → $161K (2024)
Diana Goode
Chief Finacial Officer
Senior Director of Finance → Chief Financial Officer, 2023
Chief Financial Officer → Chief Finacial Officer, 2024
On filings since 2022
20 hrs/week
$77K (2022) → $180K (2024)
Jamila Thompson
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Aeschliman
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Rumley
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike S. Rafferty
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Patti Glaza
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Portia Powell
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sonal Ramrakhiani
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Prasad
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terri Lynn Land
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nick Gorga
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ali Abolmaali
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ben Bernstein
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bethany Gielczyk
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chanell Scott Contreras
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clarinda Barnett-Harrison
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cornelia Butler
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gwen Jimmere
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hassan Beydoun
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Justin Turk
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matt Bower
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Busuito
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Cole
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Sappington
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rian English Barnhill
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Valencia Stoudamire
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Virginia Kleist
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (37)
- Former: Anika Goss-Foster (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Carla Walker-Miller (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dana Thompson (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Fredrick Molnar (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Gene Barber (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Hector Hernandez (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jason Tinsley (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jill Ford (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jim Saber (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Lisa M. Hardy (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: M. Roy Wilson (2020–2023) — Chair
- Former: Shannon D. Smith (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Tosha Tabron (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: David Massaron (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dawn Batts (2021–2023) — Director & Growth Capital
- Former: Nicole Sherard-Freemand (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Trina Groce (2023) — Senior Human Resources Director
- Former: Marlo Rencher (2020–2022) — Senior Director & Technology-Based
- Former: Andrew Melton (2021–2022) — Director of Finance - Partial Year
- Former: Stacey Francovich (2022) — Director & Technology-Based
- Former: Amy Rencher (2020–2021) — Management Director Entrepreneurial Pgrms & Srvs
- Former: Camilo Serna (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Charles Burke (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Christopher Rizik (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kimberly Colon (2020–2021) — Director of Finance- Last Day
- Former: Robert Forsythe (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Shirley Stancato (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Stephen Lanier (2020–2021) — Vice Chair & Secretary - Partial Year
- Former: Taryn Simon (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Tonya Matthews (2020–2021) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Angie Kelly (2020) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Bryan C. Barnhill II (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Thomas (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Lori Wingerter (2020) — Board Member - Partial Year
- Former: Paul Riser (2020) — Director & Detroit Urban Solutions
- Former: Sorin Draghici (2020) — Board Member
- Former: William Decatur (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $190K, to Allandra J Bulger (Executive Director, Co.act). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit
How much does Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit give each year?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit gave $1.3M across 33 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.1M across 56 grants.
What is Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's typical grant size?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's median grant in 2024 was $8,000, and its average grant was $39,394, across 33 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit that year got $36K on average.
Where does Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit give grants?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit gives mostly in Michigan: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (25 grants) and Highland Park, MI (2 grants).
Does Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 33 grants with a stated purpose on Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Small Business Development Grant" (23 grants) and "Non-Profit Support Grant" (10 grants).
Who are Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's largest grantees?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's largest 2024 grantees include A Girl Like ME Inc ($150,000), Class Act Detroit ($150,000) and Detroit Horse Power ($150,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit reported $20.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.8M.
What does Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to help technology startups and small businesses develop, launch, and grow, opening doors to opportunity while strengthening Detroit, its neighborhoods, and its economy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's EIN?
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-2061387. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit funds
Community Improvement & Capacity Building Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Leveling-Up Award $1,000 · Due October 25, 2026
- Arnold F. Keller, Jr. Grant for New Initiatives/Program Expansion $25,000 · Due October 27, 2026
- Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants (Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin) $1,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope of the project · Due October 27, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/wayne-state-university-research-and-technology-park-in-the-city-of-detroit-morg_deae3f63fe804b668c22b024dbd86bdf
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_412061387_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/wayne-state-university-research-and-technology-park-in-the-city-of-detroit-morg_deae3f63fe804b668c22b024dbd86bdf},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. 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 Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit'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.
Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit down — hundreds of funders to go?