Erb Foundation: Arts and Culture Grant

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation supports arts and culture initiatives in Southeast Michigan, with a focus on strengthening jazz culture and mentorship traditions. They provide funding for professional development opportunities for artists and promote audience engagement through music education. The foundation envisions a vibrant cultural landscape and is committed to making bold investments that address community needs while fostering collaboration among local organizations.

NOTE: Our board currently reviews requests for funding three times a year, in January, May, and September. Grants requests typically take about four to six months to move from an initial conversation to consideration at a board meeting. The first step in our application process is a conversation with our program team. Please use the Contact Us button found here to begin.
Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation
The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation continues the legacy of two lifelong Southeast Michigan residents who were deeply committed to their community. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $180 million to initiatives Fred and Barbara cared about most—supporting the environment, arts and culture, jazz education, sustainable business, and Alzheimer’s research.
In 2022, the Foundation made the strategic decision to spend down all assets by 2034, enabling bold investments in projects that address pressing needs and drive lasting change. It remains dedicated to working closely with its partners, fostering collaboration and continuing its commitment to improving the health of communities.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation envisions a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem and a culturally vibrant, sustainable Southeast Michigan. Toward this end, we strengthen the cultural and environmental organizations that share our vision to make this a reality for generations to come.
Grant Program Area: Arts and Culture
Strengthen Detroit's jazz culture and mentorship traditions by:
Investing in professional development and opportunities for artists, teachers, teaching artists, and nonprofit staff.Providing young musicians pursuing jazz with program participation, lessons, and additional supports.Developing future audiences through music instruction and activities that promote an appreciation for jazz.
Strengthen the resiliency and development of arts and culture organizations, leaders, and the sector in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties by:
Supporting financial stability through earned income generation, reserve development, and best practices for financial management.Improving operations through workforce retention, leadership and staff development, system improvements, capacity building, and operationalizing equity.Promoting artistic and operational innovation and collaboration, advocacy, audience development, and equitable practices.