In 2016, Flint native Tom Gores, who is chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, launched FlintNOW, a $10 million private sector campaign to support short- and long-term relief and revitalization initiatives in response to the Flint water crisis.

FlintNOW Fund

In the years that followed, FlintNOW cultivated relationships with dozens of key stakeholders and deployed financial and operational resources to create and support programs in Flint focused on immediate relief, healthy food and nutrition, education, and long-term economic revitalization. FlintNOW partnerships included a $25 million economic development program launched with Huntington Bank, a healthy foods initiative created with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and the National Basketball Players Association and the creation of the Flint Promise scholarship program. Gores and the FlintNOW campaign provided millions of dollars in support to the Flint Kids Fund, the United Way of Genesee County, the American Red Cross, Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Vision to Learn.

To continue the work of the FlintNOW campaign, in 2023 Gores allocated $3 million to create the FlintNOW Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. The fund provides grants to organizations focused on education, community development, nutrition, and healthcare initiatives in the Flint community.

  • Promote Education: investment in educational programs and initiatives to empower individuals and build a brighter future for Flint's youth
  • Support Community Development: to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, contributing to a thriving Flint economy
  • Enhance Community Wellness: support initiatives that promote health, safety, and overall community wellness