Lionbear Ventures Helps Sanctuary Farms Secure Grant to Cultivate Healthier Detroit Communities
April 22, 2025 | Detroit, MI
Lionbear Ventures is proud to announce its instrumental role in helping Sanctuary Farms secure funding through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Healthy Community Zones initiative. This powerful collaboration marks a major step toward improving health outcomes and promoting food sovereignty in Detroit — and sets the stage for long-term transformation in communities across Michigan.
Earlier this month, MDHHS awarded more than $8 million to 20 organizations, including Sanctuary Farms, to build Healthy Community Zones in the City of Detroit, as well as in Chippewa and Saginaw counties. These place-based, community-led grants are designed to reduce racial disparities in chronic diseases by supporting hyperlocal solutions to improve access to nutritious food, physical activity, and wellness education.
A Win for Sanctuary Farms – and for Detroit
Sanctuary Farms, a grassroots urban agriculture organization working to transform vacant lots into lush, productive green spaces, is now among the organizations receiving support to bring their community-forward vision to life. With Lionbear Ventures’ guidance in grant strategy and submission, Sanctuary Farms secured a portion of the $8M investment — a testament to the power of effective storytelling and strategic grant partnerships.
“This is more than just a grant win,” says Ashley Connelly, founder of Lionbear Ventures. “This is a victory for neighborhoods in Detroit that deserve fresh food, green spaces, and a sense of ownership in their own health and future. We’re thrilled to support organizations like Sanctuary Farms, who are literally planting seeds for change.”
Rooted in Equity - Grown by Community
About The Healthy Community Zones (HCZ) Initiative
As part of their funded initiatives, Sanctuary Farms will implement projects focused on nutrition education, sustainable farming practices, and community empowerment. Their programming aligns perfectly with the Healthy Community Zones’ goals of:
Expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce.
Teaching families how to grow, harvest, and prepare healthy food.
Creating opportunities for physical activity and social connection through green infrastructure.
These initiatives are not just about food — they’re about autonomy, dignity, and systemic change.
Graphic curtsey of Michigan Healthy Community Zones Initiative, click the button to learn more!
Why This Matters for Michigan
Detroit, like many urban centers, faces significant health disparities stemming from limited access to nutritious food and safe, communal spaces. By supporting organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities, the Healthy Community Zones funding creates opportunities for long-term, measurable improvements in public health.
For the state of Michigan, investments like this one reflect a broader commitment to racial equity and public wellness. Through this initiative, more communities will have the tools to reclaim agency over their environments — and their futures.
Looking Ahead
This initial 6 month funding with option periods to extend opens the door for continued support in the future, allowing Sanctuary Farms and others to build sustainable systems that endure well beyond the grant cycle. Lionbear Ventures remains committed to helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact, tell their story, and secure the resources they need to thrive.
To learn more about Sanctuary Farms and the work being done across Michigan through Healthy Community Zones, visit MDHHS’s official website.
If you are a business or non-profit looking to get similar grants for your field and need assistance, Lionbear Ventures is here to help! Reach out to us and we will begin helping you forage your future in Community Development, Innovative Services, or Sustaining Support grant assistance and writing.