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KINGSFORD -- Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency is among six nonprofits selected in Michigan to receive DTE Foundation funding aimed at helping individuals and families with housing and transportation challenges.
The DTE Foundation awarded DICSA a $12,000 Community Empowerment Award to support its Transportation "Free-Ride" Project for one year, starting Dec. 1.
DICSA's transportation program provides door-to-door service for seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income residents. Funding from the DTE Foundation will support about 240 free round-trip rides, helping residents access medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential destinations, according to a news release.
"The DTE Foundation's investment makes a meaningful difference for the people we serve, ensuring that community members can reach essential services without barriers," said Kristin Sommerfeld, DICSA executive director.
DTE's Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program grants help organizations provide home repairs and transportation assistance for individuals and families facing housing instability and transportation challenges in DTE's service territory.
This year's awards focus on ways that help people live safely, maintain independence and access employment, health care and other essential services, according to a DTE news release. Selected projects will provide critical home repairs and vehicle-related assistance for community members
experiencing housing instability or transportation barriers.
"Access to safe housing and reliable transportation are foundational to basic needs and quality of life," said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation.
Now in its third year, the Community Empowerment Awards program supports nonprofit organizations developing sustainable, community-centered responses to local needs. Before the 2026 awards, the program provided $669,500 to 22 nonprofits across Michigan.
In addition to DICSA, the 2026 Community Empowerment Award recipients include --
• 360 Detroit Inc.;
• Central Christian Community Development Corporation, Detroit;
• Full Throttle Ministry, Kensington Church, Detroit;
• Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids; and
• North Kent Connect, Rockford, Mich.
The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy. In 2025, the foundation provided $15.1 million in grant support to 445 nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has a business presence, with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in priority giving areas: arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment and human needs.