• by Tanya Gazdik , December 27, 2020

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is making two financial contributions to improve the quality of life for the people and neighborhoods on Detroit’s east side. 

FCA is contributing $400,000 to the Impact Neighborhood Fund for improvement projects in the three neighborhoods. And a $285,000 contribution to the Chandler Park Conservancy will enable the nonprofit organization to start construction on Detroit’s first community-based environmental education plaza.

“FCA’s commitment to Detroit goes beyond our facilities,” said Ron Stallworth, external affairs lead for Wayne County, FCA in a release. “Our collective futures will be defined by how we collaborate to transform our neighborhoods, and we are just getting started.”

Philanthropy has become a big part of marketing this year, especially in light of the pandemic. Consumers have repeatedly stated in research that they look to the charitable actions of companies to inform buying choices. 

The expectation for companies and brands to act ethically continues to grow. Nearly all (97%) consumers in a recent Mintel survey agreed that it's important a company acts morally/ethically, up from 76% who said the same in 2012.

Consumer support for corporate social responsibility initiatives has truly gone mainstream, as 87% of consumers agreed that companies should always do the right thing, even if it isn’t required by law, and nearly two-thirds (65%) said that they’d stop buying from a brand with irresponsible practices.

FCA’s $400,000 contribution to the Impact Neighborhood Fund represents half of the $800,000 outlined in an agreement it made with city of Detroit. The second $400,000 will be contributed in 2021.

The automaker also donated 20,000 face masks to the community leaders. It is part of the automaker’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Detroiters stay safe and play a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Ford Motor Co. has been focusing on downtown Detroit since buying the long-neglected train station two years ago and beginning a multiyear, multimillion-dollar renovation. 

Recently at a community meeting, the automaker revealed the site plan for Michigan Central. The automaker envisions an inclusive mobility innovation district in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, as well as designs for some of the district’s first buildings.

Ford’s vision for a 30-acre walkable community anchored by iconic Michigan Central Station is part of its plan to reshape the future of global mobility, working with other partners and connecting to a broader network of city and regional assets and innovation, according to the automaker.

Along with a mobility testing platform and new open spaces, the site plan prioritizes the needs of the community with abundant green space, biking trails, cafes, shuttles, scooters, retailers, grocery stores, day care, housing and parking all within a 20-minute walk.