Those of us who are fortunate to call the Dexter area home are deeply committed to our community. Local businesses and families have deep roots here. But it is also an appealing destination for anyone in Washtenaw County who has an appreciation for arts, culture, and nature.

With the Huron River meandering through town, many local parks, and the Border-to-Border Trail, provide many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Specialty shops, special events, art spaces and the welcoming environment make this a special space, and we share the community’s commitment to ensuring it continues to be for many generations to come.

Dexter Community Fund

Established in 2014 as part of the AAACF, the Dexter Community Fund (DCF) is a permanent endowment dedicated to enriching the quality of life of everyone who calls Dexter home.

The DCF is a source of community capital, available to invest in projects and nonprofit organizations focused on education, the environment, youth, senior services, arts and culture, health and wellness, human services, and/or community improvement – in perpetuity.

We take a data-driven approach in determining areas of the greatest areas of need and in 2018, AAACF and the Dexter Community Fund Advisory Committee conducted a Community Needs Assessment. With participation from more than 30 leaders representing the city, townships, local churches, school district, sheriff’s department, and local nonprofits, the community’s top priorities were identified.

These are the key areas for grantmaking from the Dexter Community Fund:

• Food/housing security
• Service/programs for seniors
• Services/programs for teens
• Mental health services
• Arts and culture
• Outdoor recreational opportunities

Past Grantees

In 2017, the Dexter Community Fund awarded its first grants. As DCF’s endowment grows, the Fund will address the changing needs of the community and it will have an even greater impact touching the lives of every resident in the Dexter community.