Preserving Public Infrastructure
Protecting the parks, playfields, and public spaces our neighborhoods depend on.
Who We Are
The Community First Initiative: Empowering Residents.Preserving Places.Unifying Detroit.
Dedicated to educating Detroit residents, preserving public infrastructure, protecting community assets, and fostering unifying neighborly connections.
Learn Our MissionOur Work
Protecting Historical Character
Standing up for the homes and landmarks that make each Detroit neighborhood its own.
Unified Fiscal Agent for Block Clubs
Fiscal sponsorship so block clubs and associations can receive grants and tax-deductible gifts.
Educating and Fostering Equitable Neighborhood Development
Equipping residents to have a real say in how their neighborhoods grow.
About Us
A unified voice for Detroit's neighborhoods
The Community First Initiative is a Detroit nonprofit that educates and empowers residents to protect the places they call home.
We serve as a unified master fiscal agent and advocate for independent neighborhood block clubs and associations — giving each one the structure, standing, and support to protect the safety, recreational space, and historical character of its community.
Leadership
Teresa Reneice Davis-Jones
Founder
Our Mission
The Community First Initiative (TRDCFI) is dedicated to educating and empowering Detroit residents by preserving public infrastructure, protecting community assets, and ensuring equitable neighborhood development. We serve as a unified master fiscal agent and advocate for independent neighborhood block clubs and associations to protect the safety, recreational space, and historical character of our communities.
Empowering Residents. Preserving Places. Unifying Detroit.
Our Impact
Our work reaches residents through the block clubs and associations we sponsor, starting with the IslandView Association near Belle Isle.
Member association
IslandView Association
The official hub for Detroit's IslandView neighborhood near Belle Isle — uniting residents and block clubs under one professional voice, with monthly meetings at the Butzel Family Recreation Center.
Visit the IslandView AssociationGet Involved
There's a place for every neighbor in this work.
Bring your block club
Organize your block and partner with us for fiscal sponsorship, guidance, and a stronger voice.
Contact usVolunteer
Lend a hand at clean-ups, park days, and neighborhood workshops.
Get in touchJoin IslandView
Live near Belle Isle? Become a member of the IslandView Association — sign-up is free.
Become a memberGive
Your gift helps neighborhoods protect their public spaces and build their future.
DonateUpcoming Events
Block Club Workshop
Date to be announced
Learn how to organize your block, protect public infrastructure, and access resources through fiscal sponsorship.
Park Revitalization Day
Date to be announced
Join neighbors to clean up and revitalize a neighborhood park — a hands-on day of equitable neighborhood development.
IslandView Association meetings are held at the Butzel Family Recreation Center.
Support The Community First Initiative
Your gift strengthens Detroit's block clubs and neighborhood associations — protecting public spaces and preserving the places we love.
Online giving for The Community First Initiative is coming soon. Until then, you can give through our member association, the IslandView Association — a fiscally sponsored project of The Community First Initiative.