Michigan gives $9.1 million to favored faith-based organizations

Eight faith-based organizations will receive portions of the $700 million of district pork projects in the 2025 Michigan budget. Taken together, these groups will receive $9.1 million in taxpayer funds. Most district pork projects were introduced in the budget in the last few hours of the budget process.

The faith organizations include family services, churches, outreach centers and housing agencies. The largest award is for what the budget calls a “Faith-Based Affordable Housing Grant” of $2.5 million to an organization in Grand Rapids. There is no other information about which entity will receive the housing grant money or how it will be spent.

Seven organizations will receive the balance of $6.6 million:

• St. Mark’s Episcopal Community Outreach Center, Grand Rapids: $1.5 million
• Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County: $1.2 million
• First Presbyterian Church, Lansing: $500,000
• St. Luke Community Center, Flint: $3 million
• Faith Foundation Resources, Flint: $300,000
• Washington Heights United Methodist Church and Community, Battle Creek: $50,000
• Kingdom Builders Worldwide, Battle Creek: $50,000.

Kingdom Builders is the only organization that responded to a request for comment. The money will be used for various building improvements, including an elevator and a fire suppression system, according to Tino Smith, CEO of the organization.

“The funding will help us continue to provide essential services and create a more inclusive and safe space,” Smith told Michigan Capitol Confidential.

The organization has a long history of serving the Battle Creek community through programs that improve residents’ quality of life, Smith said. Kingdom Builders Worldwide offers senior activities, driver education, open recreational boxing, food distribution, and emergency shelter services during inclement weather.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer might have line-item vetoed any of these earmarks. Whitmer’s office has not responded to a request for the full veto list.