Royal Oak Civic Foundation

05/01/2026

The Royal Oak Civic Foundation is proud to support the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts’ exciting new Emerging Artist Laureate Program, showcasing creative talent right here in our community. This year, with a grant from the foundation, two exceptional Royal Oak artists were selected to serve as Emerging Artist Laureates and their work reflects the spirit of connection that makes Royal Oak special.

The Royal Oak Civic Foundation is proud to support the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts’ exciting new Emerging Artist Laureate Program, showcasing creative talent right here in our community. This year, with a grant from the foundation, two exceptional Royal Oak artists were selected to serve as ...

04/29/2026

In Royal Oak, the best neighbors don’t just build in our community, they invest in it. When developers of The Hazelton apartment complex in Royal Oak wanted to give back to the community, they knew exactly where to direct their generosity – the Royal Oak Fire Department.

In Royal Oak, the best neighbors don’t just build in our community, they invest in it. When developers of The Hazelton apartment complex in Royal Oak wanted to give back to the community, they knew exactly where to direct their generosity – the Royal Oak Fire Department. The donation made it pos...

04/09/2026

For more than 30 years, an annual grant of $46,500 from Corewell Health, in partnership with the Royal Oak Civic Foundation, has helped fund senior transportation and the Adjacent Generational Coordinator position in Royal Oak, connecting older residents to care, community, and daily essentials.

For more than 30 years, an annual grant of $46,500 from Corewell Health in partnership with the Royal Oak Civic Foundation has helped fund senior transportation and the Adjacent Generational Coordinator position in Royal Oak, connecting older residents to care, community, and daily essentials. More...

01/26/2026

After 17 years of service, first with the Royal Oak Roots Committee and then as chair of the foundation's board of directors, Tom McGannon has stepped down. Sharlan Douglas succeeds him as chair. The board also recently elected Julie Lyons Bricker as vice chair, Howard H. Collens as secretary and Darian Neubecker as treasurer.

At its January meeting, the foundation board elected Sharlan Douglas as chair, Julie Lyons Bricker, vice chair, Howard Collens, secretary and Darian Neubecker, treasurer. Douglas succeeds Tom McGannon, who has chaired the organization since its creation in 2019.  “Tom has led the foundation with ...

01/20/2026

Here's a little post-holiday cheer: In December, the foundation and Meijer stores sent kids shopping for the holidays, accompanied by local public safety officers and military veterans.

On December 18, 2025 the Royal Oak Civic Foundation partnered with Meijer for the annual Shop with a Hero event. Click to read more.

12/19/2025

100 kids got to go shopping December 18 with gift cards from Meijer and the foundation. Here's great coverage from CBS Detroit. Police, firefighters and veterans from Royal Oak, Ferndale and Berkley were the shopping guides. Donations to the foundation support this and other vital Royal Oak events and projects. Donate today -- link is in the comments.

Kids in Royal Oak, Michigan, went on a shopping spree for the annual Shop with a Hero event.

12/17/2025

When Royal Oak police officers encounter neighbors in crisis, they now have a way to help immediately. Small gift cards. Life-changing moments.
Thanks to Royal Oak Civic Foundation donors, officers carry these cards to turn desperate situations into hope. This is community in action.
Your donation to the Royal Oak Civic Foundation Community Fund puts help directly in the hands of neighbors who need it most. Give today to support this and other essential community programs! https://royaloakcivicfoundation.org/donate-royal-oak-501c3/community-benefit-fund/

12/10/2025

Public spaces should work for ALL of us. That’s why we’re so excited about the new outdoor musical instruments at the Royal Oak Public Library! Dedicated to Holiday Market founder, Tom Violante, the installation was made possible by a Royal Oak Civic Foundation grant, the Violante family, Royal Oak Lions Club, and Friends of the Library. Anyone can play these instruments on the library terrace—the sign is even written in braille making them accessible for everyone.
Let’s make music together! Your donation to our Community Benefit Fund creates more inclusive programs like this one. Please give today! https://royaloakcivicfoundation.org/donate-royal-oak-501c3/community-benefit-fund/

11/25/2025

We're gearing up for our annual "Shop with a Hero" event in partnership with Meijer where Royal Oak children in need will buddy up with police officers, firefighters, and veterans for a special shopping day at Meijer. Each child receives a gift card to buy presents for their families—making this holiday season merry and bright! This is what community looks like and you can help us make it happen!
Your tax-deductible donation to our Community Benefit Fund supports Shop with a Hero and other vital programs that strengthen Royal Oak. Every gift matters. Donate today! https://royaloakcivicfoundation.org/donate-royal-oak-501c3/community-benefit-fund/

08/28/2025

Exciting news! The Royal Oak Commission for the Arts has been selected for one of our community impact grants to fund their new emerging artist laureate program. This initiative will support young creators in developing community-centered artwork for public display across Royal Oak.