The Kresge Foundation, a Troy nonprofit that provides grants to improve American cities, is committing $6 million over three years for Detroit neighborhood projects. Community groups are invited to apply, as described below.

The announcement Wednesday follows a three-year initiative that supported roughly 40 projects and 16 planning efforts in 2015-17. They included reviving empty or underused buildings as neighborhood hubs and reclaiming blighted properties as recreation trails.

Kresge-backed work also has made neighborhood streets and sidewalks friendlier to bicyclists and pedestrians; spurred artist-neighbor collaborations in parks, engaged youth in neighborhood revitalization efforts and supported the creation of rain gardens, a media handout says.

The foundation "has tapped into the visions of Detroit residents for projects that strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life," says Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director of Kresge’s Detroit Program. "Neighborhood residents have the imagination and verve to make change. What they need is financial backing and technical support."

Money from the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit, aka KIP:D, will support planning as well as the work itself. Planning grants of up to $35,000 and implementation grants of up to $150,000 are available.

Three information sessions this month will help applicants develop proposals:

• Jan. 23: 4:30-6 p.m., Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd.
• Jan. 25: 12:30-2 p.m., Gleaners Community Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait
• Jan. 31: 12:30-2 p.m., TechTown, 440 Burroughs

A video explains how to apply for grants. Details also are here.