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American philanthropy claims to have responded generously to the plea not to "forget the Motor City" famously put by Martha and the Vandellas in their Motown hit from 1964, "Dancing in the Street." As Suzanne Perry reported in a recent cover story for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, "grant makers from across the country have provided more than $628 million dollars in the Motor City in the past few years."

But in the face of the city's massive population loss, soaring numbers of abandoned buildings, deteriorating public services, gross political corruption, and, finally, its municipal bankruptcy, has philanthropy really made a difference? Have otherwise well-intentioned foundations made the right kinds of investment, in the right amounts? Are foundations building a solid base for the city's renaissance? Or do they tend to focus on a few large, splashy projects downtown, forgetting the Motor City's hard-pressed inner city neighborhoods?

These and other questions were addressed by a panel of distinguished guest experts at a 91���� event on November 6, 2013. Senior Fellow William Schambra, director of 91����'s Bradley Center for Philanthropy & Civil Renewal, served as moderator.

Required Readings
Suzanne Perry, , Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 20, 2013.

Suzanne Perry, , Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 20, 2013.

Suzanne Perry, , Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 20, 2013.

Suzanne Perry, , Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 20, 2013.

Suzanne Perry, , Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 20, 2013.