Detroit Public Television’s $22 million “Because Minds Matter” capital campaign, now in its crucial technical, production and program support phase, has received a major boost through a $1.25 million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation.

Awarded through the Foundation’s Challenge Grant Program, the support will assist us in our effort to complete the replacement of obsolete analog production and broadcasting equipment with state-of-the-art digital High Definition equipment, along with the construction of studios at our Riley Broadcast Center, and the purchase of a video production truck.   The Kresge Foundation expressed particular interest in supporting the production truck to permit televising of events and stories from anywhere in the Detroit area.

At the time the grant was awarded, DPTV had raised $15 million of the $22 million needed to complete its “Because Minds Matter” campaign.

“This outstanding show of support from the Kresge Foundation offers a strong incentive for organizations, corporations, and individuals to partner with Detroit Public TV right now on a campaign that will benefit everyone in Southeast Michigan,” said Rich Homberg, DPTV president and general manager.

The foundation’s Challenge Grant Program is designed to assist nonprofit organizations as they work to strengthen leadership and financial support through challenge grants for capital projects.

As a condition for receipt of the Kresge Foundation challenge grant, we must raise the remaining funds to complete our capital campaign before December 31, 2008, so we invite you to get involved today!  Learn more by contacting Kelley Hamilton at 248-305-3716 or by visiting dptv.org.  We thank The Kresge Foundation for their huge vote of confidence and trust that you’ll meet their challenge.