Kate Cherry is the Development Director at Detroit Future City (DFC). In this role, Kate focuses on resource development and communications to support DFC’s mission and programming. Kate has over 21 years of fund development experience, securing more than $60 million in corporate, foundation, and government grants for Detroit area non-profit and government agencies.

Before joining DFC in January 2021, Kate served for 10 years as Chief Development and Strategy Officer for Connect Detroit, a non-profit intermediary helping non-profit organizations and government work together to solve local problems. During her time there, she was instrumental in developing the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program, one of the largest summer youth employment programs in the United States. She previously worked as Grants Manager for the Detroit Institute of Arts and as a Program Development Officer for The Guidance Center, the largest behavioral health organization in Wayne County, Michigan.

Kate is an active community volunteer. She’s volunteered with Alternatives for Girls since 2008 and served on its Board of Directors since 2016. Kate previously served on the Clinton Township Planning Commission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Oakland University.