The Michigan Department of Treasury announced the launch of the Mi Money Matters Financial Empowerment Initiative, the largest financial literacy campaign ever undertaken in metro Detroit. The effort is being rolled out in partnership with the Ballmer Group, who is investing $1.5 million to launch the campaign, and leaders across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Learn more about the Chamber-supported campaign in the article below.
Crain’s Detroit Business
March 16, 2026
Sherri Welch
The philanthropy organization founded by former Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steven Ballmer and his wife, Connie, is investing $1.5 million to launch a pilot financial literacy campaign targeting metro Detroit, home to five of Michigan’s most unbanked cities.
Large numbers of residents in Detroit, Highland Park, Pontiac, Ecorse and Inkster do not use or have access to traditional financial services, including bank accounts, credit cards and personal checks, and many do not have financial knowledge that could help them to gain financial stability, the state said.
…
The Ballmer Group is supporting the cost of community engagement, and the state is funding the education materials and website, the spokesman said. The total cost of the pilot was not disclosed.
The Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships are recruiting faith leaders to help amplify the awareness campaign, joining county leadership, libraries, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and others in promoting the program.