Our Vision
To empower the African American community, primarily in Washtenaw County, through education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives, fostering a future where every individual can achieve their fullest potential.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. • Theta Zeta Lambda Chapter
Building a stronger future through education, service, advocacy, and community investment.
TZL Community & Education Initiative is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization created to strengthen the African American community in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and surrounding communities through sustainable programs, scholarships, mentoring, civic engagement, wellness, and family support.
501(c)(3)Charitable & educational purpose
10Board member structure
$20KInitial community support goal
2026Public launch readiness
Mission & Vision
Empowering communities with structure, accountability, and purpose.
Our Mission
To strengthen the African American community in Ann Arbor by providing educational resources, supporting local initiatives, promoting cultural awareness, and advocating for social and economic equality.
Why Give
Your support turns community vision into measurable outcomes.
Every contribution helps fund programs that develop young leaders, support families, strengthen civic participation, provide scholarships, and expand culturally grounded community resources.
01
Education & Scholarships
Support scholarships, tutoring, mentoring, student leadership, and career readiness for youth and young adults.
02
Family Support
Fund food baskets, household essentials, senior support, seasonal assistance, and dignity-centered service.
03
Civic Power
Help expand voter education, registration, canvassing, outreach tools, and nonpartisan community engagement.
04
Community Infrastructure
Build the staffing, systems, governance, and partnerships needed for long-term impact and public trust.
Strategic Goals
Built for growth over the next decade.
1–2 Years
Expand Caring & Sharing to assist 150 families annually, grow ELMP and tutoring to reach 100 students, host quarterly community events, strengthen partnerships, and raise $20,000.
3–6 Years
Increase advocacy through annual conferences, collaborate with policymakers, expand sponsorships, and raise $50,000 to support community and chapter initiatives.
7–10 Years
Reduce educational achievement gaps, establish a network of community centers, create a sustainable empowerment model, and raise $70,000 for long-term impact.
Connected Initiatives
One initiative. Multiple pathways for community impact.
These connected platforms help TZL Community & Education Initiative organize giving, service, mentoring, civic education, and public engagement under a shared mission.
Youth Leadership
Ann Arbor Esquires Leadership & Mentoring Program
ELMP develops young men through mentoring, academic support, leadership development, cultural identity education, college and career readiness, service, and personal growth.
Family Support
Dr. Thomas A. Bass Caring & Sharing Program
Caring & Sharing provides food baskets, essentials, holiday support, senior care, family sponsorship, and community care rooted in dignity and direct service.
Civic Engagement
Empower: Our Voice, Our Power, Our Future!
Empower supports voter registration, voter education, canvassing, community outreach, and turnout mobilization across Washtenaw County and Western Wayne County.
Visibility & Partnership
Ann Arbor Esquires LinkedIn
The LinkedIn platform helps share outcomes, attract partners, highlight youth achievement, connect with supporters, and strengthen public awareness of the initiative.
Governance
Structured for accountability and donor confidence.
Board Oversight
The initiative is designed to operate through a 10-member Board of Directors with officers including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Financial Controls
Internal safeguards include board fiduciary oversight, Treasurer reporting, dual approval thresholds, donor tracking, and documented financial procedures.
Scholarship Integrity
A Scholarship Committee supports fair review, confidentiality, conflict disclosures, and clear award criteria for students and families.
Records & Compliance
Permanent records, financial documents, board minutes, grant files, scholarship records, and corporate documents are retained through an organized archive system.
Donate / Sponsor
Give where your support can be seen, measured, and felt.
Contributions to TZL Community & Education Initiative help fund scholarships, mentoring, family care, civic outreach, cultural enrichment, wellness programs, and the systems needed to sustain them.
Contact
Partner, sponsor, volunteer, or request more information.
For donation coordination, sponsorship opportunities, board support, program partnerships, or volunteer engagement, contact the initiative leadership team.
Email: matthew.mm.coats@gmail.com
Phone: 734.634.2140