The Crux Foundation logo, a compass with mountain peaks and a rising sun The Crux Foundation · Detroit-Born Nonprofit

Detroit deserves the outdoors.

The outdoors have always been yours. We're just making sure you can get there.

A diverse group of Detroit community members gathered and connecting at a Crux Social event under warm string lights
A mallard duck stands in a natural wetland area with the Detroit skyline and GM Renaissance Center visible in the background

Who We Are

The Crux Foundation is a Detroit-born nonprofit that removes the barriers standing between this city and the outdoors.

We exist for the Detroit BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, immigrants, and their allies. Detroit's grit and creativity belong outside. Our mission is for everyone in this city to be able to share in the physical, mental, and social benefits that time in nature provides.

See what we're building in Detroit

Follow along as the community grows.

Follow The Crux Foundation
We had the best time at the @umdearbornssc Sustainability Fest yesterday. 🌿 We’re just getting started, but being in a room full of people who care about their world and community reminded us exactly why we’re building this. We got to
We had the best time at the @umdearbornssc Sustainability Fest yesterday. 🌿 We’re just getting started, but being in a room full of people who care about their world and community reminded us exactly why we’re building this. We got to share our mission, connect with some incredible people, and talk about what it really looks like to make the outdoors accessible for everyone. Plus, we got to officially launch our new Leave No Trace Checklist made specifically for Detroit. Because access to our parks means knowing how to protect them too. Grab it at the link in bio. 🗺️
Thanks everyone for coming out to our first 2025 Odogwu hike! Lots of fun, looking forward to the next one!
Thanks everyone for coming out to our first 2025 Odogwu hike! Lots of fun, looking forward to the next one!
Greetings! This is for our Odogwus! In Igbo / Nigerian culture, “Odogwu” refers to a “great man”, “Hero’, or “strong man”. It’s a term used to show respect for someone who has achieved greatnes
Greetings! This is for our Odogwus! In Igbo / Nigerian culture, “Odogwu” refers to a “great man”, “Hero’, or “strong man”. It’s a term used to show respect for someone who has achieved greatness, is highly respected in the community, or has exceptional skill in their craft. Join us for our first cold-weather hike at Hickory Ridge Trail, in Brighton. Date: 11/15 Time: 12P-2P Location: Hickory Ridge Trail If this is your first hike….that’s fine! This will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow Odogwus, and get some hiking experience in. This hike will be led by @pure.justice - one of @thecruxfoundation’s co-founders, and longtime outdoorsman. If you don’t have outdoor equipment—come grab some with us at REI of Troy on Monday, 11/10 from 8p-9p! Register for the hike in our bio! Limited spots available.
We’ve decided to postpone the community picnic until 2026! Boo! We will spend the remainder of the year focusing on building connections in the community and creating new resources. It’s under wraps for now, but stay tuned for some an
We’ve decided to postpone the community picnic until 2026! Boo! We will spend the remainder of the year focusing on building connections in the community and creating new resources. It’s under wraps for now, but stay tuned for some announcements in the future!
It’s happening! The Crux Foundation’s first community picnic will happen on August 30th!   Location: Belle Isle, Detroit MI   There will be food, representation of local minority-owned businesses, and more.   Keep watch for
It’s happening! The Crux Foundation’s first community picnic will happen on August 30th!   Location: Belle Isle, Detroit MI   There will be food, representation of local minority-owned businesses, and more.   Keep watch for more information.
Join Us for the Next Crux Social at @detroit_shipping! 🗓️Sunday, June 1st | 6PM–8PM 📍Detroit Shipping Company — 474 Peterboro St A space for community, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re passionate about the outdoors,
Join Us for the Next Crux Social at @detroit_shipping! 🗓️Sunday, June 1st | 6PM–8PM 📍Detroit Shipping Company — 474 Peterboro St A space for community, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re passionate about the outdoors, have ideas to share, or just want to be part of a movement supporting minorities in outdoor spaces — this is for you. What to expect: • Share your ideas and feedback • Connect with others who care • Hear about new developments with the Crux Foundation • Help shape future events and initiatives Let your voice be heard. Let’s build together. #CruxSocial #OutdoorEquity #CommunityMatters #DetroitOutdoors #CruxCollective #detroit #detroitoutdoors #community #detroitevents
Launched! 🚀🚀🚀 The Crux Foundation is officially ALIVE and BREATHING 😮‍💨 Thanks to all who came out for our first of many MONTHLY Crux Socials, where we: 🔌 Connect the community 💡Exchange ideas 🛣️ Pave new paths 📣 Amplify existing one
Launched! 🚀🚀🚀 The Crux Foundation is officially ALIVE and BREATHING 😮‍💨 Thanks to all who came out for our first of many MONTHLY Crux Socials, where we: 🔌 Connect the community 💡Exchange ideas 🛣️ Pave new paths 📣 Amplify existing ones We were both shocked and excited to see the depth of devotion to supporting minorities in outdoor spaces. We received great feedback and ideas! We’ll have some exciting things to present and announce at the next Crux Social. For those who are still curious about what the Crux Foundations is… stay tuned 😁 #detroit #thecruxfoundation #detroitoutdoors #detroitnonprofit #nonprofit #puremichigan
I'm sure our community has been curious about who we are and what we're trying to create in Detroit, so here's a brief introduction! To find out more, stay tuned and come see us at @batchbrewing on April 22nd, Earth Day!
I'm sure our community has been curious about who we are and what we're trying to create in Detroit, so here's a brief introduction! To find out more, stay tuned and come see us at @batchbrewing on April 22nd, Earth Day!
Time for us to start rolling! Spring has returned to Michigan, so it's time to start spending more time out in the sun and with your community. Join us at our inaugural event at @batchbrewing for conversation and an announcement as to who we are and
Time for us to start rolling! Spring has returned to Michigan, so it's time to start spending more time out in the sun and with your community. Join us at our inaugural event at @batchbrewing for conversation and an announcement as to who we are and what we're looking to create in the community of Detroit. See you soon 🌱
We had the best time at the @umdearbornssc Sustainability Fest yesterday. 🌿 We’re just getting started, but being in a room full of people who care about their world and community reminded us exactly why we’re building this. We got to Thanks everyone for coming out to our first 2025 Odogwu hike! Lots of fun, looking forward to the next one! Greetings! This is for our Odogwus! In Igbo / Nigerian culture, “Odogwu” refers to a “great man”, “Hero’, or “strong man”. It’s a term used to show respect for someone who has achieved greatnes We’ve decided to postpone the community picnic until 2026! Boo! We will spend the remainder of the year focusing on building connections in the community and creating new resources. It’s under wraps for now, but stay tuned for some an It’s happening! The Crux Foundation’s first community picnic will happen on August 30th!   Location: Belle Isle, Detroit MI   There will be food, representation of local minority-owned businesses, and more.   Keep watch for Join Us for the Next Crux Social at @detroit_shipping! 🗓️Sunday, June 1st | 6PM–8PM 📍Detroit Shipping Company — 474 Peterboro St A space for community, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re passionate about the outdoors, Launched! 🚀🚀🚀 The Crux Foundation is officially ALIVE and BREATHING 😮‍💨 Thanks to all who came out for our first of many MONTHLY Crux Socials, where we: 🔌 Connect the community 💡Exchange ideas 🛣️ Pave new paths 📣 Amplify existing one I'm sure our community has been curious about who we are and what we're trying to create in Detroit, so here's a brief introduction! To find out more, stay tuned and come see us at @batchbrewing on April 22nd, Earth Day! Time for us to start rolling! Spring has returned to Michigan, so it's time to start spending more time out in the sun and with your community. Join us at our inaugural event at @batchbrewing for conversation and an announcement as to who we are and

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