Rocket Companies
July 27, 2026
The Rocket Community Fund announced a $4.5 million legacy gift to create lasting opportunities for Detroit families and young people. As the Rocket Classic Presented by AlumniFi enters its final year, Rocket is ensuring the enduring legacy of the event through investments in digital inclusion and a new scholarship fund for graduating Detroit students.
A significant portion of the investment – $3.5 million – will bring affordable, high-speed internet to public housing communities across Detroit. Through a partnership with DigitalC and the Detroit Housing Commission, up to 2,400 households and 6,000 residents will gain reliable internet access.
“Too many families are still forced to navigate school, work, healthcare and everyday life without internet access,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation. “This investment removes that barrier by ensuring more Detroit residents can get online, stay connected and access opportunities.”
In July 2025, Rocket Community Fund supported a pilot program with DigitalC to bring free high-speed home internet access to 450 families in Detroit Housing Commission communities. This new investment expands upon the pilot program, bringing affordable internet access to thousands more residents that have historically been left behind by traditional internet service providers.
“Reliable internet access is no longer a convenience, it’s essential infrastructure for participating in today’s economy,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “By expanding internet access and investing in scholarships for Detroit students, Rocket is helping create opportunities that will strengthen our neighborhoods and empower the next generation. We’re grateful for Rocket’s continued partnership and shared commitment to Detroit.”
Before becoming Chief Executive Officer of DigitalC, Joshua Edmonds served as the City of Detroit’s first Director of Digital Inclusion under former Mayor Mike Duggan, where he partnered closely with Rocket and the Rocket Classic to launch the “Changing the Course” initiative.
“The last mile is often the hardest, but it is also the most important,” said Edmonds, “Through the Detroit Last Mile Initiative, public, private and philanthropic partners will connect more residents and neighborhoods to the internet experience they deserve – affordable without compromising quality, community-centered and built to help people fully participate in the digital age.”
The investment from Rocket also includes $1 million to establish the Own the Dream Youth Scholarship Fund, creating a lasting source of support for Detroit students pursuing college and post-secondary education.
The scholarships awarded through the Own the Dream Youth Scholarship Fund will go to participants of College, Career & Beyond and First Tee of Greater Detroit, two organizations that increase youth access to the game of golf. The endowed funds will be managed by the Children’s Foundation of Michigan.
“For the past eight years, Rocket has had the privilege of teaming up with organizations that are helping Detroit students discover their potential and pursue their dreams,” said Grannemann. “The Own the Dream Youth Scholarship Fund is a natural extension of those partnerships, providing students another source of support as they take the next step toward their future.”
Since its inception in 2019, the Rocket Classic has contributed more than $10 million to Detroit nonprofits and community initiatives, reflecting eight years of using professional golf as a catalyst for positive change across the city. This legacy gift from Rocket builds on that commitment with an additional $4.5 million, ensuring the tournament’s impact will continue while reinforcing Rocket’s long-term investment in creating opportunity for Detroit families and young people.
For more information about Rocket and Rocket Community Fund’s ongoing commitments, visit RocketCommunityFund.org.