Neighborhood Empowerment Initiative (NEI)

This Agreement is made between the Neighborhood Empowerment Initiative (NEI), a nonprofit organization serving Detroit communities, and the individual or organization listed below ("Community Partner").

Purpose: NEI exists to create joyful, healing, and empowering experiences for our community. Through this Community Partner Program, NEI offers access to our shared space for mission-aligned events and programs that serve residents, families, and organizations without a physical location.

Access & Use: NEI grants the Partner access to Faith Gardens for the above-listed purpose only. Access is contingent upon alignment with NEI’s mission and values.

Reservation Fee: A deposit is required to confirm your date - refer to our reservation offerings for details. Full reservation fee  is required to be paid 14 days before your reservation to confirm your date. This supports NEI's operational costs and helps keep the space available for future community use. 

Add-On Services (Optional): The Partner may request optional support services (e.g., décor, vendors, setup/cleanup) from Faith Gardens. These services are provided from and paid directly to Faith Gardens.

Expectations: Partner agrees to respect the space, leave it clean, and comply with NEI’s code of conduct. Events must reflect NEI’s values: empowerment, joy, wellness, respect, and inclusivity. No alcohol, hate speech, or activities in conflict with NEI’s mission are allowed.

Check-In & Check-Out: Partner may arrive no earlier than their reserved time and must vacate by their reserved end time. Early access or overtime must be pre-approved and will incur additional fees.

Decorations & Setup: Only pre-approved decorations may be used. No nails, staples, tape, or adhesives that may damage walls or furniture. Candles must be battery-operated; no open flames. Glitter, confetti, or similar décor is not allowed. Partner is responsible for ensuring all decorations and rentals are removed at the end of the event.

Food & Catering: Outside catering is permitted but must comply with local health regulations. Cooking on-site is not permitted.

Alcohol & Smoking: NO BYOB, NO SMOKING (of any type), NO VAPING (of any type), NO HOOKAH (of any type). No underage drinking or illegal substances allowed.

Clean-Up & Trash Disposal: The Partner is responsible for ensuring the community center is left in the condition it was received. Trash must be bagged and placed in designated disposal areas. Failure to clean up properly will result in a $100 cleaning fee deducted from the security deposit. Faith Gardens/NEI is not responsible for any personal items left after event. 

Noise & Conduct: The Partner and guests must respect all neighboring residents and businesses. Faith Gardens reserves the right to end any event early without refund if policies are violated, including excessive noise, illegal activities, smoking, or disruptive behavior.

Parking & Security: Faith Gardens/NEI is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to vehicles parked on or near the premises. Security personnel may be desired and at the Partner’s expense.

Cancellation & Rescheduling: Cancellations must be made in writing. Reservation fees are non-refundable but may be transferable once.

Cancellation: Cancellations must be made in writing via email to NEIDetroit313@gmail.com

• More than 30 days before the event: Full refund (excluding deposit).
• 14-30 days before the event: 50% refund (excluding deposit).
• Less than 14 days before the event: No refund.

Community Center-Initiated Cancellations: If NEI cancels your event due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., venue maintenance issues, emergencies), you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. If cancellation is due to a force majeure event (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions), refunds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and rescheduling may be prioritized.

Rescheduling: Partners may request to reschedule at least 14 days in advance, subject to availability. A 10% rescheduling fee applies. Only one reschedule is allowed per reservation. If the reservation needs to be changed again, the partner will forfeit previously paid reservation fees but will not be required to pay an additional security deposit.

Security Deposit & Damages: A $250 security deposit may be required and will be refunded within 3 business days after the event, provided:

• No damage to the community center, furnishings, or equipment.
• No excessive trash, spills, or debris.
• No overtime use beyond the contracted reservation period.

Any damage exceeding the security deposit will be charged to the partner and must be paid within 7 days of invoice.

Liability: The partner assumes full responsibility for their event and all guests. Faith Gardens/NEI is not liable for injuries, damages, or losses incurred during the event. The partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Faith Gardens/NEI, its owners, and employees from any liability related to their event, guests, or activities.

I affirm that I understand and agree to the terms listed above and that my event aligns with NEI’s mission.

I understand that this is not a rental agreement, but a community partnership rooted in shared purpose.

I understand that failure to adhere to the terms of this agreement may result in additional fees, termination of the reservation, or legal action.

I understand that by becoming a NEI partner, I will receive access to NEI’s community-driven programming, NEI’s community giveaways, and connection to community.