Madonna is donating money towards the construction of a new youth boxing gym in her hometown of Detroit.

The singer is also buying iPads and other supplies for students at a school in the city, and helping out a project which employs homeless women to sew clothes for other rough sleepers. #

The singer was inspired to help her hometown during a recent visit there.

The 55-year-old says it represents "the first phase of a long-term commitment" to the place where she grew up.

"I was deeply inspired by the efforts of so many people who I met who have dedicated themselves to helping the kids and adults in Detroit elevate themselves from the cycle of poverty. ... It was obvious to me that I had to get involved and be part of the solution to help Detroit recover," Madonna said in the written statement, making reference to the city's bankruptcy, the largest municipal one in U.S. history.

"A piece of my heart will always be in Detroit, and I'm humbled to be able to give back to my community," she said.