The Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants program offers small one-time grants for collaborative, creative projects in Michigan Municipal League member communities.
Donor Name: Michigan Municipal League Foundation
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/23/2023
Size of the Grant: up to $5,000
Details:
Microgrants fund projects that bring together local artists and businesses in Michigan downtowns. Projects should build bridges across your community by bringing people together. This year, 4 microgrants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded across Michigan.
Each application must include:
- An artistic element led by an artist. Artists can be visual, performing, 3-D artists, poets, dancers, or any other artist recognized as an “artist” by a museum or by their mother. Artists must be compensated fairly for their time and expertise
- A project location within the community’s downtown or business district
- At least 2 locally owned, brick and mortar, for-profit businesses that are located within that same downtown/business district
- A letter of support from one of the community’s government leaders (manager, mayor, or council member)
- Details about how the project celebrates the neighborhood’s (or greater community’s) diversity such as generational, racial, cultural, economic, and/or ability
- A start date of July 15 or later
Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:
- Placemaking activities that bring together residents, businesses, and artists to transform a space
- Placemaking activities that elevate cultural traditions using arts and creative expression to bring people together
- Participatory, interactive projects that engage residents and promote their wellbeing
- Performative pieces (e.g. theater in parking lots, street musicians)
- Art, window front, sign, or other installations that engage residents
- Tours (self-guided or otherwise) that celebrate local history, culture, art, businesses, etc.
- This is not an exhaustive list.
Eligibility Criteria
- Downtown Development Authorities
- Commercial Improvement Districts
- Municipal governments
- Local businesses
Ineligibility
- Non-local businesses
- Non-profits
- Past recipients of Bridge Builders funding
For more information, visit Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants.
