Tourism Grants are dedicated to cultivating inclusive connections within the community and attracting visitors to the vibrant region.
Donor Name: Experience Grand Rapids
State: Michigan
County: Kent County (MI)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/31/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
They are launched the Discover Tourism Grant Program (DTGP) to assist local residents and organizations with new or existing projects that seek to create lively, inviting spaces where people want to spend time.
They refer to this as “placemaking” – a participatory process that makes a destination more attractive and memorable for visitors while also improving the quality of life for residents. Effective placemaking can significantly boost tourism and enhance community pride.
Grand Rapids and Kent County have made great strides in placemaking over the past decade or so, but there’s always more that can be done, especially in terms of making all visitors and residents feel welcomed and valued.
That’s why they are offering grants from up to $5,000 for placemaking projects that align with these purposes and objectives:
- Community Leadership: Elevate the role of community cohesion in both developing and executing projects.
- Connections: Forge and strengthen bonds between residents and visitors, enriching the community fabric with a deeper sense of belonging.
- Social Inclusion: Champion social inclusion through proactive community engagement.
Tourism Community Benefit: Ensure broad public benefits that enhance community life.
Projects that qualify for a placemaking grant include but are not limited to:
- Public art installations and community art projects
- Community gardens and urban farms
- Pop-up parks, plazas, markets and events
- Wayfinding signage and historical markers
- Cultural programming and performances
- Playground and recreational projects
- Interactive and educational installations
- Safety and accessibility enhancements
- Community-driven place branding.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residents and organizations, both non-profit and for-profit, are encouraged to apply for a Discover Tourism Grant, as long as their projects are accessible to the public and align with the grant’s objectives.
- Funds from this grant can be combined with financial contributions from other sources, but they may not be used to cover salaries, wages, lobbying efforts, or activities that financially benefit local government staff or elected officials.
- Applicants must designate a Project Lead who will act as the primary liaison between the organizing entity and Experience Grand Rapids. The Project Lead must be assisted by at least three Team Members who are representative of the community served. All participating team members must be 18 years of age or older.
For more information, visit Experience Grand Rapids.
