Contact:

Jessica Weirauch  
Michigan Municipal League   
[email protected]
734-669-6311   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2026

Ann Arbor, Mich. — The Michigan Municipal League Foundation is excited to announce the relaunch of the Bridge Builders Microgrants program after a two-year hiatus.  

Bridge Builders Microgrants are small, one-time grants of up to $5,000, intended to support creative place-based projects across Michigan Municipal League member communities. The program is being offered in partnership with the DTE Foundation and—for the first time—the Lapeer County Community Foundation. 

Two categories of microgrants are available: Community Microgrants (formerly Neighborhood Microgrants) of up to $1,500 for initiatives that improve communities, launch new ideas or grow existing efforts that bring people together and encourage community connections; while Main Street Microgrants of up to $5,000 convene residents, small businesses, artists, and local governments on intentionally creative programming that generate economic benefit, strengthen social ties, and create opportunities for people to gather, connect and experience local Main Streets in new ways. 

Applications are now open, with an October 30, 2026, deadline. Grantees will be notified in December 2026. Projects may begin in January 2027 and must be completed by September 30, 2027. 

“The Bridge Builders program is about creating meaningful connections, and this partnership is modeling that work by building a stronger bridge between philanthropy and local municipalities,” said Nancy Boxey, Executive Director of the Lapeer County Community Foundation. “We are honored and excited to partner with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation on this innovative effort, and we look forward to seeing the creativity, connections and lasting impact these projects inspire in communities across the state. We are equally excited about the opportunity to expand this partnership in the years ahead and to continue finding new ways to strengthen communities together.” 

There have been over 50 previous recipients of Bridge Builders Microgrants in 37 communities. These include municipal governments, downtown development associations and small businesses in Chelsea, Detroit, Escanaba, Hamtramck, Holland, Lansing, Muskegon, New Haven, Ortonville, Rogers City, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie, Traverse City, Trenton and Vassar, among many others. 

“Building bridges in community—across difference—is the best way to create trusted relationships, support small and micro businesses, nurture a sense of real belonging and ultimately, make democracy tangible on a local level,” said MML Foundation President Helen D. Johnson. “We hope these microgrants will offer encouragement and support for projects that make people feel part of and proud of their community.” 

To learn more about the Bridge Builders Microgrants program, see examples of previous grant projects, and apply, please visit mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants. If you have specific questions, please email [email protected]. 

The Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Municipal League (the League). The MML Foundation supports innovative work through partnerships, grants and programming that creatively and intentionally bring people together and build community wealth. Learn more at mmlfoundation.org. 

Michigan Municipal League is dedicated to making Michigan’s communities better by thoughtfully innovating programs, energetically connecting ideas and people, actively serving members with resources and services, and passionately inspiring positive change for Michigan’s greatest centers of potential: its communities. The League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services. Learn more at mml.org. 

###

Contact:

Stefanie Pohl, MEDC
517.489.0557
[email protected]

Anne Gentry
Thunder Bay Theatre
Board President
989.464.9939
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2026

Crowdfunding Campaign Launches in Alpena to Re-Open the Thunder Bay Theatre

$50,000 goal to win a matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

LANSING, Mich. –The local nonprofit Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena is ready to bring back high-quality, live theater to Northeast Michigan after two fires and a six-year hiatus. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Thunder Bay Theatre, Inc. announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by Nov. 14, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/tbayt.

“Theatres are public institutions that go beyond being a space for shows; they often provide resources and community programming,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “Thunder Bay Theatre is just that kind of theatre, and we are proud to
provide resources for this effort through our PSCP.

Since 2023, the historic theatre building at 400 N 2nd Ave in Downtown Alpena has been under a monumental $2 million renovation. Every inch of the space has been repaired or restored, and the project is so close to welcoming the community back to the theatre to enjoy high-energy musicals, thought-provoking dramas, kids’ productions, free arts programming, community events, and so much more.

Funding from this campaign will complete the final touches needed to open the doors to the theatre. Specifically, these funds will purchase new stage lights for the auditorium, build a lighting grid and rigging system, purchase new speakers, a compatible sound board, and wireless mics, purchase a new assisted listening system, and fully furnish the lobby so it can be used for year-round gatherings, public events, and arts experiences. In a given year, Thunder Bay Theatre produces a year-round schedule of theater productions including musicals, children’s shows, comedies and dramas, and educational programs for students.

“After two devastating fires and a six-year hiatus, Thunder Bay Theatre is ready to rise from the ashes and bring live, professional theatre back to Northeast Michigan,” said Anne Gentry, Thunder Bay Theatre Board President. “We’re incredibly close to reopening our doors, but we need the community’s help to get to opening night. Before we can reopen, we need to purchase a new lighting and sound system for the auditorium, along with furniture for our lobby. Thanks to the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places grant program, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, if we reach our $50,000 fundraising goal. Together, we can complete this renovation and bring Thunder Bay Theatre back to life.”

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“As the region’s only year-round professional theater, Thunder Bay Theatre is a wonderful community asset,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “This restoration process is a great example of investments in infrastructure, both physical and cultural, that will benefit Alpena and northeast Michigan for generations to come. This is what community wealth building is all about.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of August 18, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $15.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 450 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.9 million raised from 81,258 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.