Contact:
Matt Bach
Michigan Municipal League
c: (810) 874-1073; [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2023
Applications Open Today for Community Grants Aiming to Bring People Together
ANN ARBOR, Michigan – With so much division in society today, a new round of $1,000 and $5,000 microgrants being offered by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation could go a long way in breaking down barriers and bringing people together.
The MML Foundation today is launching its fourth round of the Bridge Builders Microgrants program for those looking to unite people in creative ways. Applications open today, March 13, and close April 23, 2023.
This year, the Foundation is increasing the grant amounts of its Neighborhood Microgrant category from $500 to $1,000 while still offering its Main Street Microgrants at $5,000 per grant.
“These microgrants are for community-centered projects that will bring people together,” said Helen D. Johnson, President of the Michigan Municipal League Foundation. “We love Bridge Builder Microgrants and the program has been so successful that we’re thrilled to double the size of the Neighborhood Microgrants while continuing our Main Street grants. We can’t wait to see how this year’s projects foster collaboration across sectors and bring people together in communities.”
Past Neighborhood Microgrant project recipients include community gatherings in Hastings, Public Art Sky Installation in Iron Mountain, mural projects in Grand Rapids and Cheboygan, Community Food Pantry Project in Dearborn Heights, and many others.
Past Main Street Mircogrant projects include ARTificial Intelligence in Flint, Discover the Underground Railroad in Monroe, La Esquina Nighttime Marketplace in Detroit, and Magic Carpet and Music in the Courtyard in Bridgman.
Specifically, the Bridge Builders Microgrants program offers small one-time grants for creative projects in Michigan Municipal League member communities. Projects bring together neighbors, artists, business owners, and municipal leaders and often inspire bigger, cross-sector collaborations in Michigan communities.
This year’s program includes two funding categories:
Main Street Microgrants
Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants offer small, one-time grants of up to $5,000 for collaborative, creative projects in Michigan Municipal League member communities. Microgrants fund projects that bring together local artists and businesses in downtowns across Michigan. Each project should build bridges across the community by bringing people together. Downtown Development authorities/Commercial Improvement Districts, municipal governments, and local businesses are eligible to apply.
Neighborhood Microgrants
Bridge Builders Neighborhood Microgrants offer small, one-time grants of up to $1,000 for collaborative, creative projects or events in Michigan Municipal League member communities. Each project should build bridges across the community by bringing people together. Individuals, informal organizations, and neighborhood organizations and associations are eligible to apply.
Program Information
Projects must occur in a Michigan Municipal League member community. League member communities include nearly every city and village, as well as multiple urban townships in Michigan. View the full list here. Applications must be completed online. To learn more or start an application visit this link: https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/about-this-year/
“We are looking forward to this year’s applications and projects. Our state is home to so many creative, thoughtful people ready to celebrate their communities and we’re ready to celebrate with them,” said Rachel Skylis, program officer for the MML Foundation.
Those with questions or those interested in partnership opportunities should contact Rachel Skylis at 734-669-6333 or [email protected].
The MML Foundation creates and cultivates resources, partnerships, and opportunities that Michigan communities need to thrive.