Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants

Focus: Placemaking activities for downtown areas and main streets

Purpose: Fund mini placemaking activities that bring together community residents, local artists, and small businesses in downtowns. Help revitalize and celebrate downtown districts.

Geographic Scope: Michigan Municipal League member communities (nearly every city and village, as well as multiple urban townships in Michigan)

Eligibility:

• Downtown Development Authorities
• Commercial Improvement Districts
• Municipal governments
• Local businesses
• Non-profits
• Must be in MML member communities

Requirements:

• Applications must include at least one lead artist
• Applications must include at least three locally owned small businesses within a four-block radius of each other
• Must include a letter of support from a local government official

Award Structure:

• Small, one-time microgrants of up to $5,000 per award
• Multiple awards available (4 microgrants in 2023 cycle)

What is Funded:

• Downtown murals and street art
• Storefront decorations
• Placemaking projects
• Events that bring together artists, businesses, and residents
• Examples: street art installations, cultural events, interactive community projects

Background:
Program began as a pilot in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed to encourage acts of creativity, selflessness, and connection to help Michigan communities recover. The program has been so successful that it continues to offer funding annually.

Community Wealth Building Definition:
"Strategies that build community and individual assets, creating resilient and adaptable systems to address social and economic needs."

Application Process

• Applications are completed online
• Applications open March 13 (typical year)
• Application deadline: July 24, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET (for 2023 cycle; check website for current cycle dates)

Required Information

• Project description and goals
• How project brings community together
• At least one lead artist (name and role)
• At least three locally owned small businesses within four-block radius (names and confirmation of support)
• Letter of support from a local government official
• Community impact and timeline
• Budget and how funds will be used
• Applicant/organization information