Main Street Microgrants are small one-time grants of up to $5,000 for collaborative, creative, projects in main street corridors and downtowns in Michigan Municipal League member communities (see the list here).

These microgrants fund projects that bring together local governments, artists, historical and cultural organizations, and businesses with the aim of building bridges across your community by bringing people together.

Projects may take many forms—from public art and performances to community events, storytelling projects, temporary installations, cultural activities, and other creative ideas that encourage people to connect with one another and their community.

This year, nine microgrants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded. Three Main Street Microgrants will be awarded in Lapeer County. Six Main Street Microgrants will be available to MML member communities across the state of Michigan.

Each application must include:

1. A creative element that enhances a downtown experience and encourages community connection. Projects may include public art, performances, storytelling, cultural activities, interactive experiences, temporary installations, creative placemaking, or other forms of creative expression. The creative component should be led by an artist, creative professional, cultural practitioner, or other individual with relevant expertise. Creative contributors must be compensated fairly for their time and expertise.
2. A project location within the community's downtown or business district.
3. Support from at least two locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses located within that same downtown or business district.
4. A letter of support from a community leader, such as a city or village manager, mayor, township official, downtown development representative, or council member.
5. Details about how the project brings people together, welcomes participation, and creates opportunities for community members of different backgrounds, ages, experiences, and abilities to connect and engage.
6. A start date of January 1, 2027 or later. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2027

Who is eligible to apply?

• Municipal Governments
• Local and Small Businesses
• Downtown Development Authorities
• Neighborhood/Commercial Improvement Districts

Who is NOT eligible to apply?

• Past recipients of Bridge Builders funding
• Non-local businesses
• Non-profits

What Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:

• Creative placemaking activities that bring together residents, businesses, and artists to transform a space
• Projects that celebrate local culture, traditions, heritage, and community identity through creative expression
• Participatory and interactive experiences that engage residents and promote community connection and wellbeing
• Performances and live experiences, such as music, theater, storytelling, demonstrations, or cultural presentations
• Public art, temporary installations, creative storefront displays, wayfinding, signage, or other projects that encourage exploration and engagement
• Walking tours, self-guided experiences, scavenger hunts, or other activities that celebrate local history, culture, art, businesses, or points of interest
• Creative events and activities that encourage people to gather, connect, and experience downtown in new ways
• This is not an exhaustive list. Get some inspiration here!

What Doesn’t “Fit”:

• Legislative or partisan political activities
• Religious or faith-based activities intended to advance a particular faith, including worship services, evangelism, or sectarian instruction
• Events or activities that require participants to pay to participate or attend (including fundraisers)
• Loans
• Typical business expenses such as rent and payroll
• Routine maintenance of public spaces
• School art shows
• Protests
• Anything that glorifies violence or promotes hate, discrimination, or exclusion

Apply Now

Applications are open September 9, 2026 - October 30, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact us at mmlfoundation@mml.org.