Bridge Builders Community Microgrants offer small, one-time grants of up to $1,500 for collaborative, creative projects or events in Michigan Municipal League member communities (see the list here).
Each project should build bridges across the community by bringing people together. This year, the MML Foundation will award seven community microgrants of up to $1,500 each across Michigan. The Lapeer County Community Foundation will award ten community microgrants of up to $1,500 in Lapeer County.
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.
Each application must include:
- A creative project or event in a neighborhood or community.
- 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.
- A start date of January 1, 2027 or later. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2027.
2021 Community (then Neighborhood) Grant Recipient: Performing Korean Americans - Detroit, MI
Who is eligible to apply?
- Schools and student clubs and organizations
- Nonprofit organizations with a specific community focus
- Churches and faith-based organizations
- Local government entities (townships, villages, cities, fire departments, etc.)
- Libraries and other public institutions
- Community organizations (service clubs, scout troops, veteran’s organizations, neighborhood associations, etc.)
- Informal groups of neighbors or community members working together on a community project
Who is NOT eligible to apply?
- Businesses/for-profit entities (please see Main Street Microgrants)
- Organizations without a specific neighborhood focus
- Past recipients of Bridge Builders funding
What Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:
- Events and activities that bring people together and encourage community connections
- Projects that celebrate the arts and cultural traditions and/or promote community wellbeing
- Micro-placemaking activities that physically transform a community/neighborhood space
- Events or other activities that bring people together and encourage community connections
- Projects that celebrate the arts, local culture, traditions, and community pride
- Small improvements that make community spaces more welcoming, attractive, accessible, or enjoyable
- Activities that promote community wellbeing, belonging, and neighbor-to-neighbor engagement
- Creative projects that strengthen your community and enhance quality of life
- This is not an exhaustive list. Get some inspiration here!
2022 Community (then Neighborhood) Bumblebee Plains Community Gathering - Hastings, MI
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
- 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.