Bridge Builders Microgrants

Bridge Builders Microgrants began in 2020 in response to the isolation and divisiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was launched to bring people together through creative projects and events. In 2021, it expanded its offerings to include Main Street microgrants, in addition to the existing the Neighborhood microgrants. In 2023, it evolved again to expand eligibility of Main Street microgrants to include municipal governments and increased Neighborhood microgrant award amounts. In 2024, we created the Bridge Builders Celebration Book to reflect on the successes of past projects and their leaders.

Building community wealth starts by working together.

That's why, we have partnered with the DTE Foundation and the Lapeer Community Foundation in 2026 - 2027, to bring Michigan communities a proven model and a shared commitment to small projects that make a big difference.

Together, we’re building trust, fostering belonging, and empowering residents to shape their communities, creating a ripple effect across the State of Michigan.

We believe that:

  1. Small-scale seed capital can catalyze focused collaborations that positively impact local economies.
  2. Cross-sector partnership is essential for long-term, sustainable community and economic progress and wellbeing.
  3. Municipal governments can serve as strong, innovative partners to entrepreneurs, philanthropy and beyond.
  4. Bridge Builders projects can create low-stakes opportunities for people to collaborate, build trust, and improve social and mental wellbeing.
  5. Residents can exercise leadership and problem solving while driving positive local stories through visible progress.

 

Who are Bridge Builders?

They’re our neighbors, friends, and family. They are community organizers, business owners, and municipal leaders. They intentionally and creatively bring people together to celebrate the places that we call home.

Microgrant Categories

Community Microgrants – (Up to $1,500)

Bridge Builders Community Microgrants invite Michigan residents to work together on small projects that impact their communities and the residents who call these places home. Some projects start new and exciting adventures while others take existing work to new heights.

 

What Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:

  • Events and 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

Main Street Microgrants - (Up to $5,000)

Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants bring together small businesses, artists, and local government leaders to collaborate on projects that generate economic gain for businesses and artists, strengthen social connections, and physically transform their communities.

 

What Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:

  • 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.
  • A project location within the community's downtown or business district.
  •  Support from at least two locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses located within that same downtown or business district.
  •  A letter of support from a community leader, such as a city or village manager, mayor, township official, downtown development representative, or council member.
  •  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.

What doesn’t fit?

  • Legislative or partisan political activities
  • Events or activities that require participants to pay to participate or
  • attend (including fundraisers) or require a membership.
  • Religious or faith-based activities intended to advance a particular faith, including worship services, evangelism, or sectarian
  • Loans
  • Routine maintenance of public spaces
  • Protests
  • Anything that glorifies violence or promotes hate, discrimination, or exclusion

Bridge Builders Microgrants Schedule at a Glance

Bridge Builders Microgrants Schedule at a Glance

August 2026:                                               Applications will open

October – November 2026:                        Jurying

December 2026:                                         Microgrants Awarded

January 2027:                                             Projects may begin

 

 

Thank You To Our Funders & Partners

For questions about the program, including sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact grants@mmlfoundation.org.