Rochester and Rochester Hills residents with ideas for bringing neighbors together can apply for microgrants of up to $5,000 from the Michigan Municipal League Foundation.
The foundation's Bridge Builders Microgrants program, relaunching after a two-year hiatus, funds one-time projects that draw people out of their homes and into shared community spaces. Applications are open through Oct. 30.
The program offers two tiers. Resident-led projects can receive up to $1,500. Projects that partner small businesses, artists and local government to improve Main Street corridors can receive up to $5,000. For-profit businesses are ineligible for Community Microgrants, but local small businesses can apply for Main Street Microgrants. Main Street applications must include support from at least two locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses in the same downtown or business district and a letter of support from a community leader.
Rochester and Rochester Hills belong to the Michigan Municipal League, making local groups eligible. For Community Microgrants, schools, nonprofits, churches, libraries, neighborhood associations, scout troops, veterans' organizations and even informal groups of neighbors working together on a project can apply, according to program guidelines. Nonprofits are ineligible for Main Street Microgrants. Past recipients of Bridge Builders funding are ineligible for either tier.
The Ann Arbor-based foundation described the grants as small-dollar nudges meant to help residents solve problems together and show that civic life thrives when people participate, according to the Oakland County Times, which covered the program Oct. 3.
Past Bridge Builders projects across Michigan have included murals and art installations, community food gardens, night markets, concerts, cultural art shows, art carts, lot makeovers, community service days, history lectures and festivals.
Projects that do not qualify include partisan political activities, events requiring paid admission, religious activities intended to advance a particular faith, and anything promoting hate or discrimination.
Funded projects must start Jan. 1, 2027, or later. Projects must be completed by Sept. 30, 2027. This year's program is supported by the DTE Foundation, and the Lapeer County Community Foundation is partnering on the initiative for projects in that county.
Residents can learn more and apply at the Michigan Municipal League Foundation's website.
What's ahead
- Oct. 30: Bridge Builders Microgrants application deadline
- Jan. 1, 2027: Earliest project start date
- Sept. 30, 2027: Project completion deadline
