Michigan Municipal League Foundation

10/05/2026

Thinking about applying for a Main Street Microgrant?

These grants support projects that bring people together by connecting local governments, artists, cultural and historical organizations, and businesses in meaningful ways.

Before you apply, make sure your project includes:

✅ A creative element that enhances the downtown experience and encourages community connection
✅ A location within your community's downtown or business district (in a Michigan Municipal League member community)
✅ Support from at least two locally owned, brick-and-mortar businesses in the project area
✅ A letter of support from a community leader
✅ A clear plan for how your project will bring people together
✅ A start date of January 1, 2027, or later

Whether you're envisioning a public art project, cultural event, placemaking initiative, or something entirely unique, we encourage you to explore the possibilities.

Learn more about the Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrant program and review the full requirements here:
🔗 https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/
Questions? We'd love to help. Reach out to the Foundation team anytime!

10/03/2026

🎨 MI Community T-Shirts are still available, and we’ve been thrilled by the incredible response to this initiative!

You don’t have to live in one of our first-place winning communities to celebrate the artwork. Wear a young artist’s vision of their community with pride while supporting community wealth building efforts across Michigan.

👕 Shirts are just $30 📅 Orders close October 12

Don’t miss your chance to support emerging artists and help strengthen communities across our state.

🔗 Order yours today: https://wearing-your-logo-inc.square.site/

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

⏳ Just 30 days left to apply for a Bridge Builders Microgrant!

Looking for inspiration? Past projects have included:

🎨 Murals & art installations
🌱 Community food gardens
🎶 Concerts & musical performances
🛍️ Night markets
🖼️ Cultural art shows
🚚 Art carts
🏘️ Lot makeovers
🤝 Community events & service days
📚 History lectures
🎉 Festivals and much more!

What makes Bridge Builders projects so impactful is their ability to bring people together through artistic expression, cultural and historical appreciation, civic participation, and creative solutions to local community needs.

Ready to bring your idea to life? Learn more about the microgrants and explore past projects today:
🔗 https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/

09/26/2026

Have an idea that could bring people together in your community? Turn it into reality with a Bridge Builders Microgrant!

If your project will take place in a Michigan Municipal League member community, you can apply. No grant-writing experience, leadership title, or special credentials required. We're looking for people who care about their community and are ready to make a difference.

⏰ Applications close October 30, so don't wait to share your idea!

Have questions about eligibility or the application process? Reach out. We're here to help and want to see you succeed.

For info about the program: https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/

Or if you are based in Lapeer County, jump right to the Lapeer County Community Foundation page: https://lapeercountycf.org/about-us/bridge-builders-microgrants/

09/24/2026

🎉 MI Community shirts are finally here!

Earlier this summer, we hosted the very first MI Community Youth Art Competition, and nearly 100 young artists from Michigan Municipal League communities across the state shared their creativity with us.

Our judges selected three talented winners, and now their beautiful artwork is featured on exclusive MI Community t-shirts!

🎨 Aniksha (First Place out of the 5-10 age category) showcased the City of Troy through vibrant artwork.
🎨 Sonja (First Place out of the 11-14 age category) captured a stunning Marquette scene.
🎨 Lauren First Place out of the 15-18 age category) illustrated the charm of downtown Northville during the spooky season.

Each winning design is available on its own t-shirt for $30, and orders are open through October 12, 2026. Please note that shirts will be produced and shipped after the store closes.

Even better, a portion of every purchase supports MML Foundation programs, helping us create more opportunities like the Youth Art Competition.

👕 Order yours today and celebrate Michigan communities through the eyes of our young artists: https://wearing-your-logo-inc.square.site/

💛 Thank you again to our competition sponsors (whose logos are featured on the back of the shirt!) for their generous support: Double Haul Solutions, Miller Canfield, Wade Against Foundation, Giffels Webster, and Wightman.

09/09/2026

🎉 Applications are officially OPEN for Bridge Builders Microgrants! 🎉

Do you have an idea that could bring people together and make a lasting impact in your community? Now is the time to apply.

Bridge Builders Microgrants provide small, one-time grants to people and organizations in Michigan Municipal League communities for collaborative, creative projects that bring neighbors out of their homes and into community life.

💡 Main Street Microgrants offer up to $1,500 for resident-led projects that improve communities, launch new ideas, or grow existing efforts that bring people together.

🏘️ Community Microgrants offer up to $5,000 to support partnerships between small businesses, artists, and local government that generate economic benefits, strengthen social connections, and transform Main Streets.

📅 Applications are open now through October 30, 2026.

We're grateful for the continued partnership of the DTE Foundation and excited to welcome the Lapeer County Community Foundation to the Bridge Builders family. For the first time ever, Lapeer County residents can apply directly through the Lapeer County Community Foundation!

Small grants. Local action. Stronger communities.

Learn more and apply today: https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/

09/07/2026

🌉 Bridge Builders Microgrant applications are opening soon!

There’s still time to spread the word, connect with community partners, and start building your team. Whether you're bringing together neighbors, artists, local organizations, or municipal leaders, now is the perfect time to start planning.

Need a little inspiration? Or want to revisit some incredible past projects? Check out our Bridge Builders Celebration Book for an in-depth look at the creative ideas and community connections that have made this program such a success.

Take a look and start dreaming up your next project! 👇

https://mmlfoundation.org/bridge-builders-celebration/

09/05/2026

💡 Have an idea for a creative project or event in your downtown or Main Street district?

Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants are back! These small, one-time grants support projects that bring people together by fostering collaboration between local governments, artists, historical and cultural organizations, businesses, and community members.

This year, nine Main Street Microgrants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded:
📢 6 grants for Michigan Municipal League member communities across the state
📢 3 grants for projects in Lapeer County, awarded by our partners at the Lapeer County Community Foundation

Whether you're planning a community event, public art installation, or another creative initiative, now is the time to start thinking about your project.

Learn more about eligible Main Street projects and get your application ready today! 👇
https://mmlfoundation.org/bb-main-street-microgrants/

09/03/2026

Big news! 🚀 Bridge Builders Microgrants are making their return!

Whether it's activating a Main Street, creating a community gathering space, or launching a creative neighborhood project, Bridge Builders Microgrants help turn local ideas into reality.
This year, eligible applicants can apply for:

✅ Main Street Microgrants of up to $5,000
✅ Community Microgrants of up to $1,500

We're grateful for the continued partnership of the DTE Foundation and excited to welcome the Lapeer County Community Foundation to the Bridge Builders family.

For the first time ever, Lapeer County residents will be able to apply directly through the Lapeer County Community Foundation!

Applications open soon. Follow us so you don't miss your chance to bring your idea to life.

https://mmlfoundation.org/projects/bridge-builders-microgrants/