Bridge Builders Microgrants

Bridge Builders Microgrants offer small, one-time grants to people or organizations within Lapeer County communities.

These microgrants fund collaborative, creative projects that bring people out of their homes and into their communities!

Small grants. Local action. Stronger communities.

Bridge Builders Microgrants support resident-led and Main Street projects that bring people together across differences and turn shared ideas into action.

From community gatherings to collaborative improvement projects, these microgrants help neighbors build relationships, strengthen trust, and create a greater sense of belonging. They give local leaders and residents opportunity and “nudge money” to solve problems together and show that democracy thrives when people participate.

By investing in local projects and the people behind them, Bridge Builders Microgrants help communities:

Connect across divides
Build trust and belonging
Expand civic participation
Strengthen local leadership

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.

When neighbors come together to do something meaningful, they build more than a project. They build the relationships and trust that make stronger communities and a stronger democracy possible.

Lapeer County Bridge Builders Community Microgrants offer small, one-time grants of up to $1,500 for collaborative, creative projects or events in Lapeer County communities. Each project/event should build bridges across the community by bringing people together.

This year, 10 microgrants of up to $1,500 each will be awarded across Lapeer County.

Lapeer County Bridge Builders Main Street Microgrants offer one-time grants of up to $5,000 for collaborative projects that use creativity to bring people together in Lapeer County communities. Grants support partnerships among artists, businesses, organizations, and community members to create engaging experiences, enhance shared spaces, celebrate local culture, and strengthen community connections in downtowns and neighborhood gathering places.

This year, three microgrants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded.

Microgrants Timeline

More details coming soon!

Our Sponsors & Parnters

We are excited to have been invited to partner with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation in this important initiative.

If your project will take place outside of Lapeer County, when applications open in September, you will apply through the Michigan Municipal League Foundation!

This year, 10 microgrants of up to $1,500 each will be awarded across Lapeer County.

Deadline to apply is October 31, 2026

Each Application Must Include

A creative project or event in a local 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

Who May Apply

Schools and student clubs and organizations
Nonprofit organizations
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

*Applicants that are not a registered nonprofit organization, school, church, or government entity may be required to partner with an eligible fiduciary organization to receive and administer grant funds. Approval of a fiduciary arrangement is at the discretion of the Foundation.

Who May NOT Apply

Businesses/for-profit entities

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
This is not an exhaustive Get some inspiration here: MML Foundation Project Impact and History

What Doesn't Fit

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

Application Screening Questions

If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, your project will not be eligible.

In which Lapeer County community will the event/project take place?
Is the applicant prepared to receive and track any awarded funds?
Will the applicant need to secure a fiscal sponsor?
Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to engage community members and successfully carry out the proposed project?
Will the project start on January 1, 2027 or later?

Application Instructions

Apply through the LCCF “Go Apply” grant portal
Important: When creating a login, if you represent an organization that is applying for funding, register as an “organization.” If you are applying independently, register as an “individual.”
Look for the application under “Opportunities”
Complete and attach all required information and then “submit”
Apply by October 31, 2026

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, three microgrants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded.

Deadline to apply is October 31, 2026

Each Application Must Include:

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.
A start date of January 1, 2027 or later.

Who May Apply:

Downtown Development Authorities
Commercial Improvement Districts
Municipal governments
Local businesses

*Applicants that are for-profit businesses will need to secure an eligible fiduciary organization to receive and administer grant funds. Approval of a fiduciary arrangement is at the discretion of the Foundation.

Who May NOT Apply:

Non-local businesses
Schools and student clubs and organizations
Nonprofit organizations
Churches and faith-based organizations
Community organizations (service clubs, scout troops, veteran’s organizations, neighborhood associations, etc.)

What Kinds of Projects “Fit” This Program:

Creative placemaking projects that bring together residents, businesses, and creatives to enhance or activate a downtown 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: MML Foundation Project Impact and History

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

Application Screening Questions

If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, your project will not be eligible.

Will your project take place in a Lapeer County community?
Are you a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Commercial Improvement District (CID), a municipal government, or local business?
Will your project take place in a downtown or business corridor?
Will your project include a creative element and have a lead artist, creative professional, cultural practitioner, or other qualified creative contributor who has agreed to participate?
Is the applicant prepared to receive and track any awarded funds?
Will your project start on January 1, 2027 or later?

Application Instructions

Apply through the LCCF “Go Apply” grant portal
Important: When registering to apply, you will register as an “organization”.
Look for the application under “Opportunities”
Complete and attach all required information and then “submit”
Apply by October 31, 2026

Bridge Builders Microgrants