July 11, 2024
The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership continues to accept applications on a rolling quarterly basis for its 2024 Challenge Grant program. Challenge Grants are awarded up to $25,000, and funds must be matched by a combination of cash, in-kind, donated goods and documented volunteer services.
If you have a smaller project in mind, we have a Mini-Grant program only available during this quarterly submission cycle, which does not require match and funds projects up to $1,500.
To be considered for the next scheduled review on September 15, the next grant application deadline for both Challenge and Mini-Grants is Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:59 PM EDT. You can connect to our grants page for more information and to get started: https://www.motorcities.org/grants.
For new potential applicants, it is mandatory to watch the MotorCities Grant Training Workshop on our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW7q0lhTHw8&t=276s
Projects must be largely automobile and/or labor heritage-related and deal with the following:
- Revitalizationof our historic automotive and labor structures through preservation;
- Interpretationefforts which attempt to tell the story to a broad audience or educationactivities which engage a specific audience and create increased appreciation of our heritage;
- or Heritage tourism projects which promote the region and its heritage activities.
In addition, projects which exemplify diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility will receive preference.
Potential grant recipients must have a project which will be completed within one calendar year. Projects submitted for the September 15, 2024 can commence as early as October 1, 2024 and must be completed by September 30, 2025. Recipients also must be active members of MotorCities and a non-profit 501 (c)3, educational institution, government municipality or tribunal.
For any questions, contact MotorCities Deputy Director Brian Yopp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 313.259.3425 x 307.
Examples of recent MotorCities grants have included the following:
- Visionalist Entertainment Group: Received a grant to finish production of the documentary film “Detroit: City of Hot Rods & Muscle Cars,” which took the inclusive approach of looking at the love of car culture through the eyes of various groups including Vietnam veterans, women and the disabled.
- Downriver Delta Community Development Corp.: Received a grant to support the annual MarchON Cultural Festival, an event dedicated to the spirit of the 1932 Ford Hunger March which brings attention to the Fort Street Bridge Park that sits at the mustering site for march.
- Gilmore Car Museum: The attraction in Hickory Corners received a grant in support of the construction of their new visitor orientation/event pavilion, which will act as a key center for tour groups and special events.
- Michigan Firehouse Museum: The Ypsilanti-based attraction received a grant to fund exterior building improvements, including repair and repainting of their historic fire station trim and doors its iconic red color.