July 25, 2023
MotorCities is now accepting applications on a rolling quarterly basis for its 2023 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 is Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:59 PM EDT.
For new potential applicants, there is a mandatory MotorCities Grant Training Workshop on Wednesday, July 26 at noon. Click here to register for the workshop: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpcOCrqz8oHtYcHy9rN1pon8Jz2EIvBL0f.
Projects must be largely automobile and/or labor heritage-related and deal with the following:
- Revitalization of our historic automotive and labor structures through preservation;
- Interpretation efforts 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 of the date of review. Projects submitted for the September 15, 2023 review must be completed by September 15, 2024. Recipients also must be active members of MotorCities and a non-profit 501 (c)3, educational institution, government municipality or tribunal.
Examples of MotorCities’ most recent grants awarded include the following:
- Ford Piquette Plant Museum in Detroit - $25,000 for conversion of first floor offices used by Ford Motor Company from 1904-1910 to space for exhibits and special functions;
- Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners - $25,000 in support of construction of a 600-square foot pavilion to be used for special events and as a shaded hangout for museum guests;
- Meadow Brook Estate in Rochester - $20,000 for the addition of an Orientation Gallery at Meadow Brook Hall;
- Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti - $1,980 in support of the repainting and revitalization of the Old Firehouse red exterior doors that serve as the cornerstone of the museum;
- Pontiac Transportation Museum in Pontiac - $24,197 for installation of an HVAC system that will allow the museum to partially open to the public and provide programming to visitors;
- Visionalist Entertainment Productions in Wixom - $25,000 in support of the production of the documentary “Detroit: The City of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars,” which recently premiered.
You can learn more about our grant program at motorcities.org/grants.
For any questions, contact Brian Yopp at 313.259.3425 x307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..