DETROIT, Sept. 2, 2026 – MotorCities National Heritage Area has been awarded a $100,000 National Park Foundation capacity building grant to strengthen its organizational and fundraising capabilities and expand its ability to preserve and share Michigan’s automotive and labor heritage.
The grant is part of a $5 million investment by the National Park Foundation supporting 77 nonprofit organizations that work alongside the National Park Service. The 2026 to 2027 capacity building grants represent the National Park Foundation’s largest investment to date in strengthening the organizations that help support national parks and their partners across the country.
“This National Park Foundation grant is an investment in our ability to serve the communities throughout our National Heritage Area, and it will help MotorCities strengthen our organization so we can continue that work with even greater impact,” said Executive Director Shawn Pomaville-Size of MotorCities National Heritage Area. “Michigan’s automotive story is one of innovation, determination, opportunity and the people who helped put the world on wheels. By strengthening our fundraising strategy, board development and organizational systems, we can build a stronger foundation for the future and expand our ability to preserve and share Michigan’s auto and labor story.”
MotorCities will use the grant to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy while strengthening board development, upgrading its customer relationship management system and expanding prospect research. The work will help build long-term organizational and financial capacity for MotorCities and support its mission throughout the National Heritage Area.
By investing in these areas, MotorCities will be better positioned to support the communities, organizations and historic resources connected to Michigan’s automotive and labor heritage.
“Behind so much of the work happening in our national parks are nonprofit partners committed to helping these special places thrive and endure," said NPF's Chief Program Officer Lise Aangeenbrug. "The National Park Foundation is proud to be part of the broader national park community and continue our investments in empowering park partners to raise more support, engage more people and take on new opportunities alongside the National Park Service. That's good for parks, and it's good for everyone who cares about them."
The foundation began its capacity building grant program in 2020 to help nonprofit partners strengthen organizational capabilities, develop new resources and increase their impact. More than 270 grants have been awarded through the program to date. The capacity building investment is supported by generous partners and donors, including Subaru of America Inc.
As the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation works to conserve and preserve threatened wildlife and land, inspire the next generation of park stewards, tell the complete story of American history, and ensure a world-class visitor experience.
About MotorCities NHA:
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Detroit, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service that serves 16 counties representing a population of over 6.5 million. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the region’s rich automotive and labor heritage. Regional programs inspire residents and visitors with an appreciation for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about the organization, visit www.motorcities.org or follow their Facebook and LinkedIn pages at www.facebook.com/motorcities and www.linkedin.com/company/motorcities-national-heritage-area
MEDIA CONTACT:
LaTrisha Jackson
MotorCities National Heritage Area
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