July 7, 2022
The MotorCities National Heritage Area, a non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation of the automotive industry, is seeking applications for its 2022-23 Challenge and Mini Grant programs.
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.
Projects must be largely automobile and/or labor heritage-related and deal with: Revitalization of our historic automotive and labor structures through preservation; Interpretation efforts which attempt to tell the story to a broad audience or Education activities 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 and inclusion will receive preference.
If you have a smaller project in mind, MotorCities also has a mini-grant program which does not require match and funds projects up to $1,500.
Potential grant recipients must have a project which will be completed by September 30, 2023. Recipients also must be active members of MotorCities and a non-profit 501 (c)3, educational institution, government municipality or tribunal.
In addition, any new grant applicants must attend our MotorCities Grant Workshop on Wednesday, July 27 at noon. Attendees will be stepped through the entire 2022-23 MotorCities grant application process with examples from previous successful project partners.
The grant application deadline is Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Learn more about our grant program and sign up for the workshop 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..
Some recent grants awarded by MotorCities include the following:
- Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit: in support of a major upgrade to the facility’s electrical infrastructure;
- Friends of Durant Park in Lansing: in support of building a permanent stage for the park to increase programming and community use;
- Pontiac Transportation Museum: in support of the construction of an orientation theatre and other facility upgrades.
The MotorCities Grant program has been funding historical and cultural preservation projects in Michigan since 1998, when Congress passed the Automobile National Heritage Area Act. Since that time, MotorCities, an affiliate of the National Park Service and the state’s only National Heritage Area, has awarded over $1.6 million in grants to more than 300 projects.