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July 16, 2020

The MotorCities National Heritage Area, a non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation of the automotive industry, is now accepting applications for its 2020-21 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.

Education is MotorCities' special strategic focus for 2020-21, and projects related to education will receive preference. In addition, projects which exemplify diversity, equity and inclusion will receive preference, as well as projects which address adapting content to be presented virtually will receive special consideration in these unique times.  

If you have a smaller project in mind, we have a mini-grant program which does not require match and funds projects up to $1,500. 

Grant applications must be received by Monday, August 17, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST.  

MotorCities deploys programming which preserves and promotes the automotive and labor heritage of the 10,000-square mile National Heritage Area, focusing on three areas:

  • Revitalization;
  • Education & Interpretation;
  • And Heritage Tourism. 

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.. 

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.