February 2, 2024
The MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership now accepts 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.
MotorCities’ most recent grants awarded include the following:
- Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn - $25,000 toward the production of “The Last Independent Automaker,” a documentary series on the history of the American Motors Corporation;
- Detroit Historical Society - $10,000 in support of an exhibition called “Detroit’s Diesels” and an accompanying series of public programs;
- Flint Institute of Science and History - $15,000 in support of an upcoming exhibition on distracted driving at the Sloan Museum of Discovery;
- Packard Motor Car Foundation in Shelby Township - $25,000 toward the restoration of a 1942-constructed building where Sherman Tanks were tested before being shipped for use by the U.S. Army during World War II;
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing - $640 in support of the replacement of windows in a room from the Bates & Edmonds Motor Car Company building on display in the museum.
In addition, MotorCities has awarded the following recent mini-grants:
- American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA), Willow Run Chapter - $1,500 toward a year of educational programming on the contributions of American women toward victory during World War II;
- Canton Historical Society - $1,500 in support of an exhibit called “The Great American Road Trip: Canton's Michigan Avenue Post-WWII to the Present;”
- Downriver Delta Community Development Corporation - $1,500 in support of the annual “March On” Labor History and Cultural Festival event commemorating the anniversary of the Ford Hunger March in 1932;
- Friends of Durant Park in Lansing - $1,500 toward the production of a pictorial history of William C. Durant, for whom the park is named;
- Packard Motor Car Foundation in Shelby Township - $1,500 toward a safety improvement project at the Packard Proving Grounds;
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing - $1,500 in support of the upcoming “Pave the Way: The I-496 Project” exhibition.
To be considered for the next scheduled review on March 15, the next grant application deadline is Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:59 PM EDT.
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 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, 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 March 15, 2024 review must be completed by March 15, 2025. Recipients also must be active members of MotorCities and a non-profit 501 (c)3, educational institution, government municipality or tribunal.
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..
MotorCities, continuing to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, is a nonprofit corporation that is part of the National Heritage Area System of the National Park Service serving 16 Michigan 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 while enabling, supporting and respecting its diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Regional programs inspire residents and visitors with an appreciation for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world. In addition, MotorCities also generates $489.7 million each year in economic impact, supporting 5,343 jobs and producing $40 million in tax revenue in Michigan. Over its history, MotorCities has awarded more than 300 grants for a total investment in local programs of more than $1.6 million.
To learn more about MotorCities and its work, go to www.motorcities.org; also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/motorcities and follow them on Twitter/Instagram: @MotorCities.