Public Spaces Community Places (Crowdgranting Match Program)

Goal/purpose: Support community-led placemaking by matching locally crowdfunded dollars to revitalize or create public spaces across Michigan, building community pride and momentum. Additional applicant criteria: Applicants must be municipalities, tax-exempt nonprofits, or L3C entities; nonprofits need a current Michigan Charitable Solicitation License or exemption; preference for projects located in or connected to a traditional downtown; projects must meet ADA requirements and are encouraged to use universal design. Project eligibility: Examples include streetscape and walkability improvements, plazas, parks, trails and non-motorized infrastructure, riverwalks and public access amenities, farmers markets, community kitchens, pop-up/incubator spaces, alley rehabs, bandshells/amphitheaters, community theater rehab (community or nonprofit), public Wi-Fi, place branding and programming; event-based activations are eligible only with a reduced cap and multi-month schedule. Application process: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and begin by creating a project page on Patronicity; Patronicity conducts initial screening, followed by MEDC/Michigan Municipal League review. If approved, the project launches a 60-day crowdfunding campaign; upon meeting the goal, MEDC provides a 1:1 match (subject to program rules). Reporting is required monthly during implementation, and projects must be completed within one year of receiving match funds. Applications are accepted until funds are disbursed.