Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program

Goal/purpose: The Rural Heritage Partnership Grant Program is a competitive grant program intended to support long-term investment in the irreplaceable heritage assets of Michigan's small, rural communities. The program places a particular focus on economic impact and projects that positively contribute to the economic, social, and/or cultural life of a community and promote reinvestment in historic properties.

Additional applicant eligibility criteria: Eligible communities must have a population of 25,000 or fewer and meet USDA Rural Business Program guidelines. Private property and business owners are not directly eligible but may be sponsored by an eligible entity.

Project eligibility: Properties must be commercial, industrial, civic, educational, cultural, or community-oriented buildings (owner-occupied residential properties are not eligible, but multi-family and mixed-use are). Properties must be located in a traditional downtown or prominent community corridor and be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Projects must include an exterior component and involve rehabilitation (bricks and mortar) or associated pre-development work.

Application process: Applications will be accepted via the online submission portal until 5:00 p.m. on June 8, 2026. Required documents include the Grant Project Application, Signature Page, Budget Worksheet, Draft Work Schedule, Resolutions, Ownership Information, Financial Verification, and Supporting Documentation.