Funding builds on Gov. Whitmer’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy to Win Projects, Invest in People, Revitalize Places

Lansing, Mich.-The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity today announced the availability of up to $60 million in Community Center Grant program funds for Michigan municipalities and organizations to expand programming or work on capital projects.

“Community Centers are essential for thriving communities, and they offer Michiganders places to gather, connect, learn, and access resources,” said Governor Whitmer. “This funding for community centers across Michigan will help us deliver on our ‘Make it in Michigan’ vision for economic development by revitalizing places to make them more attractive to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep working together to make every region of our state a place where anyone can envision a bright future.”

These grants build on Gov. Whitmer’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy to win projects, invest in people and revitalize places, with two types of grants available – program grants and capital project grants. Applicants may apply for both grants, but the total request from one organization cannot exceed $2.5 million. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.

Capital Project Grant examples could include but are not limited to new construction, remodeling existing structures, purchasing land, purchasing equipment, purchasing and installing energy efficient heating and/or cooling equipment, installing renewable energy systems, weatherizing facility, replacing roof and windows, and/or installing/updating recreation fields.

Community Center Program Grant examples could include but are not limited to mentoring, STEM education, environmental justice activities, renewable energy information, disaster preparedness, outdoor education, before or after-school education, volunteer programs, youth volunteer efforts, career or workforce training, recreational or athletic activities, senior activities, veteran support activities, food access, wraparound services, health services, behavioral services and licensed childcare.

The Michigan Community Service Commission will oversee the grant program, administering both grant options made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“The variety in funding options allows communities to decide what the local needs are and the means to address to those needs,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “The investment in Michigan neighborhoods will continue to improve the lives of residents across the state, ensuring more Michiganders have an equal opportunity to prosperity.”

Visit Michigan.gov/CommunityCenterGrants for more information and to apply.

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BACKGROUND: The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2022-2023, the MCSC is granting more than $21 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. Michigan’s AmeriCorps, Mentor Michigan and Volunteer Michigan are premier programs of the MCSC. The MCSC is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/volunteer.