Small Town Enhancement Grants

LEAP Awarded Over $85,000 in Grants to Revitalize Five Rural Communities

Revitalizing Small Towns in the Tri-County Region

This program was funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and administered by LEAP.

The Small Town Enhancement Grant Program, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and managed by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), revitalized small towns in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. The program aimed to boost economic vitality and beautify public spaces through grants for projects such as public art, restorations, lighting upgrades, and facade improvements.

Funding and Impact

With an annual funding pool of $100,000, the program is set to support a range of impactful projects, granting between $10,000 and $25,000 to each selected initiative. This investment aims to drive significant enhancements in public spaces, with planned improvements to downtown districts, public parks, and other strategic locations throughout the region. Through these contributions, the program strives to revitalize these areas, making them more dynamic and inviting for the community.

Awardee Highlights

After a thorough selection process, five outstanding projects were awarded grants ranging from $11,000 to $25,000. LEAP celebrated the kickoff with a Small Town Enhancement Grant Roadshow, visiting the grant-awarded communities of Vermontville, Stockbridge, Leslie, Maple Rapids, and Ovid from July 9-11 2024.

Once the projects are completed, we will host a ribbon-cutting event for each awardee sometime in late 2024 and early 2025.

Village of Vermontville

Project: The grant funds will be used to replace the stairs, repair the bell tower, add new walkways leading up to the West side door, and replace the louvers located on the bell tower.
Location: 108 N. Main St., Vermontville, MI 49096
Grant amount: $24,600

Village of Stockbridge

Project: Transforming the patio section next to Village Hall into a tranquil seating/relaxation area.
Location: Adjacent to Village Hall, 118 N. Center St, Stockbridge, MI
Grant amount: $25,000

City of Leslie

Project: A new pavilion at the site of the former community pool.
Location: 220 N. Main St, Leslie, MI 49251
Grant amount: $11,350

Village of Maple Rapids

Project: A 120-year-old building will receive a new façade while preserving the unique charm inherent to Maple Rapids.
Location: 112 West Main Street, Maple Rapids, MI
Grant amount: $16,700

City of Ovid

Project: The City of Ovid will be installing new banners along Main Street in the downtown area.
Location: Main St, Ovid, MI
Grant amount: $11,000

Richard Enty

Economic Development Manager

In the News

LEAP Awards $100,000 in Grants to Revitalize Six Rural Communities

6 Lansing Area Small Towns to Share $100,000 in Enhancement Grants

6 Chosen Michigan Communities Receive Funding Through ‘Small-Town Enhancement’ Grants

LEAP Launches Small Town Enhancement Grant Program

Village of Vermontville

The Village of Vermontville was awarded an $24,600 grant to replace the stairs, repair the bell tower, add new walkways leading to the West side door, and replace the louvers on the bell tower.

Village of Stockbridge

The Village of Stockbridge was awarded an $25,000 grant to transform the patio section next to Village Hall into a tranquil seating area will foster community engagement and relaxatio

Village of Maple Rapids

Maple Rapids was awarded an $16,700 grant to update the façade of a 120-year-old pizzeria building, preserving its unique charm and enhancing its presence in the heart of the village.

City of Leslie

The City of Leslie was awarded an $11,350 grant to build a new pavilion at the site of the former community pool will serve as a versatile venue for events and gatherings.

City of Ovid

The City of Ovid was awarded an $11,000 grant to install new banners along Main Street in the downtown area, which will enhance the visual appeal and support local businesses.

I’m grateful that LEAP is dedicated to investing in local communities to make them wonderful places to live, work, and play. You might not think much about something like signage, but the importance of visually creating a shared celebratory experience as a community cannot be understated. This is just one of the many steps that the City and Planning Commission are taking to make the residents of Ovid feel proud to drive through these streets, and it makes visitors feel welcome.
Eric Starn, City Council Member of Ovid
Because of its location and visibility, this mural will provide incredible benefit to the majority of residents and visitors alike. Beyond this being a new landmark to be proud of, notably, public art increases a sense of belonging, helps people have less anxiety, reduces isolation, and reduces negative mental & emotional health. We want people to feel welcome and cared for when in our village.
Camron Gnass, Dimondale Arts Commission Chair
Enhancing this space shows the community that we care about their future. Renovating the historic bell tower generates pass through traffic that benefits all the other local businesses as well.
Becky Austin, Village of Vermontville Clerk