Community Grants

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.

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

Strengthen the economic vitality of small towns and communities throughout the Lansing Tri-County Region by proactively addressing revitalization needs and investing in projects that help create an environment necessary to: attract and retain talent, add new housing options, enable business creation, enhance business attraction, and provide resources for Michigan citizens and communities.

• Select and prioritize applications that demonstrate clear community needs, maximize positive community impact, are financially viable, adhere to realistic timelines, and provide comprehensive project details.
• Strengthen partnerships with local organizations to ensure meaningful, collaborative community-based projects and outcomes.

• Applications for projects must be submitted by a local unit of government agency or quasi-government agency that maintains written support of the local unit of government.
• Application narrative must address expected economic development outcomes (private jobs and/or investment) and economic impact on the community.
• Applications must include detailed timeline and budget, quotes from contractors and vendors associated with the project, and should be considered, “shovel-ready,” meaning that all necessary planning, approvals, and permitting is outlined or completed, and project implementation can immediately commence upon grant approval.
• Only new projects are eligible for funding. Projects already in progress or underway will not be considered.
• Applicants are eligible to request up to 50% of the total project cost through the program, and must detail the source of remaining project cost funds.
• All grant-funded projects must be permanent and fixed in type or nature. Temporary projects or space activation type projects, event-based or otherwise, are not eligible for this program.
• Improvements must meet all code requirements, including zoning and building and safety codes in the relevant municipality.
• Historic downtown areas that prominently use public parks or other strategic community locations are eligible. This may include (but is not limited to) public park additions and/or restorations, increased lighting, increased/improved wayfinding signage, and, in some cases, facade improvements made on private businesses located centrally within a community.
• Project must beautify a public-facing space, including but not limited to downtown districts, public parks, town squares, facade improvements or important community sites.

• Applicants may include but are not limited to: Municipal or economic development organizations such as Downtown Development Authorities (DDA), Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, local units of government, local Land Bank Fast Track Authorities, or other entities approved by LEAP.

• $1,350,000 in total funding for competitive grants across the Lansing Tri-County Region. Given the program focus on placemaking and community space enhancement, project applications will be awarded based on community population as follows: 
  • $750,000 available for:  communities with population exceeding 20,000 residents; Minimum award request of $50,000 and maximum of $250,000 
  • $350,000 available for:  communities with population between 5,000 to 19,999 residents; Minimum award request of $25,000 and maximum of $100,000 
  • $250,000 available for:  communities with population with 4,999 residents and below; Minimum award request of $10,000 and maximum of $50,000 

• Local matching funds: In accordance with MEDC requirements, a single request must have a minimum request that aligns with the population tiers established above. Project requests must not exceed 50% of the total project costs as applicants must indicate the funding source for the remaining 50% of total project costs.  

• If each category of funds does not allocate the entirety of the designated funds, the remaining funds will be disbursed to the highest scoring project requests regardless of population size. LEAP has the right to re-allocate funds and has final decision-making authority. 

During the evaluation process, four key criteria listed below will be integrated into the scoring framework to ensure a comprehensive and balanced assessment: 

• Economic and community impact.
• Financial feasibility (including cost and timeline).
• Depth and detail of application. 
• Partnership, support and collaboration. 

All grant project applications will be considered by the Community Enhancement Grant Program Review Committee followed by a final decision by LEAP. Recommended projects included in LEAP’s grant program application will be submitted to MEDC for approval. Projects will be scored, evaluated and initially selected, at which point project leads will be informed of application status in writing to the email provided within the application. This email will include requests for additional information needed to evaluate applications, important timelines, required actions, and if awarded, reporting requirements and media day coordination.