The State of Michigan, the City of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) offer a variety of performance-based incentives to developers, entrepreneurs and companies undertaking projects to grow and enhance the urban core. Here below is a list of major and commonly used public sector tools available to support the growth of Downtown.

Activate Grant

The Activate Grant program offers funding for public space activations that bring vibrancy to Downtown Grand Rapids and culturally enhance our community. Proposals can include artworks, events, murals and more. Proposed activations must be suitable for all audiences, accessible for all abilities and open to the public.

The first round of 2024 grants are currently closed.

Event Management Program

The one-day course hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and the City of Grand Rapids provides essential knowledge and tools to organize successful public and private events of any size in the City of Grand Rapids..

The program covers all City of Grand Rapids and Office of Special Events requirements for permits, park rental, equipment and more as well as cover DGRI's Sponsorship Program, how to advertise and market events, how to team up with community partners, food trucks and more.

This opportunity is open to the public and specifically geared for event organizers, volunteers and staff.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion after the full-day training.

Upcoming Event Management Program Dates:

The Event Management Classes on Monday, November 4, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024 have been cancelled.

    Seasonal Event & Programming Grant

    Through the GR Forward process, the community called for expanding winter activities to make Downtown more fun and dynamic all year long. Downtown, for example, hosts hundreds of special events and programs from May to October. But the action tends to slow down when the cold blows in from November to April. To help build a great four-season city, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. retooled its Event Grant Support Program to encourage and promote events and public space activation efforts during the cold weather months. If you have an idea to help make Downtown GR a more active year-round city, download the application below to learn more about this grant program.

    Pop-Up Marketplace Sponsorship Grant

    Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. seeks to promote pop-up, artisan, retail and vendor marketplaces in order to support growth in economic opportunities for existing Downtown businesses as well as allow opportunities for small business owners to test business concepts in the Downtown economy.

    See full policy here: Pop up Marketplace Sponsorship Grant (PDF)

    To apply, please fill out the application. Paper applications are also available at DGRI's offices at 29 Pearl St NW #1.

    Applications are accept on a rolling basis. Please allow 5 business days for a response.

    Winter Window Activation Reimbursement Program

    This grant program provides funding support to Downtown retailers, bars, restaurants and other storefront businesses with temporary installations of artwork that activate Downtown’s streetspace by showcasing active businesses and promoting vibrancy within the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundary.

    Grant funds are intended to be used for helping businesses promote themselves and Downtown economic activity.

    Proposals are accepted between the periods of October 1 through November 27, to reset annually.

    See full policy here: Window Activation Reimbursment Grant (PDF)

    To apply, please fill out the application. Paper applications are also available at DGRI's offices at 29 Pearl St NW #1.

    Applications are accept on a rolling basis. Please allow 5 business days for a response.

    Storefront Lighting Reimbursement Program

    This grant program provides single use funding support to Downtown ground floor retailers, restaurants and other services with the temporary installation of window lighting that activates Downtown's streetscape by enhancing visibility, businesses and promotes vibrancy within the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundary.

    To apply, please fill out the application. Paper applications are also available at DGRI's offices at 29 Pearl St NW #1.

    See full policy here: Storefront Lighting Reimbursement Grant Program (PDF)

    Proposals are accepted between the periods of July 1 through September 27, to reset annually.