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.

Summer 2025 Activate Grant Application - Application deadline is March 9, 2025, at 11:59pm EST

Event Management Program

These one-day courses 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 (OSE) 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 training.

Upcoming Event Management Training Dates:

  • Event Production on Public Property Edition - Wednesday, May 28, 2025
    • 5:30 - 8:30 PM
    • 29 Pearl Street NW, Suite 1 (DGRI office)
    • This training is free, but please register here for planning purposes (additional program details available at this link)
    • This training provides the opportunity to meet and speak with OSE and DGRI staff and includes practical advice on goal setting, budget creation, venue selection, event insurance, permitting/production processes, community notification best practices and emergency action plans.
    • Participants who attend both training sessions will receive a 25% site reduction fee on their first permitted event in the 2025 calendar year through the OSE.
  • Planning Your Vision - Thursday May 29, 2025
    • 5:30 - 8:30 PM
    • 29 Pearl Street NW, Suite 1 (DGRI office)
    • This training is free, but please register here for planning purposes (additional program details available at this link)
    • This training provides the opportunity to meet and speak with the City's Special Events Supervisor and DGRI's Event Manager. It also includes practical advice on valuing your event, creating pitch decks, finding funding for your event, event promotion/evaluation, volunteer recruitment/management and contingency planning.
    • Participants who attend both training sessions will receive a 25% site reduction fee on their first permitted event in the 2025 calendar year through the OSE.

    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.

    This application is currently closed.

    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.

    This application is currently closed.