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.
Winter 2025 Activate Grant Application - Application deadline is July 27, 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:
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 5:30 - 8:30PM
This Free Event Management Training course is designed to provide event producers with the knowledge and tools necessary to help move their event from concept to reality.
Make sure to grab your free ticket to save your spot.
This opportunity is free and open to the public, specifically event organizers, volunteers and staff.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Goal setting, Budget creation & Venue selection
- Event insurance & Emergency action plans
- Permitting/Production process specific to (OSE)
- Community notification best practices
The course also provides the opportunity to meet and speak with OSE and DGRI staff relevant to executing successful events.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 5:30 - 8:30PM
This Free Event Management Training course is designed to provide event producers with the knowledge and tools necessary to help move their event from concept to reality.
Make sure to grab your free ticket to save your spot.
This opportunity is free and open to the public, specifically event organizers, volunteers and staff.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Finding Funding for your event
- Promoting and evaluating your event
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Community notification best practices
The course also provides the opportunity to meet and speak with OSE and DGRI staff relevant to executing successful events.
Additional details for both courses:
FOOD/DRINKS:
- Complimentary water and coffee will be available. Please feel free to bring your own sack supper or snacks to keep you fueled.
25% SITE REDUCTION:
- Participants who attend both the April 29 (Event Production on Public Property) and April 30 (Planning Your Vision) training sessions will receive a 25% site fee reduction on their first permitted event in the 2026 calendar year scheduled through the City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events and a certificate of completion from DGRI.
- VALIDATED PARKING:
There is validated parking in the parking ramp located across the street from the DGRI Office (29 Pearl St NW) on the corner of Ionia Ave. and Pearl St. If you prefer to park at a parking meter (active until 7 pm), download the "MOTU" app to pay by credit card. - PHOTO/VIDEO DISCLAIMER:
This event may be photographed and recorded for promotional purposes.
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.
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 21, to reset annually.
This application is currently closed.
