Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP)

The Public Spaces Community Places program is administered by the Michigan Strategic Fund in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Municipal League. This initiative is designed as a creative placemaking and funding program that leverages community engagement and public participation to support the development and revitalization of public spaces across Michigan. By combining donation-based crowdfunding with state matching grants, the program introduces a “crowdgranting” model that allows residents to directly contribute to projects that enhance their communities while receiving matching financial support from the state. The primary purpose of the program is to activate or improve public spaces that contribute to community vitality, economic development, and quality of life. Eligible projects include the creation or enhancement of plazas, parks, streetscapes, public markets, bike paths, and other shared spaces where people gather. The program also emphasizes accessibility, offering additional funding incentives for projects that incorporate universal design elements, ensuring inclusivity for individuals of all abilities. These projects must demonstrate public awareness and local momentum prior to application, reflecting strong community support and engagement. Funding is structured as a matching grant, requiring applicants to raise funds through a crowdfunding campaign hosted on the Patronicity platform. The Michigan Strategic Fund matches the funds raised dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000 for standard projects. Projects incorporating universal design elements may qualify for higher total development thresholds. Applicants must raise at least 50 percent of the total project cost through crowdfunding, and no grant funds are awarded unless the campaign goal is fully met within the designated timeframe. Event-based projects are capped at lower funding levels and must meet specific duration and frequency requirements. Eligible applicants include Michigan-based municipalities, nonprofit organizations with appropriate charitable solicitation authorization, and low-profit limited liability companies. Projects must be located within Michigan and must focus on activating or enhancing public spaces. For larger projects exceeding $100,000 in total development cost, applicants must demonstrate prior committed funding at the time of application. All projects must be able to be fully completed with a combination of crowdfunding, matching funds, and any prior funding sources. The application process involves multiple stages beginning with the creation of a project profile on the crowdfunding platform. This initial submission is reviewed by the program contractor, followed by evaluation from a review team consisting of representatives from the MEDC, Michigan Strategic Fund, and Michigan Municipal League. Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify eligibility and project readiness. Approved projects proceed to a public crowdfunding campaign, supported by technical assistance and promotional efforts. Campaigns must reach their funding goals within 60 days of launch to qualify for matching funds. Upon successful completion, grant funds are awarded and project implementation begins. Projects must be completed within one year of the start date, and recipients are required to submit regular progress reports and a final report detailing outcomes, expenditures, and project impact. Failure to meet program requirements may result in repayment obligations. The program operates on a rolling basis, contingent on funding availability, and projects are considered individually as they are submitted. While no fixed annual deadline is specified, applicants must be prepared to meet program timelines and requirements once their project is approved for crowdfunding. The program reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Michigan communities by empowering residents to actively shape their public environments and contribute to long-term economic and social vitality.

Demonstrate strong community support and readiness before applying; ensure realistic crowdfunding goals; incorporate accessibility elements to increase funding potential