grant
program
infrastructure Development Grant overview
Matching grants up to $150,000 to support qualified infrastructure development projects.
The Infrastructure Development Grant provides qualified applicants with access to working capital to support projects that strengthen the economy and enhance quality of life across the 36-county northern Michigan region. Grant funding is intended to advance impactful infrastructure initiatives that align with regional development priorities.
The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent, which allows projects to be reviewed for eligibility and alignment prior to a full application. Applications are reviewed annually, and Letters of Intent must be submitted by March 31.
Sports Development
Grant overview
Grants up to $20,000 to support special events or qualified projects.
The Sports Development Grant supports sports events and projects that strengthen Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula as a premier region for sports development. Through this program, the Great Lakes Sports Commission provides financial assistance to organizations seeking to enhance existing events, improve facilities or programming, and expand opportunities that create lasting value for the 36-county region. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate meaningful impact, strengthen regional partnerships, increase economic activity, and contribute to the long-term growth and vitality of Northern Michigan communities through sports.
Funding availability
Grants of up to $20,000 are available to eligible applicants. Award amounts will be based on the scope and nature of the proposed event or project, its anticipated regional impact, the demonstrated need for funding, and the availability of funds within the Great Lakes Sports Commission’s approved grant budget.
Applicants are encouraged to request an amount that directly reflects the specific expenses and needs outlined in their application. While $20,000 is the maximum award, applicants are not expected to request the full amount unless it is supported by the proposed project scope and budget. All awards are subject to available funding and may be less than the amount requested.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Sports Development Grant, the applicants project or event must meet the following criteria:
- Location: Must take place within the 36-county northern Michigan region.
- Alignment: Must align with the program’s goal of advancing sports development and strengthening the Northern Michigan region through impactful sports events and projects.
- Impact: Must have the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the northern Michigan region.
- Timing: Applications must be submitted a minimum of 90 days in advance of the start date.
- Completion Report: Recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of completion.
- Frequency: Applicants may only apply for funding one time per calendar year.
- Support: Applications should include a letter of support from either the local tourism or economic development office.
Use of Grant Funds:
The following is a list of potential examples of qualifying funding uses. Requests that directly support new event opportunities or enhance the impact of existing events will be given highest consideration.
Event Growth and Capacity Building: Grant funds may support improvements that enhance an existing sports event and position it for continued growth. Eligible expenses may include equipment, technology, venue enhancements, temporary infrastructure, operational improvements, and other investments that expand event capacity, improve efficiency, or strengthen long-term sustainability. Routine expenses that simply maintain the event at its current level may receive lower priority.
Marketing and Audience Development: Funds may be used for strategic marketing initiatives that increase participation, attendance, visibility, and regional reach. This may include advertising, digital marketing, public relations, content development, social media campaigns, and reusable promotional assets. Priority will be given to initiatives that build lasting awareness and help the event attract participants and spectators in future years.
Participant and Spectator Experience: Funds may support meaningful improvements to the athlete, participant, volunteer, or spectator experience. Examples may include accessibility enhancements, technology, signage, amenities, entertainment, safety improvements, and other services or features that increase the event’s quality, appeal, and potential for future growth.
Community and Regional Impact: Funds may support initiatives that strengthen the event’s connection to the surrounding community and expand its regional benefit. This may include youth clinics, sports programming, volunteer engagement, partnerships with local organizations, and activities that encourage broader participation while creating lasting value for Northern Michigan communities.
Other Sports Development Initiatives: The examples above are not all-inclusive. Grant funds may be used for other event-related initiatives that clearly enhance an existing event, support its long-term development, and produce measurable benefits for the event, host community, and broader Northern Michigan region. Applicants should explain how the proposed use of funds will create value beyond the immediate event and contribute to future growth or sustainability.
It is important to note that grant funds must be used in accordance with the budget as submitted in the grant application. Any significant deviations from the approved budget should be communicated to the Great Lakes Sports Commission for review and approval.
Application Process:
Applicants should submit a complete grant application that includes:
- Project or Event Details: Provide a detailed description of the project or event, including its purpose, scope, and expected outcomes.
- Budget: Present a clear and itemized budget for the project or event, including projected expenses and revenue sources that clearly shows how the grant funds will be utilized.
- Impact Assessment: Describe the anticipated economic and community impact of the project or event on the northern Michigan region.
- Marketing and Promotion: Outline the strategies for promoting the event and attracting participants and visitors to the region.
- Supporting Documents: Include any letters of support, or details that strengthen the application.
timing:
Applications will be reviewed by the GLSC grant committee. The selection process will consider the project or event alignment with program goals, potential impact, feasibility, and funding availability.
– Application Deadlines: March 31; June 30; September 30; December 31
– Grant Determinations: May 15; August 15; November 15; February 15
Reporting Requirements:
Recipients must submit a final report detailing the outcomes and impact of the project or event within 30 days of completion. This report will help evaluate the success of the grant program and inform future funding decisions. If a final report is not completed, the applicant will be ineligible to receive future funding through GLSC.
Apply Now
The Great Lakes Sports Commission’s (the “Commission”) mission is to promote northern Michigan as a premier destination for sports, recreation, and tourism. The Commission offers the opportunity for qualified applicants to apply for grant funding to support projects or events that enhance the economy and quality of life within the 36-county northern Michigan region. Applications are reviewed quarterly and must be submitted by appropriate deadlines.
Completed applications must be submitted using the web-form below.
Sports Development Grant Application
Sports Development Grant Final Report
Infrastructure Development Grant - Letter of Intent
The "Infrastructure Development Grant" program aims to support and enhance qualified sports-related infrastructure development projects within the 36-county northern Michigan region. To initiate the application process, the first step is to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) detailing your project and outlining the funding request. Submission Deadline: March 31 Letter of Intent Requirements: 1. Project Overview: Provide a concise overview of your infrastructure development project. 2. Funding Request: Clearly state the amount of funding you are requesting. Detail how the funds will be utilized in the project. 3. Project Timeline: Outline the anticipated timeline for the implementation of your project, including any key milestones and completion dates. 4. Impact: Describe how your project will benefit and promote sports development within the northern Michigan region. We look forward to receiving your Letter of Intent and learning more about your infrastructure development project. Questions can be directed to Susie Fox (sfox@greatlakessc.org).