Great Lakes Sports Commission

Funding Sports Development Across Northern Michigan

GLSC invests in sports events and projects that strengthen communities, grow regional economic impact and expand Northern Michigan’s capacity to host athletes, spectators and visitors.

Sports Development Grant

Turn a strong sports opportunity into greater regional impact

The Sports Development Grant provides financial assistance to organizations seeking to enhance existing events, support promising new opportunities, improve facilities or programming, and create lasting value across the 36-county northern Michigan region.

Up to $20,000Available to eligible sports events and qualified projects, subject to program priorities and available funding.
Spectators watching equestrian competition at Flintfields Horse Park
Regional FocusProjects or events must take place within GLSC’s 36-county northern Michigan service region.
90-Day Lead TimeApplications must be submitted at least 90 days before the proposed event or project start date.
Quarterly ReviewApplications are reviewed on a quarterly cycle with four annual submission deadlines.

What We Fund

Support that helps sports events and projects grow

GLSC is focused on investments that create measurable value beyond a single funding cycle. Strong applications clearly show how grant support will improve the event or project, strengthen partnerships, increase regional benefit, or create capacity for future growth.

New multipurpose sports floor inside the Wexford Civic Center auditorium

Facilities, Programming & Capacity

Improvements to existing sports assets, equipment, technology, temporary infrastructure, programming and other investments that strengthen the ability to host or grow sports activity.

Cross-country skier finishing the North American Vasa Festival of Races

Events & Event Development

Support for established events and promising new opportunities that can attract participants and spectators, strengthen the visitor economy and elevate Northern Michigan as a sports destination.

Priority consideration: Enhancements to existing events with meaningful regional impact, as well as new event opportunities or projects that demonstrate a clear path to sustained value, partnership growth or increased economic activity.

Eligibility

What a strong application should demonstrate

LocationThe project or event must take place within the 36-county northern Michigan region served by GLSC.
AlignmentThe proposal should advance sports development and strengthen Northern Michigan through an impactful sports event, facility, program or project.
Regional ImpactApplicants should demonstrate meaningful economic, community or sports-development benefits that extend beyond the immediate activity.
TimingA complete application must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of the proposed start date.
Local SupportApplications should include a letter of support from the local tourism or economic development organization.
Applicant FrequencyAn applicant may apply for Sports Development Grant funding once per calendar year.

Eligible Uses

How grant funds can create lasting value

The examples below are intended as guidance rather than an all-inclusive list. Applicants should connect every requested expense to a specific improvement, outcome or regional benefit.

Event Growth & Execution

Equipment, technology, venue enhancements, temporary infrastructure, operational improvements and other investments that increase capacity or improve event delivery.

Marketing & Audience Development

Strategic advertising, digital marketing, public relations, content development and reusable promotional assets designed to grow participation, attendance and visibility.

Participant & Spectator Experience

Accessibility, technology, signage, amenities, entertainment, safety improvements and other enhancements that increase event quality and appeal.

Community Engagement & Regional Benefit

Youth clinics, sports programming, volunteer engagement, local partnerships and related activities that broaden participation and strengthen community connection.

Budget requirement: Grant funds must be used in accordance with the approved application budget. Significant changes to the approved use of funds should be communicated to GLSC for review and approval.

Application Process

What to prepare before you apply

Application Components

  1. Project or Event Details: Purpose, scope, timeline and expected outcomes.
  2. Budget: An itemized project/event budget showing projected expenses, revenue sources and the proposed use of GLSC funds.
  3. Impact Assessment: Anticipated economic, community and sports-development impact.
  4. Marketing & Promotion: How the opportunity will attract participants, spectators or visitors and build visibility.
  5. Supporting Documents: Letters of support and other materials that strengthen the proposal.

How Applications Are Evaluated

  • Alignment with GLSC sports-development priorities.
  • Potential regional and economic impact.
  • Clear need for the requested funding.
  • Feasibility, readiness and quality of the proposed plan.
  • Strength of local and regional partnerships.
  • Ability to create benefits beyond the immediate grant period.
  • Availability of funds within the approved GLSC grant budget.

Quarterly Grant Cycle

Application and determination dates

Applications are reviewed quarterly by the GLSC Grant Committee. Applicants should also account for the 90-day advance-submission requirement when selecting the appropriate cycle.

March 31Application deadline
Determination by May 15
June 30Application deadline
Determination by August 15
September 30Application deadline
Determination by November 15
December 31Application deadline
Determination by February 15

Apply

Submit a Sports Development Grant Application

Complete the online application below. Applicants are encouraged to provide clear, specific information that connects the requested funding to measurable event or project outcomes.

Sports Development Grant Application

Step 1 of 6

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Grant Recipients

Final Report

Recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of project or event completion describing outcomes, use of funds and measurable impact. Failure to complete the required final report may make the applicant ineligible for future GLSC funding.

Sports Development Grant Final Report

Step 1 of 5

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Building Northern Michigan through sports

Explore the projects, events and partnerships GLSC supports across the region, or connect with us if you are developing a sports event or opportunity in northern Michigan.

Explore GLSC ImpactHost an Event