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Michigan History Alliance Grant Program

A grant tailored to small- and medium-sized HSM member historical organizations. 

Financial assistance to limited budgets

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Calling all small HSM member historical organizations! The Historical Society of Michigan would like to help. 

Are you a small- to medium-sized HSM member organization? Apply for our new Michigan History Alliance® Grant Program.

The grants are intended to provide funding for small- to medium-size history organizations in Michigan through straightforward applications and reporting. Many grant programs require extensive preparation and reporting—so much so that smaller organizations have little realistic chance of seeing their proposals funded because they are competing with larger organizations with professional staffs of experienced grant writers. Moreover, many grant programs focus their funding on large, new programs, whereas smaller organizations often need money for more basic needs. Applying for an MHA Grant should be simple enough that a volunteer can write it in a couple of hours.

The grant application period has closed. Stay tuned to this space for future information on the 2025 application period.

Applying for an MHA Grant 

The Historical Society of Michigan is no longer accepting applications for the 2024 grant period. Winners of the 2024 grants will be announced in January 2024! Stay tuned to this page for information about the next round of grants.

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Not currently an HSM member organization?

Our member organization program is a wonderful way to network, receive support, and participate in an active community of historical organizations and programs throughout the state. Learn more about how to become an organizational member today!

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MHA Grant Requirements

  • Applicants must be a certified IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit, city, or tribal history organization located in the state of Michigan.
  • Applicants must be an organizational member of the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) and have been a member for at least one year prior to the grant application date.
  • Applicant organizations must have an annual operating budget under $250,000.
  • Applicant organizations can apply for no more than one grant per calendar year.
  • A history organization located within a parent organization that is a state or local governmental or multipurpose not-for-profit entity—such as a municipality, university, historical society, foundation, or cultural center—may apply on its own behalf if the organization (1) is able to independently fulfill all the eligibility requirements listed above; (2) functions as a discrete unit within the parent organization; (3) has its own fully segregated and itemized operating budget; and (4) has the authority to complete the application on its own. If these conditions cannot be met, the history organization is ineligible to apply.

View the 2023 Award Recipients

The results are in! Congratulations to the 14 grantees and to all who applied for the program. The Historical Society of Michigan looks forward to offering more funds to more member organizations next year.

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Is my organization eligible to apply?

Your organization is eligible to apply if it meets the following requirements: 

  • Applicants must be a certified IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit, city, or tribal history organization located in the state of Michigan.
  • Applicants must be an organizational member of the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) and have been a member for at least one year prior to the grant application date.
  • Applicant organizations must have an annual operating budget under $250,000.
  • Applicant organizations can apply for no more than one grant per calendar year.
  • A history organization located within a parent organization that is a state or local governmental or multipurpose not-for-profit entity—such as a municipality, university, historical society, foundation, or cultural center—may apply on its own behalf if the organization (1) is able to independently fulfill all the eligibility requirements listed above; (2) functions as a discrete unit within the parent organization; (3) has its own fully segregated and itemized operating budget; and (4) has the authority to complete the application on its own. If these conditions cannot be met, the history organization is ineligible to apply.

How do I apply?

You can apply for the program easily using our Michigan History Alliance Grant Program Application Form

The form must be completed and mailed to HSM's offices alongside the required documentation. 

Please address all application mail to: 

Michigan History Alliance Grant Program
Historical Society of Michigan
7435 Westshire Dr.
Lansing, MI 48917

What documents are required for the application?

  • Proof of IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit status. City and tribal local history entities can provide alternate evidence of their status per the requirements above.
  • Most recent IRS Form 990 indicating the organization receives less than $250,000 in annual revenue. City and tribal local history entities can provide alternate evidence of their status per the requirements above.
  • Grant cover sheet, which must include organization contact information, name and contact information for the person applying, amount requested, etc.
  • A grant narrative of 1,000 to 1,500 words, written in 12-point type and double-spaced (about 3 pages). The narrative should provide a brief history of the organization and a description of how MHA Grant funds will be used to help the organization fulfill its mission. To be frank—we want to know how much money you want and why you want it.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes, awardees are required to adhere to the following restrictions for grant use: 

  • Grant funds may not be used to create or augment endowments or to pay utilities, debts, existing staff, or other general operating expenses.
  • Granted funds must be spent within one calendar year of the award.
  • Grant funds must be spent for the purposes described in the application. Any change in allocation of awarded grant funds must be approved in writing in advance by HSM or the funds must be returned.
  • Examples of permitted grant fund use:
    • Repair/maintenance/restoration of buildings
    • Consultant fees or special grant project staff
    • Exhibit and educational program expenses
    • Office equipment
    • Collections care, preservation, and conservation

Who can I contact for help?

For questions relating to the grant program, the Michigan History Alliance, or other concerns, please email our team at hsm@hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828. 

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Applying for an MHA Grant 

The Historical Society of Michigan is no longer accepting applications for the 2024 grant period. Winners of the 2024 grants will be announced in January 2024! Stay tuned to this page for information about the next round of grants.

Questions?

Reach out to us today at hsm@hsmichigan.org or by calling (517) 324-1828.