Placemaking Grants

Placemaking: re-imagining and reinventing public spaces to bring people together; capitalizing on a community’s assets and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote health, happiness, and well-being

The Huron County Community Foundation recently conducted interviews and surveys to determine our new Strategic Priorities. These Priorities allow us to focus our time and resources where the community sees the greatest need. One priority area is creating dynamic and vibrant communities. To that end, we are hosting a Placemaking Grant Competition specifically designed to spark community conversations, invest in public spaces, and bring ideas to life in Huron County.

The County is divided into four regions for the Placemaking Grant Competition (click here to see the map). Each regional winner is guaranteed at least $1,000 to bring their idea to life! Awards will be made based on three different criteria –

1)    Community Voice (aka Facebook voting)
2)    Panel of Judges at the Pitch Event
3)    Public Vote at the Pitch Event

 Here's how it works:

  1. Have an idea that will improve a public space in Huron County (ex. Community signage to make your area more walker friendly, public art installations, bike racks, public events hosted in community spaces, murals, public gardens, little free libraries, disk/foot golf)

  2. Submit the idea by emailing a one paragraph description of the project, your name and contact information, the region in which your project will be implemented (see attached map), and an image that represents the idea to hccf@huroncounty.com by 4 p.m May 1. Click here to see a sample submission.

  3. If your idea meets the qualifications, your idea will be unveiled on the HCCF Facebook page for the first wave of voting, Community Voice, on Monday, May 6. Get everyone you know to vote for your idea on the HCCF Facebook Page between May 6th and May 13th.

  4. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and community leaders and attend the Pitch Event at the Port Austin Gym on May 16th for an evening of collaboration, granting, and fun! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Pitches starting at 7 p.m. At the Pitch Event, a panel of judges and attendees will hear brief (1 minute or less!) presentations on each proposal. At the end of the presentations, everyone votes by secret ballot.

  5. If your idea has the highest total score, based on Community Voice (25%), the Panel of Judges (50%), and the Public Vote (25%), you will receive $1,000 to implement your Placemaking idea in the community!

View the grant guidelines below for additional information!