What’s happening: A total of 23 small- and mid-sized history organizations throughout the state of Michigan have been selected for the Michigan History Alliance Grant Program, the third annual grant competition from the Historical Society of Michigan. More than $50,000 has been awarded to this year’s cohort, which doubles the $25,000 awarded in each of the program’s first two years.
Where it’s going: While winning organizations can be found throughout the state, the majority of grantees can be found in Michigan’s more rural communities. It’s a list that includes the Remus Area Historical Society in Remus; the Crawford County Historical Society in Grayling; and the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association in Mackinaw City. Visit the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM)
online for a complete list of this year’s winners.
Why it’s important: “Preserving and interpreting history begins at the local level,” says Executive Director and CEO Larry Wagenaar. “Michigan’s smaller local history organizations do great work, and we want to provide funding where it is most beneficial. We designed the grant application to be accessible to someone with little grant-writing experience. While these grants are relatively modest, they have a significant impact for our member organizations.”
What’s planned: The grants are available at a maximum of $2,500, with the 23 winning organizations emerging from a group of 79 applications. While the HSM
website has an in-depth look at the winning projects to be supported by the grants, examples include the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association in Mackinaw City, which will use a $2,500 grant to restore the kitchen of the historic Cheboygan Front Range Lighthouse; and the Tompkins Center Historical Society in Rives Junction, which will use a $1,500 grant to purchase and install signage at the Stewart Farm Museum.
How it’s grown: The HSM was able to double its grant pool this year thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. The initial $25,000 available for the grant program comes from the HSM and its annual endowment.
What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled that we are able to award twice as many grants in 2025 and provide assistance to so many history organizations around the state,” says Becky Kurtz, the Society’s director of development and member services. “The Historical Society of Michigan is itself a medium-sized nonprofit, and the grant funds come from our annual endowment draw, not our operating budget. The Consumers Energy Foundation has allowed us to double the impact for our member organizations.”
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