MARQUETTE — The Michigan Municipal League Foundation is launching its second round of the Bridge Builders Microgrant Program. Applications for the expanded program opened April 30 and close May 31. The program is being greatly expanded due to a $20,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation.

Because of the DTE Energy Foundation’s support, this year’s program is being expanded to include a category for collaborations between local businesses and artists. The $20,000 grant from the DTE Foundation will fund up to four $5,000 Main Street microgrants.

This year’s program has grown considerably and includes two funding categories:

Neighborhood Microgrants

At least 10 $500 grants will be awarded to individuals, loose collectives, and community organizations statewide. These grants are intended for individuals, neighborhood/block clubs, grassroots organizations and groups of community members. This grant category asks everyday residents and emerging community leaders to identify ways to strengthen the social fabric of their communities through creative, intentional acts of connection.

Main Street Microgrants

Up to four $5,000 grants — funded by the DTE Foundation — will be awarded for collaborations between local small businesses and artists that aim to bring residents back to local businesses and celebrate culture and diversity. Entities eligible to participate include small businesses, downtown development authorities, locally owned businesses, chambers of commerce and other similar organizations; application teams must include at least three locally owned small businesses and at least one local artist.

This pilot program will be available in four regions: The Upper Peninsula, Prosperity Region 1; the northern Lower Peninsula, Prosperity Regions 2 and 3; west Michigan, Prosperity Region 4; and southeast Michigan, Prosperity Regions 9 and 10.

Visit www.mmlfoundation.org/grants for complete details on eligibility and applications. Interested applicants can also watch free informational webinars about the Neighborhood microgrants here and the Main Street microgrants here. Questions about this program can be directed to: grants@mml.org.