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.
• Applicant organizations must not have received an MHA Grant within the most recent two cycles.
• 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.

• 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.

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

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.