Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

A number of Michigan museums are getting grants from the state government.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the museums and nonprofit foundations receiving $9 million in Community Museum Grant funding.

“Museums are an essential part of Michigan’s cultural and economic fabric,” LEO Director Susan Corbin said. “They spark learning, fuel creativity and strengthen communities – all of which support economic growth. This funding shows our commitment to helping museums not just stay open but grow as vital spaces for lifelong learning and connection.”

The grant period runs from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2029. Funding will support projects that stabilize, grow or enable museums to thrive in their educational and programmatic missions, officials said.

The Dexter Area Historical Society, Flint Children’s Museum and the Detroit Zoo are all recipients of funding.

The full list is below:

- Detroit Zoological Society: $819,200

- Ford Piquette Avenue Plant: $819,200

- Michigan Humanities: $819,200

- The Great Lakes Children's Museum: $345,526

- The Henry Ford: $819,200

- John Ball Zoo: $409,600

- Flint Children's Museum: $106,862

- Flint Institute of Science and History: $217,088

- IQhub: $98,468

- Charter Township of Fenton: $136,806

- Detroit Public Schools Foundation: $819,200

- Ionia County Historical Society: $108,954

- Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society: $36,277

- Michilimackinac Historical Society: $614,400

- Troy Historic Village: $399,770

- Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center: $819,200

- Barry County: $819,200

- Dexter Area Historical Society: $491,520

- Hamtramck Historical Museum: $95,558

- The War Memorial: $204,771

“Michigan is home to over 650 museums – large and small, in every corner of the state,” Lisa Craig Brisson, Executive Director of Michigan Museums Association, said. “Each one serves as a hub for curiosity, discovery and community connection. Public funding helps these institutions expand access, engage more people and deliver high-quality programs, while also attracting private investment that multiplies their impact. The grants awarded through this program will strengthen museums across Michigan and deepen their ability to serve their communities.”

The funding for the grants is available due to an appropriation on the LEO’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget.