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Year 3: MotorCities - Automobile National Heritage Area's Grants Program Open for Applications

DETROIT, Feb. 3, 2004 -- On January 16, 2004, MotorCities - Automobile National Heritage Area (MotorCities-ANHA) announced the opening of the third year of its successful grants programs. Two separate grants programs support the efforts of local and regional partners to develop auto heritage projects. In 2003, 27 applicants competed for $36,000 in funds with over $165,000 in auto heritage projects and activities being created through the 12 funded projects. This year, over $100,000 is available between the two programs.

These two programs help to further develop projects that support MotorCities-ANHA's mission of preserving, interpreting, and promoting our region's rich automotive and labor history. Each program is designed to encourage community-based auto heritage initiatives within the National Heritage Area, which encompasses Southeastern and Central Michigan. Well over $200,000 worth of new educational and visitor services will be created through this year's MotorCities-ANHA two programs.

Within this initiative, there are two grant awards available, MotorCities- ANHA Grants and the MotorCities-ANHA Mini-Grants. Each supports the implementation of MotorCities-ANHA's strategic plan, which was approved in May 2002 by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. This roadmap guides the development of MotorCities-ANHA's projects and programming.

The Grants programs will fund projects that support one of the three MotorCities-ANHA Mission Goals:

1) Expanding educational opportunities associated with the region's auto industry;

2) Encouraging revitalization efforts that preserve our rich auto and labor heritage and promote appreciation of this history; and

3) Increasing tourism that is tied to the auto industry and its history.

MotorCities-ANHA Grants are available to organizations that are supporting members of one of the 12 Stewardship Communities that have been participating in the efforts of MotorCities-ANHA. The Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 with a one-to-one matching requirement. Stewardship Communities have multiple auto heritage resources within their boundaries, and they are groups that collaboratively support MotorCities-ANHA initiatives. MotorCities-ANHA Grants may be used for feasibility studies, educational programs or products, interpretation, marketing tools, events, and bricks and mortar projects.

MotorCities-ANHA Mini-Grants are available across the entire National Heritage Area region. The Mini-Grants range from $250 to $2,500 without matching requirements. Smaller, innovative, and creative projects are to be funded with this program, and individuals are eligible to apply.

Last year, the MotorCities-ANHA gave away 4 Grant Awards and 8 Mini-Grant Awards. A wide array of visitor, tourism, revitalization, and educational programming was developed through this program. Since the program's inception, over $675,000 of auto heritage-related projects have been funded through the two programs. If you would like information about the previous awardees, please call the MotorCities-ANHA office. The Grants and Mini-Grants programs are generously funded by our Founding Partners -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, and an Annual Appeal to the MotorCities-ANHA Board of Directors.

Applications are now available on our website at www.autoheritage.org under the Grants button on the MotorCities-ANHA Homepage or by calling our office to request one at 313-259-3425. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 1, 2004. Announcement of funded projects will be made on or around April 15, 2004.

Designated by the U.S. Congress in 1998 as an Affiliate of the National Park Service, MotorCities-ANHA helps citizens appreciate how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation and the world. MotorCities-ANHA strives to make Michigan's rich automotive heritage a source of pride for communities and a positive influence on the region's future. For additional information, please visit MotorCities-ANHA's website: www.autoheritage.org