Flint, Michigan – Main Street America and General Motors announced the recipients of their GM on Main Street Grant Program, awarding six $25,000 place-making grants to nonprofit organizations and municipal government entities across the country. Communities First, Inc. based in Flint was among the grantees, for their project – Foodie Commons @ the Flowershop.
Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is getting ready to transform a former flower shop and blighted lot into a dynamic, engaging community destination in Flint’s Grand Traverse Neighborhood. Focusing on food, music and fun, Foodie Commons @ the Flowershop will offer a food truck park, event space complete with an outdoor stage, an open green space and covered seating. In addition to providing a space for day-to-day dining and recreation, the space will be used for a free outdoor movie series and other seasonal activities like corn hole, horseshoe and ping pong.
“We’re excited to be a part of the GM on Main Street Grant Program and appreciate this substantial investment in Flint,” said Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc.
“We’re confident we’ll be able to transform this blighted site into a community destination for everyone,” Wilson added.
In 2022, General Motors and Main Street America created the grant program to fund innovative placemaking initiatives in local commercial districts near GM facilities. Grantees were selected based on the project’s placemaking-focus, innovation and creativity, inclusivity, feasibility and replicability.
“General Motors is proud to have collaborated with Main Street America to support nonprofits and municipal government entities as they introduce place-making projects in their local communities,” said Terry Rhadigan, GM Vice President of Corporate Giving.
“We look forward to seeing these inclusive, innovative projects come to life over the coming months for each of these communities to enjoy,” Rhadigan added.
The GM on Main Street Awardees include:
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The Alley Project: Broadway’s Back Door | Lorain, Ohio
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Mejorar Marine Park | Tarrant, Texas
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Little 5 Points Plaza Patio | Fulton, Georgia
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A New Vision for Historic Dorr Street | Lucas, Ohio
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Foodie Commons | Flint, Michigan
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Dave Grohl Alley Improvement Project | Trumball, Ohio
To learn more about the GM on Main Street grant program and the grantees, click here:
https://www.mainstreet.org/blogs/national-main-street-center/2023/02/22/announcing-the-gm-on-main-street-grantees
About Communities First, Inc. (CFI)
Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit community development corporation and housing developer. Headquartered in Flint, CFI serves over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.
