The Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MPACVB) is pleased to announce the 2026 Destination Development Grant Recipients.

The MPACVB's Destination Development grants support projects that strengthen Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County as a place to visit, work, and explore. Through investments in attractions, events, recreation, public spaces, and other community amenities, the funds help organizations bring projects to life that may otherwise be difficult to complete. These investments support visitor spending, enhance the experience of those who come to our area, and contribute to the quality of life for residents.

  • Sleepy Dog Books Foundation: $11,000 for Mt. Pleasant Storybook Trail
  • Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport: $4,300 for LED lighting at the airport
  • Art Reach of Mid-Michigan: $5,000 for Paint the Pavement event support
  • Broadway Theatre: $5,000 for marquee & façade restoration
  • Market for the Arts: $2,500 for event support
  • Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum: $5,000 for water table restoration
  • Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Foundation: $3,000 for new banners along Mission in partnership with CMU, the Community Relations Committee, Paint the Town Maroon, and more.
  • Isabella County & Middle Michigan Development Foundation: $15,000 for courthouse cupola restoration
  • Mt. Pleasant Parks & Rec: $7,114 for crowd control barriers to help with events downtown
  • Chippewa Watershed Conservancy: $7,500 for parking lot construction at Hubscher Preserve off M20
  • Mount Pleasant Little League: $2,000 for two bullpen pitching mounds and turf installation lot at Pickens Field 2
  • Martin Ice Arena: $13,200 for improvements to locker rooms, seating, and radiant heaters
  • Mid-Michigan College: $5,000 for volleyball equipment
  • Morey Courts Recreation Center: $18,000 for landscaping and first impression improvements
  • Shepherd Cross Country: $11,500 for permanent speakers

“Destination development is about more than funding individual projects. It’s about investing in the experiences, places and amenities that make Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County a destination people want to visit,” said Chris Rowley, President & CEO of the       Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These projects help create reasons for people to come here, stay longer, explore our community, and spend money at local businesses. They also improve the quality of place for the people who live here. When we invest in our community, the benefits reach beyond the project itself and help strengthen the entire area.”

Since 2019, the MPACVB has invested more than $630,000 back into the Isabella County community through projects that strengthen local amenities, support tourism, and improve the visitor experience. For any requests for 2027, contact Chris Rowley at Chris@meetmtp.com.