Space2Place is a creative placemaking micro-grant competition for Yellowstone County. Big Sky Economic Development introduced this program in 2018 to activate and beautify our public spaces, one small project at a time.

 

Space is a void. Nothing happens there. We pass through without much thought.

Place is a destination. We want to go there. We want to be there.

Placemaking transforms empty or underutilized spaces into vibrant, attractive, inviting, and memorable places.

Four fundamental elements of placemaking are:

  1. Access…is it easy to get there?
  2. Comfort & Image…is it easy to be there?
  3. Activities…is it fun to be there?
  4. Sociability…does it promote interaction?

Placemaking is more than just public art. It creates welcoming and engaging places where people want to gather and connect. It enhances walkability, connects people, and activates our community by providing interesting and engaging places.

We have intentionally kept our application process simple and easy. The application is space-limited, so succinctly tell us:

  • Who you or your organization are
  • What your project is and where you want to put it
  • How your project aligns with the elements of placemaking
  • How your completed project will impact, activate, and benefit our community

Placemaking Resources:

If you have any questions about placemaking or need some ideas for a project, Google (or any other search engine) is an awesome tool. YouTube is also a valuable resource.

SPACE2PLACE GRANT INFORMATION

Big Sky Economic Development is sponsoring a micro-grant competition for creative placemaking. Groups, organizations, and individuals within Yellowstone County are encouraged to develop and submit their ideas for how they can transform a public space in Yellowstone County into a beautiful, lively, and welcoming place.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL GRANT APPLICANTS

  1. Open to all residents and organizations within Yellowstone County.
  2. All completed projects must be visible and/or accessible by the public within Yellowstone County.
  3. One application per organization per year.
  4. Must conform with all applicable city and/or county codes and ordinances.
  5. Grant funds may be used for necessary project materials and contracted services. Recipients are expected to provide volunteer labor to bring their projects to fruition. Grant funds are not intended to be used for planning purposes.
  6. Past awardees must have successfully completed all requirements of past awards to be eligible to apply.

ABOUT THE GRANTS

  1. Grant amounts will not exceed $5,000.
  2. Total project costs should not exceed $10,000.
  3. Submission deadline: March 7, 2024 by 4:00 PM.
  4. BSED will create a selection committee to review and score the applications.
  5. Grant winners will be notified by April 4, 2024.
  6. Awards will be presented publicly April 18, 2024, at BSED’s Better Off in Billings event.
  7. Grant funds will be released as expended with proper documentation.
  8. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2024.

APPLY NOW! Submissions due March 7, 2024 by 4:00 PM


Contacts

Senior Project Manager
Thom MacLean
406-869-8407
Email

Funded Projects