reentry · leg up · grants · calls
Resources
Whether you came home last week or ten years ago — or never left and never will — this page is for you. The practical stuff, the get-ahead stuff, and money worth applying for. Pulled from every Linkage newsletter ever sent, plus what we find on the hunt. Updated constantly.
⏰ Closing soon
Storytelling for Startups — Free Webinar
Via Linkage newsletter · Virtual
Practical tools for sharpening your message, pitching with confidence, and making your investor deck work for you. If you're building something and want to learn how to talk about it, it's worth the hour — and it's free.
Voting Rights Art Installation — Community Build Sessions
VAAC + Indivisible Metro Detroit · Metro Detroit, MI
Help build a collaborative art installation on voting rights that's been selected for ArtPrize 2026. No art experience needed — writing, drawing, collage, and mixed media all welcome, with all materials provided (June 23 in Ferndale, July 18 in Hamtramck).
Detroit Lit Summer Writers' Institute
Detroit Lit · Detroit, MI
Two days of workshops and panels on landing a book deal, finding your voice, crafting an artist statement, and more (July 18-19). Detroit Lit prioritizes writers of color, and thanks to Arts Midwest everything is free and open by donation.
Crafting An Artist Statement Workshop
Detroit Lit · Detroit, MI
Led by Creative Capital Awardee Cézanne Charles at The LOVE Building, this free workshop helps you articulate not just what you create but the values, questions, and communities behind your work. Part of the Detroit Lit Summer Writers' Institute — all ages, free parking.
Doodles & Dialogue — Illustrators Meetup
AIGA Detroit + Daizydoodles · Detroit, MI
AIGA Detroit and Daizydoodles host a free meetup just for illustrators at Vesper Book & Wine — freelance, in-house, student, or hobbyist, all welcome. Good conversation and new connections; register ahead.
Inclusive Arts Fund
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Southeast Michigan
Grants of $15,000–$25,000 for small and mid-sized arts nonprofits (budgets under $2M) across seven southeast Michigan counties, backed by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. Register in the portal by July 13; applications close July 27, 2026.
WCC Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Washtenaw Community College · Washtenaw County, MI
A 15-week program moving you from concept to launch — business model, investor pitch deck, and mentorship. Free for WCC students and Washtenaw County residents; the cohort starts September 3.
Artists in the Community & Young Creatives Grants
Arts Council of Greater Lansing · Greater Lansing, MI
Two grant programs from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, both with applications due August 1. A free walkthrough workshop was offered July 6 to help applicants.
Big Mama's Cookout — MI-CEMI Learning Community Gathering
MI-CEMI and partners · Detroit, MI
Michigan RoundTable, Detroit Justice Center, Emergent Justice, Friends of Restorative Justice, and MI-CEMI break bread at Mama Akua Community House to build community and talk healing responses to harm. RSVP to be in the room.
The directory
97 of 97 resources
Storytelling for Startups — Free Webinar
Via Linkage newsletter · Virtual
Practical tools for sharpening your message, pitching with confidence, and making your investor deck work for you. If you're building something and want to learn how to talk about it, it's worth the hour — and it's free.
Voting Rights Art Installation — Community Build Sessions
VAAC + Indivisible Metro Detroit · Metro Detroit, MI
Help build a collaborative art installation on voting rights that's been selected for ArtPrize 2026. No art experience needed — writing, drawing, collage, and mixed media all welcome, with all materials provided (June 23 in Ferndale, July 18 in Hamtramck).
Detroit Lit Summer Writers' Institute
Detroit Lit · Detroit, MI
Two days of workshops and panels on landing a book deal, finding your voice, crafting an artist statement, and more (July 18-19). Detroit Lit prioritizes writers of color, and thanks to Arts Midwest everything is free and open by donation.
Crafting An Artist Statement Workshop
Detroit Lit · Detroit, MI
Led by Creative Capital Awardee Cézanne Charles at The LOVE Building, this free workshop helps you articulate not just what you create but the values, questions, and communities behind your work. Part of the Detroit Lit Summer Writers' Institute — all ages, free parking.
Doodles & Dialogue — Illustrators Meetup
AIGA Detroit + Daizydoodles · Detroit, MI
AIGA Detroit and Daizydoodles host a free meetup just for illustrators at Vesper Book & Wine — freelance, in-house, student, or hobbyist, all welcome. Good conversation and new connections; register ahead.
Inclusive Arts Fund
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Southeast Michigan
Grants of $15,000–$25,000 for small and mid-sized arts nonprofits (budgets under $2M) across seven southeast Michigan counties, backed by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. Register in the portal by July 13; applications close July 27, 2026.
WCC Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
Washtenaw Community College · Washtenaw County, MI
A 15-week program moving you from concept to launch — business model, investor pitch deck, and mentorship. Free for WCC students and Washtenaw County residents; the cohort starts September 3.
Artists in the Community & Young Creatives Grants
Arts Council of Greater Lansing · Greater Lansing, MI
Two grant programs from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, both with applications due August 1. A free walkthrough workshop was offered July 6 to help applicants.
Big Mama's Cookout — MI-CEMI Learning Community Gathering
MI-CEMI and partners · Detroit, MI
Michigan RoundTable, Detroit Justice Center, Emergent Justice, Friends of Restorative Justice, and MI-CEMI break bread at Mama Akua Community House to build community and talk healing responses to harm. RSVP to be in the room.
Chrysalis Award for Emerging Ceramic Artists
Chrysalis Award · United States
A $5,000 unrestricted award for an emerging US ceramicist within 5 years of completing training. Plenty of lead time — put it on your calendar now.
Safe & Just 2026 Signature Event
Safe & Just · Michigan
A free evening of celebration, inspiration, fun, and food. Seats are limited, so grab yours early.
We Are Moving The Needle — Early-Career Microgrants
We Are Moving The Needle · United States
Grants of $500-$1,000 for music producers, engineers, and songwriters with 0-5 years of experience (including rising college seniors) to cover career-advancing needs like internship travel, audio courses, or new equipment. US citizens and permanent residents.
PEN America Prison Writing Awards
PEN America · National
Annual awards for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama by people incarcerated in U.S. prisons, jails, and detention centers — winning work is published and celebrated by PEN America. Entries are accepted August 1 through December 31 each year, by mail.
2026 Programming Calendar
Linkage Community · Michigan
A living calendar of everything coming up for Linkage in 2026, updated as more information lands. Save the link and check back often.
A Brighter Way
A Brighter Way · Ypsilanti / Lansing (Washtenaw + mid-Michigan)
Peer mentors who have been there themselves walk alongside you as you come home, with help on housing, jobs, life skills, and now long-term transitional housing. Offices in Ypsilanti and Lansing serving Washtenaw, Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Jackson counties.
After Dark Creative Markets (Detroit)
Lions & Rabbits · Detroit, MI
Lions & Rabbits is looking for vendors and performers for their After Dark Creative Markets, on a rolling basis.
American Prison Writing Archive
American Prison Writing Archive (Johns Hopkins University) · National
Johns Hopkins' digital archive of first-person essays and poetry from inside U.S. carceral institutions — a permanent public record of your testimony. Mail work under 5,000 words with a signed permission form; clearly handwritten pages are welcome.
Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor District Library · Ann Arbor
A free card unlocks far more than books: borrow real tools, music gear, and art prints; use public computers; and get free notary service — handy for expungement and probate paperwork. Open to Ann Arbor district residents.
Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons
Prison Creative Arts Project, University of Michigan · Michigan (statewide)
The Prison Creative Arts Project mounts the country's largest exhibition of art by currently incarcerated artists every March in Ann Arbor — 800+ works, all for sale with proceeds going back to the artists. PCAP also runs year-round writing, theater, and visual arts workshops in Michigan prisons.
ArtPrize 2026
ArtPrize · Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids' massive open citywide art competition runs September 17–October 3, 2026, with $600,000 in public-vote and juried prizes across six categories. Registration for 2026 has closed — mark spring 2027 for the next entry window.
Arts & Humanities Touring Grants
Michigan Humanities · Michigan (statewide)
Reimburses up to half of a presenter's fees and travel (max $2,500) when Michigan nonprofits host touring artists, performers, and humanities speakers. The 2026 round is closed, but it reopens annually — apply early, since funds go in the order received.
Awesome Foundation micro-grants
The Awesome Foundation · Detroit + Ann Arbor
Monthly $1,000 no-strings micro-grants for awesome projects of any kind. Pitch, chapter votes, someone wins. Detroit and Ann Arbor chapters.
Better Money Habits — Spending Plan Tool
Better Money Habits · Online
A free tool from Better Money Habits to help you build a real spending plan, shared out of Linkage's Financial Fun workshop series. Bookmark it, try it out, and let the team know what you think.
Beyond Bars: A Journal of Literature & Art — Submissions
Beyond Bars: A Journal of Literature & Art · National
This journal accepts poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, art, rap lyrics, and drama from writers and artists who are incarcerated or impacted by the carceral system. Up to 7,500 words for prose, up to 5 poems or 10 pages for poetry; response time is 4 weeks to 4 months — submit via beyondbarsmag@gmail.com.
Breaking Chains Mending Minds — Sunday Support Group
Breaking Chains Mending Minds · Online
A free weekly online support group (Sundays, 1pm EST on Google Meet) where returning citizens process life after incarceration together — no judgment, no recording, and listening counts as participation. Founder Erin has opened the door to the whole Linkage family.
Call for Art: REBIRTH Exhibition — Linkage Gallery, Lansing
Linkage Community · Lansing, MI
Show your work on the theme of REBIRTH at the Linkage Gallery in Lansing — tell Sarah how many pieces you'd like to bring. Musicians, writers, and actors welcome too; there are creative ways to get your work in the gallery.
Calvin Prison Initiative
Calvin University + Calvin Theological Seminary · Ionia / Statewide (apply from any Michigan prison)
A full bachelor's degree earned inside — Calvin University enrolls 20 students a year from prisons across Michigan at Handlon Correctional in Ionia, with tuition, books, and computers all covered. Share with folks still inside who want a path.
Center for Employment Opportunities — Detroit
Center for Employment Opportunities · Detroit
Paid transitional work crews up to four days a week with daily pay, exclusively for people recently released from incarceration, plus job coaching and placement into full-time work. Located at 7310 Woodward Ave; email CEODetroit@ceoworks.org to start.
Cherry Republic Artist Showcase
Cherry Republic · Michigan
Submit original illustrations (digital or physical) inspired by Northern Michigan — any medium, any experience level, must be 15+. Prizes of $2,000 for first place and $1,000 each for second and third. No AI work, just real art.
Colossal Monthly Opportunities Roundup
Colossal · International
Colossal publishes a monthly list of grants, residencies, and open calls for artists — many free or nearly free to apply and open to Michigan artists. Linkage curates highlights from it each month.
Creative Capital Award
Creative Capital · National
National awards for individual artists in visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature — a $10,000 unrestricted award for one artist per state plus project grants of $15,000–$50,000 with professional development and industry connections. The 2027 open call closed in April; the next one typically opens in early spring.
CultureSource Membership
CultureSource · Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan's alliance of 200+ arts and culture nonprofits: monthly roundtables for arts leaders, member-exclusive grant opportunities, free job postings, and a seat at the regional table.
DIY Artwork Documentation Guide
Via Linkage newsletter · Online
A how-to resource for documenting your own artwork — useful for applications, portfolios, and sales.
Do-It-Yourself Expungement Tool
Michigan Legal Help · Statewide
Answer questions online and this free tool fills out the court forms to set aside an adult conviction anywhere in Michigan. Plan on about six months start to finish, including fingerprints and a $50 state fee.
Drawn Together — Weekly Visual Artist Hangout
The Vision Detroit · Detroit, MI
A weekly Thursday-night space (7:30-11pm) for local visual artists to connect and make art together at The Vision Creative Space. Bring a project or use their supplies.
DWIHN 24/7 Crisis & Peer Support Line
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network · Detroit / Wayne County
Free mental health support for anyone in Wayne County, no insurance or referral needed — the team includes peer recovery coaches who have been through their own crisis. Call 800-241-4949 any time; a real counselor answers in minutes.
Empowerment Avenue
Empowerment Avenue · National
Pairs incarcerated writers and artists with volunteer editors and mentors to place work in mainstream outlets and get paid for it — over $400,000 in creator revenue in 2025. No open application; they recruit creators already publishing, so building clips with PJP or Life Inside is a good first step.
Envision 2027 — UM Stamps School of Art & Design
UM Stamps School of Art & Design · Michigan
Open to emerging and mid-career Michigan artists (21+, not currently enrolled in a degree program). Finalists exhibit at Stamps Gallery and receive a $2,000 stipend; the winner takes a $5,000 cash prize.
Factory Two
Factory Two · Flint
Flint's community makerspace: woodshop, metal shop, forge, laser cutters, screen printing, 3D printers, and a bike station, with member classes running $5-$35. Free account to start; meetups don't require membership.
Fair Chance Housing & Tenant Rights Resources (Ann Arbor)
Via Linkage newsletter · Ann Arbor, MI
Information on fair chance housing, tenant rights, and source-of-income protections (plus related events) for Ann Arbor renters.
Flip the Script
Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit · Detroit (Wayne + Oakland counties)
Goodwill Detroit's 20+ year reentry program: job training and placement, GED prep, financial coaching, and post-employment support for justice-involved people in Wayne and Oakland counties. 84% of participants find employment.
Free On-Demand Creative Entrepreneur Workshops
Linkage Community · Online
A whole library of free virtual creative business workshops you can watch anytime on the Linkage YouTube channel, at your own pace. Genuinely good material for building your creative practice into a business.
General Clerk Position — Michigan State Appellate Defender Office
Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) · Detroit, MI
Michigan's State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) is hiring a full-time General Clerk at its Detroit office, supporting legal representation for people who can't afford their own attorneys. Pay range is $42,490-$60,009 depending on experience.
Grant Writing Guide for Creatives
Via Linkage newsletter · Online
A guide to writing grant applications, made for creatives. Pair it with any of the open calls and grants in this directory.
GreenPath Financial Wellness
GreenPath Financial Wellness · Statewide (HQ Farmington Hills)
Free one-on-one counseling from certified experts on budgeting, debt, credit reports, and housing — a judgment-free place to start rebuilding your financial footing. Michigan-headquartered nonprofit, by phone or online.
High Society Detroit — Monthly Exhibition Series
High Society Detroit · Detroit, MI
Detroit-rooted and connected visual artists sought for a monthly co-headlining gallery experience. Selected artists get exhibition space, promotional support, event production, and documentation — painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, textile, and experimental work all welcome.
human-I-T Digital Equity Center
human-I-T · Detroit
Low-cost laptops and tablets, $15/month home internet with no contracts, free digital skills classes (including AI and audio production), and patient one-on-one tech support at their 7 Mile Road center in Detroit.
Incarcerated Writers Initiative — Columbia Journal
Columbia Journal · National
Columbia University's IWI gives incarcerated writers detailed critique and publication in Exchange, its dedicated literary magazine — fiction and nonfiction up to 5,000 words, poetry, and visual art, submitted year-round by mail or email.
Inquest — Essays on Ending Mass Incarceration
Inquest · National
Inquest is a forum for advancing bold ideas to end mass incarceration in the United States, and pays $250 per essay. A strong fit for writers with lived experience and big ideas about change.
Inside-Out Virtual Learning Course
Inside-Out (Arcadia University) · Virtual
A virtual course bringing incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and university students together to learn through storytelling. Free for formerly incarcerated students, worth 4 college credits, with weekly Zoom classes — questions go to pierces@arcadia.edu.
Johnny Depp's People's Artist Competition — Vote for Linkage Finalists
The Art of Elysium · National (LA showcase)
Five Linkage members — Karmyn, Shelly, Sean, Jeremiah, and Kimiko — are in the running. One artist wins $25,000, a feature in Artforum Magazine, and a show at The Art of Elysium's Salon in LA; public voting opens May 4 at 1pm EST.
Justice Arts Coalition
Justice Arts Coalition · National
The national hub connecting currently and formerly incarcerated artists with teaching artists and advocates — pen-pal exchanges through the pARTner Project, exhibitions, a resource directory, and a running list of calls for submissions.
Kresge Artist Fellowships & Gilda Awards
Kresge Arts in Detroit (College for Creative Studies) · Metro Detroit (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb)
No-strings $50,000 fellowships (plus $5,000 Gilda Awards for emerging artists) for artists living in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county. The 2026 round closed January 15 with winners announced this summer — the next cycle typically opens in the fall.
Legal Basics for Artists
Via Linkage newsletter · Online
A self-paced course covering legal basics every working artist should know. Complete it on your own schedule.
Life Inside — The Marshall Project
The Marshall Project · National
A weekly first-person essay series about experiences with the criminal legal system, open to currently and formerly incarcerated writers, people on parole or probation, and their families. Pitch a 1,000–1,400-word true story to lifeinside@themarshallproject.org.
Link Arms with Linkage — Spring Campaign
Linkage Community · Michigan
Linkage's spring fundraising campaign: watch and share member story videos, comment and repost to move the algorithm, donate, or record a short video about what Linkage means to you (email Frannie). From April 28 to May 2, Kimiko matched the first $5 of every member donation, with the member-raised total used May 5 to challenge outside donors to match back.
Linkage Community Cookbook — Submissions Open
Linkage Community · Michigan
Share your recipes, stories, and food-centered creative work for an upcoming member-made Linkage cookbook. All members welcome to contribute.
Linkage Professional Development Page
Linkage Community · Michigan
A growing page of free and low-cost external opportunities — calls for art, publication and exhibition openings, workshops, and creative jobs, launched thanks to members Ken & Rod. Have an opportunity to share? Send it to info@linkagecommunity.org.
Maker Works
Maker Works · Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor's 14,000 sq ft nonprofit makerspace with wood, metal, textiles, electronics, and laser tools. Free tours (with a first-class discount), classes open to non-members, and training so you can use everything safely.
MDOC Offender Success
Michigan Department of Corrections · Statewide
The state's official reentry pipeline: transitional housing, job placement, skill development, and transportation support for people leaving prison. If you weren't designated for services at parole, your parole agent can still make a referral at any time.
MI Bridges
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services · Statewide
Michigan's online portal to apply for and manage food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, cash assistance, and emergency relief in one place — and it can connect you to local community resources too.
Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 211 · Statewide
One free, confidential call, text, or search connects you to 27,000+ programs for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and more, 24/7 in 180+ languages. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
Michigan Arts & Culture Council Grants
Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MEDC) · Michigan (statewide)
Michigan's state arts agency funds nonprofits through Mission Support (operations) and Experience Support (projects, arts education, equipment). The FY26 deadline passed in January — watch for the FY27 cycle to open in fall 2026.
Michigan Justice Fund
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Michigan (statewide)
A funder collaborative investing in organizations that support returning citizens and advance justice reform across Michigan — a direct mission fit for Linkage. Check the grants page for current opportunities and sign up for updates.
Michigan Reconnect
State of Michigan · Statewide
Tuition-free community college or skilled trades training for Michiganders 25+ without a degree. A record doesn't disqualify you — this is one of the cleanest paths to a credential after coming home.
Michigan Works! Southeast
Michigan Works! Southeast · Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti / Jackson (5-county SE Michigan)
Free American Job Centers in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti-area, and Jackson: resume help, interview prep, skills training dollars, and computers you can use for the search. Serves Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties; other Michigan Works! agencies cover the rest of the state.
Monday Matinee Write — Weekly Online Writing Session
The Narrative Method · Online
The Narrative Method hosts a free weekly online writing session every Monday at 5pm ET with Jane Hillson Aiello — short-form, picture and prompt-based, and completely judgment-free. Open to anyone 18+, no experience required; just show up and write.
Nation Outside
Nation Outside · Statewide (7 locations incl. Wayne, Washtenaw, Ingham, Genesee)
A statewide network led almost entirely by formerly incarcerated people. Their Trauma-Informed Peer-Led Reentry program pairs you with a peer navigator for support, transportation, and resources, and they train people with lived experience to become certified peer navigators themselves.
OS Reentry YouTube Channel — Practical Life Skills Videos
OS Reentry · Online
Short, judgment-free videos on everyday things that can feel overwhelming after incarceration — finding a therapist, pumping gas, doing laundry, navigating your phone. Made by people with lived reentry experience; bookmark it and share it.
Pathway to Homeownership Classes — H4H Oakland
H4H Oakland (Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County) · Oakland County, MI (open to all)
Free group homeownership education classes open to the public — you don't have to live in Oakland County to attend, and attending a class or two doesn't require a background check. A solid first step if homeownership is on your horizon.
PEN America Writing for Justice Fellowship
PEN America · National
Commissions writers — emerging or established, inside or outside — to create works that illuminate mass incarceration, with honorariums of $5,000–$15,000 and mentor pairings. Open-genre: journalism, memoir, poetry, scripts, and more.
Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
Pollock-Krasner Foundation · International
Grants up to $50,000 for painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Rolling deadline, open internationally, and free to apply — worth doing.
Pontiac Arts Crawl 2026 — Vendor Applications
Pontiac Arts Crawl · Pontiac, MI
Vendor applications are open for the 2026 Pontiac Arts Crawl. A chance to sell and show your work at a community art event.
Prism — Right to Write Project
Prism · National
Prism, an independent nonprofit newsroom led by and for people of color, features and pays incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers at $0.50 per word. Your words have value — this is a real paying outlet for your voice.
Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP)
University of Michigan LSA · Ann Arbor / Statewide
U-M's arts program brings workshops in theater, writing, music, and visual art into Michigan prisons and hosts the nation's largest exhibition of art by incarcerated artists — and it's the community Linkage grew out of. A natural bridge for artists coming home.
Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project · National
Trains incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers in journalism and publishes their work nationally. A real pathway from lived experience to a byline.
Prison Journalism Project — Write For Us
Prison Journalism Project · National
A national nonprofit newsroom that trains and publishes incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers — essays, reported stories, and op-eds up to 1,200 words, first-timers welcome. Expect about 12 weeks for a response, and ask about their correspondence journalism training.
Program Manager — Youth Arts Unlocked
Youth Arts Unlocked · Michigan
A job opening in the arts and youth space that came across Linkage's radar. If this is your lane — or someone you know — check out the posting.
Project Clean Slate (Detroit)
City of Detroit Law Department · Detroit
Detroit's city-run expungement program with full-time attorneys who handle the whole process for free — over 20,000 convictions expunged so far. Detroit residents only; register online or call (313) 237-3024.
ProsperUs Detroit
ProsperUs Detroit · Detroit
Neighborhood-rooted entrepreneur training in cohorts, one-on-one coaching, and relationship-based microloans for Detroiters the banks overlook — built on the belief that entrepreneurial talent exists in every community.
Quick Budgeting Guide
Linkage Community · Online
A practical budgeting guide that came out of the first Financial Fun workshop. A simple starting point for getting your money organized.
Right of Return Fellowship (Center Fellowship)
Center for Art & Advocacy · National
The flagship national award for formerly incarcerated artists: $20,000 ($10K unrestricted plus $10K project funds), mentorship, and a peer community for six fellows a year — with one seat now reserved for an artist aged 18–24. Recent application windows ran mid-September through late October.
Rising Hope for Housing (Ann Arbor)
Rising Hope for Housing · Ann Arbor, MI
Housing support for justice-impacted households with vouchers in the Ann Arbor area.
RTA Workbook for Women — Artist Call
Rehabilitation Through the Arts · National
Rehabilitation Through the Arts is seeking female-identifying artists whose work fits the themes of a workbook they are finalizing. Selected artists receive a $150 stipend and full name credit, and keep all ownership rights; PCAP-exhibited artists can use existing high-res files.
SADO Project Reentry
State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) · Statewide (offices in Detroit + Lansing)
Michigan's State Appellate Defender Office helps clients build reentry plans, prepare for parole, and find services through its reentry service locator and workshops, alongside free self-help legal resources on expungement and collateral consequences.
Safe & Just Michigan — Seal Your Record
Safe & Just Michigan · Statewide
The organization that helped pass Michigan's Clean Slate laws runs expungement fairs across the state and hosts a free self-assessment tool to check if your record qualifies for sealing, including automatic set-asides.
State ID & Driver's License Help (SOS Mobile Office)
Michigan Department of State · Statewide (incl. Wayne, Washtenaw, Ingham, Genesee, Kent counties)
Through the Secretary of State's partnership with MDOC, 99% of people now leave prison with a state ID or license in hand. The SOS Mobile Office also visits county jails and community events to help returning citizens gather documents, retake photos, and restore driving privileges.
Still Here Portraits (Detroit)
Lions & Rabbits · Detroit, MI
Paid portrait work through Lions & Rabbits — $300 per portrait.
Storm Drain Murals (Detroit)
Lions & Rabbits · Detroit, MI
Paint storm drain murals in Detroit through Lions & Rabbits — $250 per project, on a rolling basis.
The Awesome Foundation Micro-Grants — Detroit & Ann Arbor Chapters
The Awesome Foundation · Detroit & Ann Arbor, MI
Monthly $1,000 micro-grants with no strings attached for awesome projects of any kind. You pitch your idea, the chapter votes, someone wins $1,000 — genuinely that simple.
The Marshall Project — Life Inside Essays
The Marshall Project · National
Life Inside publishes weekly first-person essays from people who live or work in the criminal justice system, paying $200 per essay. Pieces run 1,000-1,400 words.
The Mural People — 2026 Open Call
The Mural People · Allen Park & Trenton, MI
Mural artists wanted for two big public art festivals — Paint The Park in Allen Park (Aug 16–23) and the Trenton Art Festival (Sept 13–19) — plus ongoing commissions throughout the year. If walls are your thing, this one's for you.
The Sun Magazine Submissions
The Sun Magazine · National
A prestige literary magazine that actively seeks work by incarcerated writers and pays real money: $300–$2,000 for essays and short stories, $100–$250 for poetry. Free and reduced-rate subscriptions are available to people inside.
The Vision Creative Space — Open Mics & Artist Nights
The Vision Creative Space · Detroit, MI
A Detroit creative venue with regular ways to plug in: Bar Heavy Tuesdays for poets (June 2, 7-9:30pm, entry by donation, 17340 Lasher Rd), Drawn Together visual-artist hangouts every Thursday 7:30-11pm (bring a project or use their supplies), and a free Open Mic for poets, musicians, and comedians (June 18, 5:30-8:30pm, 7900 Mack Ave).
The Vision Open Mic (Every Third Saturday)
The Vision Detroit · Detroit, MI
A free east-side open mic series at The Commons for poets, musicians, comedians, and visual artists — vendors and free art supplies too. Family friendly, incredible energy, every third Saturday.
The Writer's Block — Free Monthly Writers' Workshop
The Vision Detroit · Detroit, MI
Hosted by local poet Lashawn Smith-Wright through The Vision Detroit, this free monthly workshop welcomes poets, songwriters, and fiction writers of all levels. Come get sparked by prompts and share your work.
WCC Entrepreneurship Center
Washtenaw Community College · Ann Arbor / Washtenaw County
A 5-month Business Start-Up Bootcamp, pitch competitions, and coaching — all free for Washtenaw County residents and WCC students ($25 lifetime fee for everyone else). A low-stakes place to turn a hustle into a business.
💜 Fuel for Linkage itself
Org-level grants and opportunities the community can help land — if you have a connection or grant-writing chops, say so at Coffee & Chat.
Inclusive Arts Fund
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Southeast Michigan
Grants of $15,000–$25,000 for small and mid-sized arts nonprofits (budgets under $2M) across seven southeast Michigan counties, backed by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. Register in the portal by July 13; applications close July 27, 2026.
Ann Arbor District Library
Ann Arbor District Library · Ann Arbor
A free card unlocks far more than books: borrow real tools, music gear, and art prints; use public computers; and get free notary service — handy for expungement and probate paperwork. Open to Ann Arbor district residents.
Arts & Humanities Touring Grants
Michigan Humanities · Michigan (statewide)
Reimburses up to half of a presenter's fees and travel (max $2,500) when Michigan nonprofits host touring artists, performers, and humanities speakers. The 2026 round is closed, but it reopens annually — apply early, since funds go in the order received.
Awesome Foundation micro-grants
The Awesome Foundation · Detroit + Ann Arbor
Monthly $1,000 no-strings micro-grants for awesome projects of any kind. Pitch, chapter votes, someone wins. Detroit and Ann Arbor chapters.
Calvin Prison Initiative
Calvin University + Calvin Theological Seminary · Ionia / Statewide (apply from any Michigan prison)
A full bachelor's degree earned inside — Calvin University enrolls 20 students a year from prisons across Michigan at Handlon Correctional in Ionia, with tuition, books, and computers all covered. Share with folks still inside who want a path.
CultureSource Membership
CultureSource · Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan's alliance of 200+ arts and culture nonprofits: monthly roundtables for arts leaders, member-exclusive grant opportunities, free job postings, and a seat at the regional table.
Factory Two
Factory Two · Flint
Flint's community makerspace: woodshop, metal shop, forge, laser cutters, screen printing, 3D printers, and a bike station, with member classes running $5-$35. Free account to start; meetups don't require membership.
Justice Arts Coalition
Justice Arts Coalition · National
The national hub connecting currently and formerly incarcerated artists with teaching artists and advocates — pen-pal exchanges through the pARTner Project, exhibitions, a resource directory, and a running list of calls for submissions.
Link Arms with Linkage — Spring Campaign
Linkage Community · Michigan
Linkage's spring fundraising campaign: watch and share member story videos, comment and repost to move the algorithm, donate, or record a short video about what Linkage means to you (email Frannie). From April 28 to May 2, Kimiko matched the first $5 of every member donation, with the member-raised total used May 5 to challenge outside donors to match back.
Maker Works
Maker Works · Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor's 14,000 sq ft nonprofit makerspace with wood, metal, textiles, electronics, and laser tools. Free tours (with a first-class discount), classes open to non-members, and training so you can use everything safely.
Michigan 2-1-1
Michigan 211 · Statewide
One free, confidential call, text, or search connects you to 27,000+ programs for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and more, 24/7 in 180+ languages. Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
Michigan Arts & Culture Council Grants
Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MEDC) · Michigan (statewide)
Michigan's state arts agency funds nonprofits through Mission Support (operations) and Experience Support (projects, arts education, equipment). The FY26 deadline passed in January — watch for the FY27 cycle to open in fall 2026.
Michigan Justice Fund
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Michigan (statewide)
A funder collaborative investing in organizations that support returning citizens and advance justice reform across Michigan — a direct mission fit for Linkage. Check the grants page for current opportunities and sign up for updates.
Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP)
University of Michigan LSA · Ann Arbor / Statewide
U-M's arts program brings workshops in theater, writing, music, and visual art into Michigan prisons and hosts the nation's largest exhibition of art by incarcerated artists — and it's the community Linkage grew out of. A natural bridge for artists coming home.
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