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Friends of the Dawn Theater allowed to apply for MACC grant to fund screen and sound
Summary
The Dawn Theater Governance Board voted 3-1 on Dec. 30, 2025 to permit the Friends of the Dawn Theater to apply for a MACC grant (applications due Jan. 22, 2026) to fund a movie screen and possible sound equipment; FY26 funding allows up to $30,000 for facility enhancements and equipment.
On Dec. 30, 2025, the Dawn Theater Governance Board voted 3-1 to allow the Friends of the Dawn Theater to apply for a Michigan Arts and Cultural Council (MACC) grant to fund a movie screen system and potentially a sound system.
The vote followed board discussion about a limited-use agreement between TIFA and the Friends that the proposed alterations might violate, and questions from TIFA staff and board members about equipment specifics. TIFA staff Andrew Gelzer confirmed that FY26 funding eligibility includes facility enhancements and equipment purchases up to $30,000, and that MACC grant applications are due Jan. 22, 2026.
Board members asked the Friends for details about the equipment and the Friends said they had met on-site with an equipment provider to develop a grant application. Board member James Brandon urged prompt action, suggesting the Friends should “strike while the iron is hot.” The motion to permit application was made by Tim Sullivan and seconded by Felicia Finch; the motion passed 3-1 (specific individual votes besides the tally were not recorded in the meeting minutes).
The board did not finalize equipment specifications or approve funds; approval would depend on the grant award and any subsequent compliance with TIFA’s limited-use agreement. The Friends may proceed to submit a MACC application by the Jan. 22 deadline; staff and the Targeted Development Committee will continue to seek clarifying information about equipment and compliance before any physical alterations proceed.
