Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for “The Muskegon Literacy Center” in Muskegon Heights

LANSING, Mich. –The nonprofit Read Muskegon is finally completing a major project to transform a long-vacant building in Muskegon Heights into a vibrant Literacy Center. This new universally accessible space will expand free programs and literacy while strengthening community. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the nonprofit Read Muskegon announced today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.  

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $75,000 by June 27, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. This project is utilizing the PSCP Universal Design and Accessibility Funding Extension to access an additional $25,000 for projects that achieve universal design and accessibility in their public space. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/readmuskegon. 

“Literacy is an essential skill for a thriving community; and everyone deserves to have equal access to strong literacy and the opportunities it creates, said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. "We are pleased to provide resources for this effort through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

For 20 years, Read Muskegon has been breaking the cycle of low literacy that holds too many Muskegon County families back. Now, they’re taking the next bold step—transforming a long-vacant building at 2709 Peck Street in Muskegon Heights into a vibrant Literacy Hub that will be free and open to the public. 

This new home will act as a hub for Read Muskegon’s programs—from adult tutoring and ESL classes to family literacy workshops and workforce development training. It will also provide public spaces where our neighbors can gather, learn, and connect, including community meeting rooms, free childcare, and collaborative areas where local partners can work together to strengthen opportunities for every resident. When complete, the Literacy Center will stand as both a community anchor and a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in people’s potential. 

“Being selected for the MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places matching grant is an incredible boost for our Literacy Hub project. It means every member of our community can play a part in bringing this space to life—even a $10 gift will be doubled,” said Melissa Moore, Executive Director of Read Muskegon. “This is truly a chance for all of Muskegon to come together and invest in a place where learning, connection, and opportunity will thrive.”  

Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan. 

“The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in the importance of community wealth building,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the League. “By transforming this vacant property into a space for literacy education, the Muskegon community will be making an investment that benefits residents for generations to come. Projects like the Muskegon Literacy Center are critical for Michigan communities to thrive.” 

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of April 23, 2026, MEDC has provided more than $14.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 421 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $16.7 million raised from 77,002 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.