Michigan Municipal League (MML)

MI Funding Hub Visual Identity & Website

Streamlining Grant Access for Michigan Communities

Creating an accessible, vibrant, and user-friendly platform, MI Funding Hub simplifies grant discovery and enhances community development.

Opportunity

The Michigan Municipal League (MML) and the MI Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) wanted to combine forces to simplify this daunting process. They sought CRIMSON’s expertise to create a dynamic visual identity and a user-friendly website that centralizes state and federal grant opportunities and resources. The primary goal was to provide municipalities with a streamlined platform for accessing funding opportunities, additional resources, news, and funding insights, emphasizing ease of use and simplicity.

Advocacy

Before a portal could be developed, this new site needed its own brand identity. CRIMSON conceptualized MI Funding Hub’s brand to embody accessibility, inclusivity, and seamless navigation, while intertwining the essence and visual components of the MML and LEO brands. The website design and function prioritized mobile compatibility, streamlined search functionality, resource interconnectivity and a user-friendly Helpdesk feature to assist visitors along their search.

Transformation

Partnering closely with MML, we created the vibrant MI Funding Hub brand,around the concept “Fund a Better Way.” Infused with lively hues, contemporary typography, and a spirit of unity, the logo, color palette and graphics captivated users and further exemplified “Funding a better way”. Leveraging Open Grants API along with custom features, the site dynamically updates its comprehensive federal and state grant database nightly, facilitating effortless exploration. Custom widgets, animations, and integration with Constant Contact further elevated user engagement, culminating in impressive post-launch metrics.

The new identity and website took home three 2024 Silver Davey awards for Best General Government Site but also for Best Visual Appeal and Best Home Page overall.

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