The Michigan Creator Collab is a creator-advised, cohort-based learning program that supports Michigan creators producing civic and public-interest content. The program provides training, issue context, strategic support, and community to help creators strengthen their impact while maintaining full creative independence.

The mission of the Michigan Creator Collab is to strengthen democracy in Michigan by improving access to accurate, timely, and compelling civic information online. The program invests in local creators who are already engaging Michigan audiences and equips them with the tools and support needed to do that work sustainably.

The program is led by experienced organizers and creator-strategy professionals and informed by working creators. Programming and review processes are designed with creator input to ensure the cohort remains creator-friendly, practical, and grounded in real platform realities.

Participants receive:

• Monthly stipend for their participation in the cohort

• Access to Michigan-specific issue briefings and context

• Weekly trainings focused on platform strategy, storytelling, sourcing, and sustainability

• Peer breakout sessions and collaborative learning opportunities

• Mentorship and informal strategy support

• Community convenings, including at least one in-person Michigan gathering

• Where possible, access to tools and resources that support creator work

Creators are not paid to post specific messages or promote pre-approved content. The program does not script, dictate, or review creators’ opinions.

Participants receive a monthly stipend for their time and participation in the learning community, which includes trainings, collaboration sessions, feedback opportunities, and collaboration with other creators in the program.

As part of the program, creators commit to producing one piece of content per month inspired by the program’s civic themes and discussions. The format, perspective, voice, and creative direction of that content remain entirely up to the creator.

Creators maintain full editorial independence and retain complete ownership of their platforms and all content they produce.

This program is designed to support learning, collaboration, and civic engagement among creators, not to compensate individuals for holding, expressing, or uplifting specific political viewpoints.

Applications are now closed. Thank you for your interest.

All applicants must have completed the Google Form linked on the “Join Us” page. The form was designed to help us understand your voice, your audience, and how your work connects to Michigan communities.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of experienced creators and program leadership. We use a structured evaluation process to ensure consistency and fairness. Reviewers consider communication skills, clarity of purpose, connection to Michigan audiences or issues, prior engagement with civic or public-interest topics, alignment with pro-democracy values, overall content quality and audience engagement, and growth potential.

We also look at how each creator might contribute to the strength of the cohort. Our goal is to build a balanced, dynamic group that reflects different regions of the state, platforms, audience types, and lived experiences across Michigan. Geographic representation is part of that consideration, as we aim to support storytelling and civic engagement across diverse communities.

The program does not script, pre-approve, or control creators’ content. Participants maintain full creative control over what they post, when they post, and how they engage their audiences.

Creators are expected to produce one piece of content per month inspired by the program’s civic mission and discussions. The format, perspective, voice, and creative direction of that content remain entirely up to the creator.

The program does not require creators to express specific viewpoints or promote particular messages. Participation is intended to support learning, collaboration, and civic engagement among creators.

Any additional resources, collaborations, or opportunities offered through the program are optional and fully opt-in. Creators retain full ownership of their platforms and all content they produce.

Creators receive a stipend in exchange for active participation in the program. Participation may include:

• Attending 2 virtual trainings or sessions per month

• Participation in 2 in person events during the 8 month fellowship

• Engaging in peer discussions or mentorship opportunities

• Producing one piece of content per month informed by the program’s civic mission and disclosed appropriately

• Providing occasional feedback through surveys or reflections

• Sharing limited examples of content for learning and growth analysis

The Michigan Creator Collab is housed through Progress Michigan and supported through philanthropic funding. Funding supports creator stipends, programming, tools, and convenings. Creators produce one piece of content per month in their own voice and perspective, with clear disclosure.

The Michigan Creator Collab is for creators who are already showing up for Michigan audiences and want to deepen their impact — not pivot their brand or be told what to say.

This program is a strong fit if you are:

• A Michigan-based or Michigan-focused creator with an engaged audience in the state

• A podcaster, digital creator, journalist, or community storyteller

• Creating content — or open to creating content — about democracy, civic participation, reproductive rights, education, labor, healthcare, voting, local government, or community life

• Publishing on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Substack, podcasts, or newsletters

• Interested in improving accuracy, reach, sustainability, and audience connection without sacrificing your voice or independence

Audience size is not the primary factor, but applicants should have a minimum of 15,000 followers across platforms. We care more about clarity, consistency, credibility, and trust with your audience than raw follower counts. Creators at different stages of growth are encouraged to apply.

Values Alignment

Michigan Creator Collab is a pro-democracy civic information program grounded in shared democratic values: accuracy, accountability, inclusion, and respect for Michigan’s diverse communities.

Creators maintain full creative control. However, participants should be aligned with the goal of strengthening democratic participation and expanding access to trustworthy information.

This program may not be a fit if you:

• Create primarily lifestyle, fashion, beauty, or brand-driven influencer content and are not interested in incorporating a civic or community lens

• Operate primarily as a national pundit without meaningful connection to Michigan audiences

• Are primarily seeking brand deals or sponsored promotional partnerships

• Are not comfortable participating in a fact-based, pro-democracy civic information ecosystem

If you’re unsure whether this program is right for you, we encourage you to apply. The application process is designed to help determine fit on both sides.