MARSHALL, Mich. – PRESS RELEASE – Common Citizen today announced it is seeking candidates for its community reinvestment program providing microgrants for arts and culture, early stage business and community impact projects in communities disproportionately impacted by outdated cannabis laws.
Common Citizen, which produces cannabis products for patients and adult-use customers, recently launched the community reinvestment program with all net profits from sales of Principle cannabis—sold in single, 1-gram pre-rolls in a decorative tin—funding the microgrants.
“I am thrilled to put our Principle microgrant program into action, and I am eager to receive applications from those who provide sustainable solutions addressing immediate needs in their communities,” said Jessica Jackson, Common Citizen’s Director of External Affairs and Social Equity. “We are particularly interested in projects that enhance homeownership access, workforce development and entrepreneurship, and address key issues such as expungement for those still paying the price for violating outdated cannabis laws that are no longer on the books.”
Principle microgrant applications are open through July 1, and the application can be found here. Organizations and initiatives led by and targeting communities impacted by redlining and disproportionate criminalization are highly encouraged to apply.
The For the Culture microgrant supports community well-being by providing supplemental funding for arts initiatives that are often cut first in the budgeting process. Potential projects include concerts, film screenings, gallery exhibits and fashion shows.
The Common Principle Startup Incubator and microgrant supports early stage businesses through prototyping, mentorship and industry access. Common Citizen’s Startup Incubator provides microgrants to help develop prototypes and provides access to tours, training and coaching from the Common Citizen executive leadership team.
The Common Principle Community Impact Award will support nonprofit organizations and programs targeting workforce development and entrepreneurship projects, including job training, career readiness and skill development.
Common Citizen will offer in-person opportunities to apply for Principle microgrants Tuesday, June 14, in Battle Creek, Wednesday, June 15, in Lansing and Thursday, June 16, in Detroit. The events will also include screenings of “Somewhere Higher,” a documentary highlighting the ability of cannabis to improve lives. Event details can be found here.
“We strongly encourage qualified organizations and programs to apply for our microgrants, which provide Common Citizen with a unique opportunity to support and reinvest in the diverse communities we proudly serve,” said Common Citizen CEO Michael Elias. “At Common Citizen, we prioritize people over product, and our Principle microgrants will also help us promote Cannabis for Humanity by educating communities about the many wellness benefits of cannabis.”