Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program

The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program is a state-funded initiative designed to catalyze the use of mass timber in new construction projects throughout Michigan, with a particular focus on the Upper Peninsula in this supplemental funding round. The program is a joint effort produced by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, MassTimber@MSU (Michigan State University), the Michigan Green Building Collaborative (MiGBC), and WoodWorks, with additional support from other state and regional partners. Funding is sourced from a one-time State General Fund appropriation allocated under Public Act 121 of 2024. This program aims to stimulate demand for locally sourced wood products, promote innovative architectural practices, and expand Michigan’s leadership in sustainable, carbon-conscious building design. The initiative seeks to support project teams that are in the early planning or design phases of buildings that incorporate mass timber as a primary structural or architectural material. Eligible building types include commercial, industrial, public/institutional, and multi-family residential structures. Single-family homes and projects already under construction are ineligible. Funded projects are expected to integrate mass timber systems in at least 80% of one or more major structural components—floors, walls, or roofs—above the finished grade. The program will support up to $75,000 per award, with actual amounts determined by a selection committee based on project size, budget, and demonstrated need. Participants will receive technical assistance and join a cohort of early adopters to collaboratively assess financial, design, and feasibility aspects of their projects. This cohort model includes access to office hours, six structured meetings over a year, and expert support from technical partners including WoodWorks, MassTimber@MSU, and Michigan state agencies. Topics covered range from structural design and fire resistance to lifecycle assessments and cost considerations. Each project team is expected to share progress through a public midterm and final presentation and submit a final report that includes procurement details, design strategies, and carbon accounting results. Applicants must be registered U.S.-based entities with an active commissioned project located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They may include property owners, architects, engineers, developers, nonprofits, and local governments. However, state agencies are not eligible. Applicants must be licensed to practice in Michigan where applicable. Projects must still be in early design phases (schematic design, design development, or construction documents) to ensure that participation in the Catalyst Program can meaningfully influence the outcomes. The application process is administered through an online submission portal and consists of a completed form and a required single PDF of attachments not exceeding 40 MB. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 2, 2026. Prospective applicants could submit questions between February 9 and February 16, 2026, with answers posted online. An informational webinar and presentation slides are also made available to support applicant preparation. Applications will be evaluated using a scoring rubric that prioritizes the likelihood of successful mass timber implementation, project readiness, and commitment to mass timber practices. Bonus points may be awarded for projects that commit to sourcing regional wood, include affordable or workforce housing, or are located in environmental justice or underserved communities. All selected awardees will become visible leaders in Michigan’s effort to build a sustainable, innovative mass timber construction ecosystem.