The Kansas Department of Commerce has launched a new initiative to boost the aesthetic and economic vitality of downtown areas throughout the state. The Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant program will allocate a total of $250,000 to fund innovative and high-quality signage projects for retail and commercial enterprises.
The SIGNS grant is available to a diverse group of applicants, including businesses, building owners, municipalities, Main Street organizations, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, foundations, tribal organizations, and other nonprofit community organizations. Grant awards will range from $1,000 to $50,000, with a required cash match contingent on the community size:
– Communities with populations between 2,500 and 50,000 must provide a 50% match.
– Communities with populations under 2,500 must provide a 25% match.
To ensure the preservation of Kansas’s historic downtown character, projects must adhere to the Kansas Commerce Sign Guidelines. Proposals that incorporate three-dimensional signage and utilize Kansas-based businesses for their design and installation will receive priority consideration.
Grant funding can cover various aspects of signage projects, including design, purchase, lighting, and installation. To be eligible, applications must include plans for improving at least three signs, ideally benefiting multiple buildings or businesses within a downtown setting. Projects must also comply with all applicable state and local regulations, and signage installations should be completed within six months following grant approval.
Applications will be accepted on a monthly, first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.
For additional information about the SIGNS grant, interested parties can reach out to the Quality Places Manager.
