SIGNS Grant

Recognizing that downtown buildings are key community assets that are essential to growing economic development in rural communities, Commerce has created the SIGNS Grant to improve the attractiveness of downtown retail and commercial business storefront signs. The purpose of this program is to encourage property owners or business tenants to design and install high-quality, creative, and interesting signs that add to the vitality, livability, and overall welcoming atmosphere of a rural downtown commercial district, while following standard sign guidelines that will support the long-term aesthetics and historical character of Kansas downtowns. The goal of this program is to provide matching funding and design support that will enhance sign character and visual appeal for locally owned retail and commercial businesses that are symbolic and unique to the business while maintaining the historical character of the building and the commercial district. 

Funding Available 

The total funds available will be $250,000. Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses in the range of $1,000 to $50,000. Applicants are required to demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum cash match of 50% if the population is less than 50,000 but more than 2,500 population, or 25% cash match if a community has less than 2,500 population. In-kind contributions are eligible but will only increase the match contribution above the minimum match cash contribution requirement. 

Minimum $1,000 – Maximum $50,000 – The program is intended to support multiple buildings and/or businesses in a downtown or multiple downtowns in a region. Applicants must complete at least 3 or more signs on 3 or more businesses.

Full guidelines can be read at www.kansascommerce.gov/signs