The KDP Micro-Grant program provides businesses with opportunities to activate their spaces in a way that will positively affect the community.
- Inspires collectively reimagining and reinvention of public spaces as the heart of a community.
- Strengthens the connection between people and their shared places.
- Maximizes shared value in our public realm through a collaborative process.
- Facilitates creative patterns of use, paying attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution.
KDP Micro-Grants offer up to $500 to qualifying downtown businesses and property owners. Grants are defined in two categories:
- Physical space improvement — refresh your business or building façade!
Ideas include façade updates such as installing/refreshing flower boxes, cleaning awnings, improving lighting, painting, and signage, repairing windows or doors, and art installations. - Event space activation — hold a new event to draw people into your space! Suggestions include musical performances, DJs, temporary art installations, ladies’ nights, children’s activities, or other creative experiences within your space, sidewalk or alleyway that are free to the public and promote downtown.
(new = not an existing and/or regularly occurring event you are currently producing)
Application Review Process
Applications are vetted by the KDP Design and/or Promotions Committees with staff. The following criteria will be used to evaluate each application.
Note: preference will be given to applications where activation meets more than one criterion.
- Cultural Community Support – How well does the activation provide a rich cultural experience? Does this project add to the attractiveness of the downtown?
- Impact on Activation Site – How impactful is the activation to the applicant and nearby businesses? Does this project enhance the site?
- Diversity of Activation – How well does the activation incorporate diversity and inclusion in activation and audience? Does this project attract more people into our downtown?
- Investment Ratio– Does the applicant also plan to invest in the activation?
Grant Award
Eligible businesses will receive reimbursement up to $500. Funds will be awarded when documentation of project is complete or 30 days post event date. Businesses can apply once per seasonal opportunity.
Eligibility:
To be eligible to receive a micro-grant, applicants must agree to the following criteria:
- Operate a street-level business or own a property within the historic Downtown Kent core (generally located between Central and 4th Ave, Willis and Smith)
- Produce space activation(s) within the specified timeline for the grant cycle.
- Submit either a project schematic or an in-depth description of the project/event concept. For physical space applications, please also include 1-2 photos of the project before improvement.
- During the activation or post-improvement, capture 3-5 photos and tag the KDP on social media using Instagram (@kentdowntownpartnership) and Facebook (@KentDowntownPartnership)
OR businesses must email 1-3 high-quality photos to ghaas@kentdowntown.org and provide the Rights to Use for KDP marketing efforts.
Note:
- All are welcome to apply. The committee will give preference to applicants not previously awarded micro-grant(s).
- Paid employee time is not eligible for reimbursement.
- Projects must benefit the downtown.
2024 Micro-Grant Schedule:
Applications accepted: Feb 1 – Oct 30
Decision notification: Within 21 days of application or sooner
Project completion: Projects should be completed as soon as possible or within 180 days of grant award
For more information, please contact Executive Director Gaila Haas at ghaas@kentdowntown.org or 253-813-6976.
To apply, click HERE
- Please refer to the City of Kent Community Planning and Development department for detailed information about signage within the downtown.
- Additional permits or licenses may be necessary. Please contact City of Kent Planning Dept to inquire: Planning@KentWA.gov Phone: 253-856-5454.
photo courtesy of Pinterest.com
