Innovative Growth through New Signage in Kansas

The Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and vibrancy of rural downtown commercial districts across the state of Kansas. This grant program supports the design and installation of high-quality, creative signage that contributes to the vitality and livability of Kansas's rural communities while preserving the historic character of downtown areas. The SIGNS program provides matching funding and design guidance to local property owners, business tenants, and community-based organizations seeking to update storefront signage. The primary goal is to support signage that is unique to the business but consistent with the overall historical and architectural character of the district. The program is particularly focused on community-led efforts that benefit multiple buildings and businesses within a commercial district. Total program funding for 2025 is $250,000, and grant awards range from $1,000 to $50,000 per project. The program requires a minimum cash match from applicants, determined by community size: a 50% match for communities with populations between 2,500 and 50,000, and a 25% match for communities with fewer than 2,500 residents. In-kind contributions can supplement the required match but do not replace the minimum cash match requirement. Eligible applicants include individual business owners, municipalities, Main Street organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, foundations, tribal organizations, or consortiums of businesses. For community-wide improvement projects, the applicant must commit to completing signage improvements on at least three different businesses within a single downtown or across multiple downtowns in a region. Grant funds can only be used for eligible project expenses related to signage, and all projects must align with Kansas Main Street Sign Guidelines, which cover both historic and non-historic districts, as well as awning installation. Applications open on April 1, 2025, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until the $250,000 fund is depleted. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Sara Bloom, the Quality Places Manager, at sara.bloom@ks.gov or (785) 506-9278. Interested parties are encouraged to download the full program guidelines and Quality Places Signage Guide for detailed information on best practices and application requirements.