Unlocking Opportunities for Downtown Baldwin City: Grants Available for Main Street Communities

By Dana Mullis, Organization Director for the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program Director

I'm excited to share some fantastic news that could significantly benefit our community: a new grant opportunity specifically tailored for Main Street communities like ours. This grant, offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is designed to enhance our downtown area's vibrancy, support economic growth, and foster community development.

TAPS Grant: Transforming Public Spaces through Art

The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) grant focuses on creative placemaking, providing grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 per project. Organizations can submit up to five projects per application, with a maximum request of $10,000. The program encourages the transformation of public infrastructure—such as electrical boxes, fire hydrants, and benches—into artistic installations that enhance community spaces. Applications are open until all funds are allocated, prioritizing communities that have not received Commerce funding in the past three years. https://www.kansascommerce.gov/community-development/taps/

Take Action: Seize This Opportunity

This grant presents a unique opportunity for our community to revitalize, enhance, and innovate our downtown area. If you or anyone in the Downtown District is interested in applying for this funding opportunity, please reach out to me directly. I'm here to assist with any questions, provide guidance through the application process, and support our collective efforts to make Baldwin City an even more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.