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DOWNTOWN MADISON BUSINESS SIGNAGE GRANT

Let us help you put your best SIGN forward! Grantees will be able to establish new signage or upgrade existing signage in the downtown Madison historic district in conjunction with the City of Madison’s Historic District Board of Review signage ordinance.

ABOUT THE GRANT

In the fall of 2023, the Madison Main Street Program was awarded $10,000 through the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County annual grant cycle. This funding will be used to enhance the (National Historic Landmark) NHL District by improving downtown business signage. 

 

This new matching grant program will provide an incentive for Main Street businesses to create appropriate new signage or upgrade their existing signage, improving the overall appearance of our downtown and supporting economic activity. Many businesses in the commercial area, both new and existing, need financial assistance to ensure their signage is consistent with the architectural beauty of their historic buildings.

GRANT CRITERIA

This new grant will provide seed money for a matching grant for downtown businesses.

  • The grant match will be 1:1 up to $500, reimbursable upon presentation of receipts when the sign is installed. The business owner will be required to fund 50% of the signage.

  • Downtown Madison, Indiana brick-and-mortar businesses are eligible to apply.

  • Downtown Madison, Indiana brick-and-mortar businesses must be in the process of or have gained the COA from the City of Madison after January 1st, 2024 to be eligible to apply.

  • The grant application must be completed and submitted to MMSP (see below) Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis in 2024 until all grant funds have been expended.

  • The business owner will submit renderings of the proposed signage in advance, for approval by Main Street’s Design Committee.

  • Only local artists and sign makers will be approved for this work, on recommendation from the Madison Area Arts Alliance.

  • All signs must be completed and installed within one year of the business owner’s grant notification.

  • Business owners will allow all photos of the sign to be used as promotional material by Madison Main Street and the Community Foundation.

GRANT APPLICATION

All applicants must complete the Downtown Madison Business Signage Grant application linked below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. Please email your completed application with the necessary documents to Austin Sims at info@madisonmainstreet.com or deliver them to the Madison Main Street Program office (321 W Main St. Madison, IN. 47250)

 

ABOUT MADISON MAIN STREET

Madison Main Street is a team of residents, business owners, property owners, and civic leaders working together to ensure that downtown Madison is a vibrant place to live, work, shop, dine, visit, and play. Madison Main Street is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization designated by Indiana Main Street and accredited by the National Main Street Center. Madison is one of more than 1,200 Main Street communities across the country with the common goal of preserving America’s historic downtown as economically vital centers of the community.​

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGNAGE

Looking for inspiration? Check out our Main Street blog about downtown Madison signage. Learn more about the process of approval, suggested materials, design, and more.

 

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