The McKinney Community Development Corporation is seeking applications for its Promotional & Community Event Grants.
Donor Name: McKinney Community Development Corporation
State: Texas
City: McKinney
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/30/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Promotional and Community Event Grants provide financial support (not to exceed $15,000 per grant) for initiatives, activities and events that promote the City of McKinney for the purpose of developing new or expanded business opportunities, attracting visitors to community and enhancing quality of life for McKinney residents.
Guidelines
- The Promotional/Community Event for which financial assistance is sought will be administered by or under the supervision of the applying organization.
- Promotional/Community Event grant applications must demonstrate how the event(s) will showcase the City of McKinney for the purpose of business development and/or tourism in McKinney.
- Events must be well-planned with stated goals, objectives and evaluation measures that demonstrate impact to the community, as indicated in the application.
- All funds awarded will be used exclusively for advertising, marketing and promotion of the Promotional/Community event as described in the application.
- Applicant must have been in business (preferably within the City of McKinney) for a minimum of two (2) years. This requirement may be waived for business expansion or business development projects.
- If a registration fee or ticket fee is charged, there must be at least one entry option that is $35 or less.
- If the event benefits a nonprofit organization, specific details must be provided regarding the benefit as indicated in the application.
- Applicant gives permission for the use of Board presentation images and other published event images on MCDC and City of McKinney website and social media platforms and print/digital publications.
- Applicant will comply with the MCDC Grant Guidelines in executing the Promotional/Community Event for which funds were received.
- Preference may be given to applicants who have not received funding from MCDC within the previous 12-month period.
- Preference may be given to applicants who develop and demonstrate multiple revenue streams to financially support their event(s), not including other City of McKinney entities (e.g. Arts Commission, City of McKinney Community Support Grants, Visit McKinney).
Application Evaluation
McKinney Community Development Corporation board members will consider the following information when evaluating applications:
- Application was completed in full.
- Availability of grant funds.
- Eligibility under state law.
- Applicant’s funding history.
- Alignment with MCDC mission and strategic priorities.
- Alignment with City of McKinney strategic priorities.
- Evidence of public and private financial support in addition to grant request submitted to MCDC.
- Potential to achieve Project / Retail Development Infrastructure / Promotional / Community Event goals.
- Potential positive impact on McKinney.
- Potential for significant return on investment.
- Applicant’s sustainability, including but not limited to healthy finances, sound business plan, strong mission and programs, proven results and stable staff.
Application Review
McKinney Community Development Corporation is responsible for reviewing and voting on applications for funding projects and initiatives in accordance with state law. The board consists of seven members, appointed by the McKinney City Council. The Application Review Process is outlined below.
- Completed applications must be submitted to MCDC via email or on a thumb drive in accordance with the 2025 grant schedule.
- Applications may be reviewed by MCDC legal counsel to determine if the request for funds is eligible under state law.
- Once eligibility for consideration is confirmed, applicants will be notified and placed on the meeting agenda to make a presentation to the board. Following each presentation, board members will have an opportunity to ask questions of the applicant. Please note: This is a formal presentation and time limits may be imposed.
- A public hearing, with notice of the application and request for funding for Project and Retail Development Infrastructure grant applications, will be published and posted in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act and the Texas Local Government Code. The application along with all documents/attachments included will become public information once submitted to MCDC.
- Board members will evaluate applications and presentations and prepare to take action on the request at a future MCDC board meeting. Please refer to the Grants Calendar for the schedule.
- Applications may be referred to a board subcommittee for additional research and evaluation.
- When action is scheduled, the board members may approve, partially approve, table or reject an application by a majority vote of the board.
- Funds awarded for approved applications are expended on a reimbursement basis.
- The final 20% of the award may be withheld until a final report is submitted and compliance with all requirements of the performance agreement is confirmed.
For more information, visit MCDC.
