Grants

$220 Million in Grants Since 1996

The McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) grants funds to a broad range of organizations each year; from the Parks & Recreation department to community & convention facilities and community service organizations. MCDC provides three types of grants: projects, promotions & community events and retail development Infrastructure grants.

If you have a project, event, activity or retail infrastructure project that falls into one of these three categories and you would like to apply for funding from MCDC, consult the Grant Guidelines PDF to see if you qualify, then review the grant calendar to see when you should apply for that grant.

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If you have a project, event, activity or retail infrastructure project that falls into one of these three categories and you would like to apply for funding from MCDC, consult the Grant Guidelines PDF to see if you qualify, then review the grant calendar to see when you should apply for that grant.

Questions? Call 214-547-7654 or send us an email.

Project Grants

Project Grants provide financial support for projects eligible for consideration under Sections 501 and 505 of the Texas Local Government Code. These include the following:

  • Projects related to the creation or retention of primary jobs.
  • Infrastructure improvement projects necessary to develop new or expanded business enterprises.
  • Public parks and open space improvements.
  • Projects related to recreational or community (city / public access) facilities.
  • Professional and amateur sports and athletic facilities, including children’s sports.
  • Entertainment, tourist and convention facilities.
  • Projects related to low-income housing.
  • Mass transit-related facilities.
  • Airport facilities.

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Promotional & Community Grants

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 our community and enhancing quality of life for McKinney residents.

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Retail Development Infrastructure Grants

Retail Development Infrastructure Grants (not to exceed $50,000 per grant and requires a 25% match) provide funding support for infrastructure improvements for landmark retail properties within the City of McKinney.

For the purpose of this program, “landmark retail” is defined as buildings within the historic downtown area with boundaries that coincide with the “Cultural District” designation; retail redevelopment opportunities at locations that are viewed as gateways into the city (e.g. Highway 5 and Spur 399 – and other locations along Highway 5; Virginia Parkway and 75). Retail is defined as: storefronts/shops, restaurants, specialty food venues, event venues, salons, grocery stores, drug stores, etc.

Eligible Improvements

The Retail Development Infrastructure Grants will fund infrastructure improvements that are exterior to a property, necessary to promote or develop new or expanded business enterprises, and include:

  • Sewer
  • Water
  • Electric Utilities
  • Gas utilities
  • Fire suppression
  • Drainage
  • Site improvements including landscape  and/or fencing required due to infrastructure improvements; walkways; parking

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Submitting Grant Applications

If you wish to submit a grant application, please follow these steps:

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Application Evaluation

McKinney Community Development Corporation board members will consider the following information when evaluating applications:

  • Application was completed in full.
  • Availability of FY 23 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.

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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 2023 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.

Please contact MCDC staff to discuss your proposed Project, Retail Development Infrastructure or Promotional / Community Event Grant application, secure additional information before submitting your grant application.

Please note: Public funds will become available to an approved applicant 60 days after the date of publication of the Notice of Public Hearing referenced above. 

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Request a Preliminary Review

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Grantee Responsibilities

  • Each approved project will require the execution of a performance agreement with MCDC. The agreement ensures applicant acknowledgement of all requirements and that funds are expended in accordance with conditions outlined. The agreement also provides recourse to MCDC in the event of default.   
  • Funds for approved grants will be expended on a reimbursement basis. Copies of paid invoices / receipts, along with a formal letter requesting reimbursement, must be provided to MCDC to ensure compliance with state statutes and the terms of the performance agreement. Once verified, MCDC will process the request for payment.
  • Reimbursement requests for advertising, marketing and promotional expenses related to a Promotional and Community Event Grant must include samples of marketing and advertising materials.
  • Grantee must maintain financial books and records of the funded Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional / Community Event and of their operations as a whole for at least two years in the event that MCDC or the City of McKinney requires an audit. The books and records must be available upon request and create a clear audit trail documenting revenues and expenses of the funded  Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional / Community Event.
  • Grantee may be required to provide periodic written reports on the status of the Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional / Community Event to MCDC.
  • Within 30 days of the completion of the funded Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional / Community Event, Grantee is required to submit a final report that includes detailed information on the activity; performance against the metrics established in the grant application; visual representation (photos, printed marketing, advertising and promotional materials and collateral, etc.) that fulfills all requirements of the performance agreement; and any outstanding receipts for expenditures included under the scope of the grant. An oral presentation to the board on the completed Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional  / Community Event may be requested.
  • Grantee must recognize McKinney Community Development Corporation as a sponsor / funder of the Project / Retail Development Infrastructure improvement / Promotional / Community Event in all advertising, marketing, publicity, outreach and promotional materials, using the following (or substantially similar) verbiage:

    “This (Project/Promotional/Community Event) is funded in part by the McKinney Community Development Corporation.”

    MCDC will provide camera-ready logo art for placement on advertising, marketing, promotional and publicity materials. Grantee must submit all advertising, marketing, outreach and promotional materials and items to MCDC for review / approval prior to production.

Post-grant

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Important Dates

Promotional & Community Event Grant Schedule

Application DeadlinePresentation to MCDC BoardBoard Vote & Award Notification
Cycle 1: November 30, 2022December 1, 2022January 26, 2023
Cycle II: May 31, 2023June 22, 2023July 27, 2023

Project Grant Schedule

Application DeadlinePresentation to MCDC BoardBoard Vote & Award Notification
Cycle I: December 30, 2022January 26, 2023February 23, 2023
Cycle II: March 31, 2023April 27, 2023May 25, 2023
Cycle III: June 30, 2023July 27, 2023August 24, 2023


Retail Development Infrastructure Grants

Application DeadlinePresentation to MCDC BoardBoard Vote & Award Notification
Cycle I: January 31, 2023February 23, 2023March 23, 2023
Cycle II: July 31, 2023August 24, 2023September 28, 2023


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