Vibrancy Grants

Help us add Vibrancy to Downtown by taking advantage of the Vibrancy Grant Program!

The Town of Clayton Vibrancy Grant Program, established in 2024 at recommendation of the Downtown Strategic Plan, is a first-come, first-serve program intended to grant business and property owners with pre-determined vibrancy elements, that when activated into the district help to promote vitality and activity throughout the Downtown Core.

The exact project may vary, but the element/item will always be something that is beneficial to varying types of businesses and a quick turnaround, "blanket" type of improvement project. Projects are determined in partnership with the Downtown Development Advisory Board and Town Staff and then announced in bi-annual rounds. Businesses can apply for a grant in each round, or as interested based on the project. All rounds are open for a 30 day application period and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the application, an acknowledgement and acceptance form will need to be signed to accept the grant. Grants are awarded as one grant per business OR per ground floor entrance in a multi-tenant building.

When can I apply?
The Vibrancy Grant Program will be bi-annual. Both times during the year that the grant is opened for a new round, it will be announced on the website and via email newsletter. Once the grant is opened for each round, there will be a 30 day application window (or until all grants are filled)

What will I receive?
The Vibrancy Grant Program is different than most grant programs in that a physical item is being provided to grant recipients (NOT money to purchase the item). We take the work off of your plate by picking, ordering, and delivering the item to grant recipients. The item will vary for each round and be announced as part of the application period.

Where can I get info on each round?
Please visit downtownclayton.org and click the “Grants” button to check on the status of the Vibrancy Grants, as well as the Facade Grant Program. You can also subscribe to the Downtown Newsletter to stay up to date on all things!

Who can apply for a grant?
This grant program is intended for any business or non-residential property, commercial in both zoning and use, within the Downtown Core as shown on the Future Land Use Map. Grants can be applied for by the tenant/business owner or the property owner as long as all requirements to participate in that round are met. This grant is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Grants are provided, as available, for one grant per business or per ground floor entrance in a multi-tenant building  (ex: 1 ground floor door to access 4 upstairs suites would qualify for 1 grant and those businesses would be encouraged to apply jointly).

How is this grant funded/managed?
The Town of Clayton funds and manages the grants. Projects are determined and announced by Town Staff in partnership with the Downtown Development Advisory Board and its Design Committee. 

Are there limits to how many times I can apply?
No. Businesses can apply for a grant in each round, or as interested based on the specific project.

How can I ask questions?
Questions, comments or suggestions about the grant program or a specific round can be sent to info@downtownclaytonnc.org

Vibrancy Grant Program New Round NOW OPEN (Through April 30, 2024)

The application for the first round of grants for 2024 will be open through April 30, 2024 or until all grants are filled (estimated 30). This grant program is first-come, first-served and the completion of this application does not guarantee you a grant item in this round. Applying for this round does not exclude you from future rounds. 

The project for this round is: Custom Downtown Sandwich Board Signs. The Town would order and deliver these sign boards to each recipient. These would be yours to keep and use as you see fit as long as upkeep and maintenance requirements are met, as outlined in the acceptance form and detailed below. 

On the application, you will have the opportunity to pick from a few different color ways/options.

IF you are a recipient of THIS grant you are expected to adhere to the following expectations: 

• Keep the sign in good, working order for at least 1 year
• When the sign is out, it should be placed in a location that does not impede walking traffic or ADA access
• The sign should be brought inside at the end of your operating hours each day
• Understand that the sandwich board sign is your responsibility and the Town of Clayton is not responsible for damage, theft or injury. 
• If you were to leave your current location, unless to go to another location in Downtown Clayton, then it is expected that this sandwich board sign be left behind for the next business at your address.