McKinney CDC hears 14 grant pitches for $125,000 promotional pool; vote set for Jan. 22

The McKinney Community Development Corporation on Dec. 18 heard presentations from 14 applicants seeking shares of a $125,000 promotional-grant pool to support 2026 local events and marketing.

Speakers from Chestnut Square, arts organizations, music festivals and for-profit event producers described expected attendance, marketing channels and projected local economic impact. Board staff said $125,000 is the total available for this grant cycle and that final awards will be decided at the MCDC board meeting on Jan. 22, 2026.

Chestnut Square’s presenter described a portfolio of downtown events — from the farmers market to the holiday tour of homes — and asked the board to continue supporting its 2026 programming. “Our farmers market continues to thrive,” the Chestnut Square representative said, noting the organization’s past receipts from MCDC and recent attendance gains.

Among the larger requests were Empty Bowls (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church) seeking $15,000 to promote its April 23 event that historically directs proceeds to local food‑security nonprofits; Maingate Therapeutic Horsemanship’s Maingate Live request for $12,500; the McKinney Philharmonic’s request for $13,500 for its 2026–27 season marketing; and SBG Hospitality’s $15,000 request to support four Sip & Stroll events that the presenter said draw merchants and visitors to downtown.

Several presentations highlighted Tufts Brewery as a consistent community partner and venue; multiple presenters told the board that use of Tufts has helped grow attendance from outside McKinney. Presenters also described sponsorship strategies and some proposed ticket prices or suggested donation models; several nonprofit applicants emphasized that grant funds would support free or reduced-cost community access.

A notable request came from 25 Revolutions LLC for $15,000 to promote a feature documentary about the Texas Music Revolution festival. Presenter Josh Jones described festival stories and a limited theatrical then streaming distribution plan; board members and staff discussed whether funding film promotion fits MCDC’s promotional grant guidelines. Cindy (city staff) told the board that a 2022 board resolution allows certain production and placement of video when the work promotes McKinney for business development, and that the board would ultimately determine eligibility and any tracking requirements.

Board members asked routine eligibility questions — for example, whether line items such as T-shirts or staffing are allowable promotion expenses — and how grantees will demonstrate return on investment via attendance or analytics. Staff said the grant period when approved runs for one year and recommended tracking metrics be requested where appropriate.

The board will vote on all grant applications at its Jan. 22 meeting. Staff materials and applicants’ marketing reports were included in the meeting packet for further review.