Brought to you by Downtown Frederick Partnership, Funded by the Bear the Burden Coalition Fund of the Community Foundation of Frederick County

The Feet on the Street Fund provides small grants to Downtown Frederick businesses to hire professional service providers who will help implement foot traffic solutions — strategies and projects that bring more customers through your doors and into Downtown Frederick.

This program supports creative, practical, and measurable initiatives that encourage both locals and visitors to explore more of what downtown has to offer.

Grant Details

• Total Funding Available: $4,550
• Maximum Award Per Business: $750
• Deadline to Apply: September 14, 2025
• Deadline to Spend Funds: December 15, 2025
• Payment Method: Grant funds will be paid directly to the consultant/vendor identified by the business.
• Selection Process: Competitive; applications will be scored based on potential to increase foot traffic and strengthen the downtown economy.
• Preference Given To: Businesses that have not received Downtown Frederick Partnership grant funding in 2025.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be located within the Downtown Frederick Partnership boundaries
• Operate as a retail, restaurant/food & beverage, or B2C service business such as hair salons, tattoo shops, or entertainment venues
• Be open to the public

Not Eligible:

• Banks and other financial institutions
• Exclusively B2B service providers

Examples of Foot Traffic Solutions

Grant funds can be used for professional expertise to develop or implement strategies such as:

• Designing and executing a targeted marketing campaign to bring more customers downtown during slower weekdays.
• Creating a collaborative promotion with neighboring businesses to encourage customers to visit multiple downtown locations in a single trip.
• Investing in a people counter system to track customer traffic, then using the insights to boost foot traffic and enhance conversion rates at your business.
• Hiring an event consultant to create and promote a themed in-store event, workshop, or pop-up experience.
• Contracting with a local photographer/videographer to produce professional images or short videos for social media to highlight your business and products.
• Engaging a graphic designer to create window signage, sidewalk displays, or wayfinding elements that draw passersby inside.
• Working with a PR or influencer outreach consultant to secure earned media coverage about your business or event.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be scored on:

• Impact Potential – Likelihood of increasing foot traffic to your business
• Community Benefit – Contribution to downtown vibrancy and visitor engagement
• Feasibility – Realistic plan, timeline, and budget
• Innovation & Creativity – Uniqueness of the approach and potential to stand out in the marketplace
• New Access – Priority for applicants who have not recently received funding

Feet on the Street Fund Grant Application

Please Note: You cannot save an application in progress. We recommend preparing your answers in a separate document that you can save. Once submitted, you will receive a time-stamped copy of your application to the email provided.

Applications are accepted through September 14, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Business Name *

Contact Name *

Title *

Business Address *

Address Line 1

City

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Zip Code

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Business Type *

• Retail
• Restaurant / Food & Beverage
• B2C Service (Hair Salon, Tattoo Shop, Entertainment Venue)
• Other

What type of business are you? *

If you need some inspiration for the next question, see sample responses here.

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Describe the foot traffic solution you plan to implement and the specific outcomes you hope to achieve. *

Explain how this project will help strengthen your business and contribute to Downtown Frederick's economic vitality. *

Estimated Project Cost *

Grant Amount Requested *

Maximum Request: $750

Consultant / Vendor Name (if known)

All projects must be completed and invoices submitted by December 15, 2025. Please outline your expected project start and completion dates:

Start Date *

Completion Date *

Have you received Downtown Frederick Partnership grant funding in the past 12 months? *

• Yes
• No

Frederick's Number Describe

Describe the grant funding received: *

Upload a signed W-9 for your business *

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Signature *

By typing my name above, I acknowledge that this serves as my electronic signature. I confirm that I have read the grant terms and that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Date *

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