outdoor Décor grant

The Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) invites downtown businesses and property owners to apply for one-time grants of up to $5,000 to assist with public-facing outdoor décor visible from the exterior of their property. All décor must be visible from the street.

Eligibility is dependent on application review and availability of funds. Funds will be available on a reimbursable basis only* and applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. If you are approved, you must submit receipts, and an itemized list of items purchased before funds will be disbursed.  

Use of Funds

Awarded funds to approved applicants will only be available on a reimbursable basis up to $5,000 for the purchase or installation of outdoor décor items, including but not limited to:

 Exterior Enhancements

  • Outdoor seating (benches, bistro sets)

  • Exterior lighting (string lights, accent lighting)

  • Murals or public art installations 

  • Decorative enhancements (window boxes, awnings, etc)

 Seasonal & Decorative Elements

  • Planters, landscaping, or seasonal floral arrangements

  • Holiday or seasonal decorations (e.g. lights, wreaths, garlands for fall, winter, holidays)

  • Decorative window displays

  • Entrance Decor (visible from the street)

  • Seasonal flags or banners

Signage and Branding

  • Exterior signage (sandwich boards, building, or sidewalk signage)

  • Window decals or vinyls

Key Dates

  • August 1st: Application posted

  • September 15th: Application deadline

Funding is limited, and application does not guarantee selection. All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Successful grantees will be notified of funding award.  

  • **Upon Approval, applicable receipts and reimbursement invoice must be submitted to RDDC within 60 days

Eligibility

  • Must be a ground floor business with street frontage or apply as a property owner for the entire property

  • Address must be within the downtown core of Rochester* (*.70 Miles from the intersection of East Broad St. & South Ave.)

  • Cannot be a national chain (operates more than 10 locations outside of the Rochester region).

  • Must be open for business at time of application.

  • Must submit all required documentation as listed in the application requirements section here by September 15, 2025.

**Please Note: Grantee is responsible for securing all necessary permits and approvals (if needed) for items purchased. (example: outdoor cafe seating or building signage may require a permit). Review the City of Rochester's Street and Sidewalk Permit Guidelines here: Street and Sidewalk Right-of-Way Permits | City of Rochester, New York