The Downtown Denton Foundation announced Aug. 7 that it awarded $7,500 in grant money to 20 Denton businesses to set up Halloween-themed decor for the city's 31 Days of Halloween events.
Diving in
The foundation gave 10 businesses Tier 1 grants worth $500 and 10 businesses Tier 2 grants worth $250, according to its website.
There were 46 applicants, and the selection was made based on a scaled rubric that ranked each submission. Criteria included the theme, proposed decoration and display elements, feasibility, foot traffic potential and how the display would add to downtown Denton’s Halloween atmosphere.
The businesses that received $500 grants are:
- Free Play Arcade
- Rose Costumes
- Theatre Denton
- Denton Maker Center
- Hannah's
- Harvest House
- The Pony
- More Fun Comic & Games
- Salon NV
- Les Muses Vintage
The businesses that received $250 grants are:
- The Plot Twist
- West Oak Coffee Bar
- Sunago Bell
- Studio LaSalle
- The Bearded Monk
- More Fun Toys
- Pros PM
- The Velvet Echo
- Denton Sports Chiropractic
- Brakefield Pool Service
The backstory
This marks the second year the foundation gave grants to local businesses for Halloween decor. Last year, 10 businesses received grants.
In April, the Downtown Denton Foundation acquired the Denton Main Street Association, merging the two nonprofits to focus on promoting and preserving Denton, according to previous reporting.
The foundation’s purpose is to maintain downtown Denton as a cultural hub celebrating art, music, history and community, its website states.
