Pop-Out Grants

Pop-Out Grants are offered by Independent Retail Community Initiatives in partnership with the Independent Shopkeepers Association. Independent Retail Community Initiatives was founded on the belief that independent retail plays an important role in shaping communities and neighborhoods across Oklahoma. Through the Pop-Out Grants, the organization seeks to make it easier for local independent shops to undertake creative projects that strengthen the places where people live, work, and shop. The program is intended to support shopkeepers who have ideas for tangible community improvements outside their businesses. Grant funding may be used for projects that directly improve a neighborhood, district, or community and are accessible to the general public. Examples provided by the funder include installing neighborhood benches, installing wayfinding signage in a district, planting trees and bushes, installing holiday lights or decorations, and undertaking small public street art projects. The examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive, and applicants are encouraged to propose creative ideas. Projects must benefit the broader community rather than only the applicant's customers and cannot be located inside the applicant's business. Funds cannot be used for projects whose primary purpose is to benefit or promote the applicant's business. Purchasing merchandise, promoting a shop, holding a grand opening inside the business, or providing an outdoor table that only customers can use are identified as examples of ineligible activities. If a proposed project requires a permit, the selected recipient must provide the approved permit to Independent Retail Community Initiatives before grant funds are disbursed. If a recipient receives funding from other sources to cover project expenses, those other funds must be spent first, with the IRCI grant funds disbursed afterward. A deposit will be provided, with full grant funds made available when the project is finished to help ensure completion. Eligible applicants must be owners of independent retail shops located in Oklahoma. Franchises, online-only shops, and businesses other than retail are not eligible. Applicants may submit more than one project idea, and the source states that they may submit as many ideas as they would like. Each proposal must describe a project that benefits the community and is publicly accessible outside the business. The program does not state a matching or cost-share requirement. Grant recipients may receive up to $1,500, and applicants may request the full $1,500 or a smaller amount. The jury will determine individual grant amounts after reviewing the submitted project proposals. Winners will also receive a first-year membership to the Independent Shopkeepers Association, except that this membership benefit does not apply to current or past members. The application requires a detailed budget, a narrative describing the proposed project or idea, the applicant's desired goals, a list of partners, and example pictures or an inspiration board. Applicants must also provide authorization from the property owner when needed. The source provides an Apply Now call to action but does not identify a specific application portal or application URL in the supplied material. Applications will be reviewed by a jury and graded on four stated criteria: creativity, feasibility, community impact, and financial value. Applicants should therefore demonstrate both the community benefit and practical feasibility of their project while presenting a clear budget and strong value for the requested funding. Applications are currently described as open, with a deadline of September 14, 2026. No separate letter of intent, concept paper, pre-proposal, or other pre-application gating requirement is stated. Selected projects must be completed by February 28, 2027. The source does not state an award notification date and does not establish that the grant recurs annually or on another regular schedule. Questions may be directed to hello@irciok.org. Previous examples include Moments to Remember in Ardmore, which worked with ONG to turn gas pipes into public art; Deer Creek Mercantile, which purchased and installed holiday decorations on Main Street; and Enchanted Bookstore in Collinsville, which purchased and installed benches for visitors.

Address creativity, feasibility, community impact, and financial value; clearly show that the project directly benefits the broader community rather than only customers; ensure the project is outside the business and accessible to the public; provide a detailed and financially sound budget.