The Big Impact, formally known as the Big Idea! For 2021-2025, The Big Impact will be an exclusive micro grant for our TMSA Merchant Partners! This gives our downtown merchants a chance to submit their exterior facade projects for a chance to win $$$$ to help make a BIG IMPACT in the TMSA corridor. In 2026, TMSA will open applications to the community for larger-scale projects to make a bigger BIG IMPACT in our downtown corridor!
THE BIG IMPACT 2026 $5000 GRANT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH the Arvest Foundation Application Opens March 1, 2026 Application Deadline April 1, 2026 Finalists will be notified by May 15, 2026
The Big Impact is a micro-grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds and local partners. The micro-grant will fund an exterior beautification or improvement project of up to $7,500! The Big Impact will open applications beginning March 1, 2026. Phase 1 - Applying for The Big Impact During this time applicants can submit their exterior project idea to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your project, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Please keep in mind the project scope should be that of an exterior beautification project. If you have any questions about if your project qualifies, please reach out to TMSA Director, Jamie Hale. Should your project be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role only. After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members. The 2025 Big Impact grant winner is not eligible to apply for the 2026 Big Impact grant. Phase 2 - Selecting The Big Impact winner Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their project. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. The video will be played during the Big Impact virtual event and is how the community will learn about your project. The Big Impact will be solely virtual. The voting period will take place June 1st and go through the 14th. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. Voting tickets will be $5 and voting is unlimited. All funds raised during the voting event will be added to next year's Big Impact grant. Phase 3 - Completing the project Once all the votes are cast, we will determine the 2026 Big Impact winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your project coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting invoices to directly pay your vendors or receipts to reimburse you for expenses. Your project should be completed by December 31, 2026. Any project not completed by December 31, 2026 will need to be approved by the TMSA Executive Committee. Applicants may lose granted funds if they are not used within the given time frame and may not be allowed to participate in future TMSA grant programs. 2026 TMSA Big Impact Rules & Regulations Objective The Big Impact is a micro grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds to be used to revitalize and improve the appearance within the TMSA downtown corridor. Eligibility Eligible projects must align with the TMSA mission to revitalize downtown Tahlequah and strengthen it as the heart of our city. Projects must be able to be completed by December 31, 2026. Eligible projects must have a direct impact on the downtown corridor. The project must be an exterior project that is semi-permanent or permanent. Project ideas include the replacement, addition, or improvement of awnings, exterior doorways, exterior windows, landscaping, signage, outdoor fireplace/pit, artwork, placemaking, etc. Permanent exterior facade projects should prioritize historical preservation of buildings. If you are not sure if your project fits the requirements, please reach out. The 2025 Big Impact grant winner is not eligible to apply for the 2026 Big Impact grant. Who Can Apply Applications can be submitted by Tahlequah community members and business owners, with priority given to Tahlequah Main Street Merchant Partners who are in good standing with the organization. To apply to be a Merchant Partner visit tahlequahmainstreet.com/partnerships Grant Amount The grant amount is not to exceed $7,500. If the winning project’s total cost is below $7,500, no additional monies will be granted. If the winning project’s total cost is above $7,500, the applicant may be asked to provide proof of funding to make up the difference. All monies raised in Phase 2 selection process will be added to the TMSA reinvestment funds for future projects. Disbursement of Funds Funds will be dispersed to the grant winner as itemized receipts or invoices are turned in to TMSA. All grant money must be dispersed by December 31, 2026. Any monies not used by December 31, 2026 are subject to being forfeited by the grant winner. The Tahlequah Main Street Big Impact Committee will need to approve any extensions of the grant timeline. Review Process After the application deadline, a committee of both TMSA board and non-board members will review and select three to five finalists. Committee members will be given a rubric to score projects based on their impact to the TMSA corridor and how well it aligns with the TMSA mission. Responsibility of Applicant It is the applicant’s responsibility to be the manager of their project. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role, but will not be responsible for the implementation of the winning project. Should the applicant fail to successfully and completely implement their project, any funds already dispersed will be the responsibility of the applicant to reimburse TMSA and no future funds will be paid out.
New metal awning and signage for the addition of the new Spirit store
The Big Impact 2024 winner Vidalia's Cafe and Catering
2024 Big Impact winner - Vidalia's Cafe and Catering - New Exterior Paint
2023 Big Impact Winner A Bloom Flowers and gifts
2023 Big Impact Winner- A Bloom Flowers and Gifts - New Awning and Lighting.
2021 Big Impact Winner Threadz Consignment
2021 Big Impact Winner- Theresa Williams- Threadz Consignment- New lighted sign
2020 Big Impact Winner Dave Rogers
2020 Big Idea Winner is Bike Racks submitted by Dave Rogers, owner of Paceline Cyclery! Congratulations Dave!
2019 Big Impact Winner Amanda Lamberson
The 2019 Big Idea Winner was Interactive Murals by Amanda Lamberson! Congratulations Amanda!
2018 Big Impact Winner Workman's Department Store
The 2018 Big Idea winner was Workman's Department Store Facade Revitalization! Congratulations Workman's!
Phase 1 - Gathering the Big Ideas for the Big Impact Applicants can submit their Big Impact idea to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your Big Impact idea, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Should your Big Impact idea be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role for the winning project. Past Big Impact winners have been building facade rehabilitation and the addition of murals throughout the corridor. The sky's the limit for future projects! After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members.
Phase 2 - Selecting the Big Impact Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their Big Impact. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. Finalist project videos will be featured during the online event and will serve as the primary way the community learns about each project before casting their vote. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. We will have more details on how to purchase your ticket and cast your vote soon!
Phase 3 - Completing the Big Idea Once all the votes are cast, we will announce the Big Impact winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your Big Impact coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting itemized invoices or receipts for your expenses.
