For the 2025 grant year, a minimum of six (6) grants are available with applications accepted on a first come, first served beginning January 2, 2025 for first-time recipients and February 1, 2025 for repeat recipients. Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected]. 

Downtown commercial property owners and businesses undertaking exterior and/or interior improvements may be eligible for a grant of up to $7,500. The award amount is 50% of the total cost of the improvements up to $7,500, and the minimum expenditure amount is $2,000. Grants will be awarded as reimbursement for actual costs for architectural services, construction costs, and/or materials for permanent exterior and interior building and property improvements.

Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:

• Exterior - new construction, façade restoration and renovation, window/door replacement, awnings, signage, exterior lighting, landscaping, parking lot reconstruction and resurfacing, outdoor patios, art installation, parklets, fencing, ADA compliance for access, and equipment screening;
• Interior - new construction, permanent tenant finish improvements, expansion of existing floor area, Fire and Building Code life/safety compliance including fire sprinklers, fire alarms and electrical system upgrades, ADA compliance for bathrooms, permanent kitchen equipment, and new bathroom facilities.

General maintenance and repairs are not eligible.

Properties must be located within the designated eligibility area. Property owners and/or business owners are eligible to receive one (1) grant every three (3) years.

For more information see Policy Statement 47 -Downtown Improvement Program, or contact Lauren Grashoff at (913) 742-6230.