Façade Improvement Program

Grants may be awarded for up to 50% of the total cost of eligible façade restorations, repairs, or rehabilitations subject to a maximum grant award of $7,000. Grants are required to have a 1:1 match up to the maximum grant amount of $7,000. Match amounts must be in cash or other certified funds; match amounts may not be in the form of owner, applicant, or unskilled labor or “sweat equity.” FIG funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis only upon the completion of the project.

The annual budget for this program is $35,000. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and will be processed until the allocated funding has been expended; in other words, funding is reviewed and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are not guaranteed funding until the project has been reviewed by DBI’s Design Committee and an MOU has been signed by both parties.

Neither DBI staff nor its board members are liable for damage to the building or personal injury that occurs during the project. All contractors and subcontractors used for work funded by this grant must be licensed and insured if required by law and must be able to demonstrate qualifications.

The successful applicant agrees to maintain the property and its improvements for a period of no less than two years and agrees to return a pro-rated portion of the grant funding if the improvements they funded are removed or altered within that two-year timeframe.

Successful applicants agree to complete the project within one year of notice of the grant award.

With the submittal of an application for a FIG, the applicant gives DBI permission to notify the media about the award of the grant, which may include photographs of the property and applicant.

 • Applicant submits a Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) application to DBI
• DBI staff will review the application with the applicant and may require additional information before submitting it to the Design Committee for review
• The Design Committee will review the application in a timely fashion and may ask for additional information of the applicant but will make every attempt to act decisively at its soonest meeting
• The applicant will be made aware of an award and asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties dictating any project stipulations beyond those already articulated in this document
• Necessary permits must be obtained before work begins in accordance with local ordinances.
• Prior to the release of grant funds, the applicant must demonstrate that the project is complete and must submit documentation of all expenses related to the project. DBI reserves the right to inspect the property upon its completion and may require proof that all outstanding accounts and invoices of such completed project are paid in full.