Facade Improvement Grants
Business and commercial property owners along Whittier's main commercial corridors (Franklin Ave, Lyndale Ave, Lake St, Nicollet Ave) may apply for matching grants for a variety of eligible storefront improvements. The grants are made possible by the City of Minneapolis Great Streets program. The Great Streets program aims to help revitalize and sustain neighborhood business districts.
Grant Eligible Areas
All Blue, Orange and Purple areas in the map below are eligible to apply, but grant amounts and match requirements vary depending on location and area designation.
Areas marked in Blue are Eligible areas, and can apply for 1:2 public to private match (every grant dollar matched by two dollars); maximum grant amount $5,000
Areas marked in Orange are Priority areas, and can apply for 1:1 public to private match (every grant dollar matched by one dollar); maximum grant amount $7,500.
Areas marked in Purple are Cultural District areas, and can apply for a 1:0.5 public to private match (every grant dollar matched by fifty cents); maximum grant amount $10,000.
Matching dollars can come from any non-Great Streets source. Examples include private equity, NRP funds, and loans.
Grant Application & Project Completion Process & Timeline
Step 1: Be sure you meet program requirements.
Step 2: Set-up a meeting with the program administrator to discuss your project and review the Great Streets Façade Design Guide.
Step 3: Submit the Great Streets Business Application and Participation Agreement to the program administrator.
Step 4: Receive a signed copy of the Business Application and Participation Agreement from the program administrator after the project has been approved.
Step 5: Complete the project and submit required documentation to the program administrator within nine (9) months of the date on the signed Participation Agreement.
Step 6: Whittier Alliance will submit documentation to the City of Minneapolis and cut a check for the grant amount to the applicant upon processing.
Important items to note:
This is a reimbursement program. You must complete and pay for the total project cost or total private match, prior to receiving a reimbursement check.
You cannot begin any of the work on the specific project elements you hope to receive grant funds for before you have been approved with a signed application and agreement from the Whittier Alliance program administrator.. Doing so will make your project ineligible.
Please carefully review the Program Guidelines and Eligible Areas map provided on the City’s website, linked below.
For questions or to request an application, email the Whitter Alliance Programs Manager: Jared Simonsen.
Email: jared@whittieralliance.org