Facade Grant Program

How does the program work?
The Greensboro Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is administered by Greensboro’s Foundation for the Future as part of Greensboro’s Downtown Development Authority and the Greensboro Main Street Program’s economic development beautification program. Funds are available for façade improvements. Buildings must be in a commercial district, B1 or B2 within the city limits of Greensboro. Typically commercial tenants or commercial property owners may receive reimbursements of 50% (not to exceed $500.00) of the cost of the approved storefront or back renovation, signage, awning or landscaping.
What type of project is eligible?
Eligible projects should visibly improve the unique historic character of the storefront or back entryway or allow the non-conforming storefront to better fit within the historic area. Examples include but are not limited to appropriate signage, awnings, exterior painting, and window, door, and storefront or back entry feature restorations and changes or landscaping. These funds are available for exterior improvements only and may be applied to a front, side or rear façade, provided the façade faces a public street or parking lot.
Facade Grants are issued on a first come, first serve basis each fiscal year until the available funding is all awarded. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire about the availability of funds.
The Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission MUST approve projects involving historic property changes before construction begins. Judgment on eligibility will be based on appropriateness for the district as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Renovation and the Greensboro Design Guideline handbook. Copies are available through the Greensboro Main Street Office.
What type of assistance is available for Larger Projects?
Greensboro’s Foundation for the Future may award two 50/50 matching grants in an amount not to exceed $1000 for Larger Projects. A Larger Project is defined as any project with permits issued for work costing over $2,000.00. The Large Project awards are available on a first-come, first served basis. No more than two Large Project awards will be made within each fiscal year.
What help is available to me?
The Georgian Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of Community Affairs provide design assistance to Main Street communities to help you plan your project. They can even issue you a suggested drawing of the way your building could best be enhanced to fit into the area. The Main Street Manager can provide assistance and referral.
What must I do to receive the grant?
Complete the certificate of appropriateness application and façade grant application form and turn it into the Main Street office at 111 North Main Street in downtown Greensboro. Tenants are to include a letter of permission from the property owner. The Greensboro Downtown Development Authority will have the applications reviewed by the Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission and the Greensboro Main Street Design Committee. You will then be notified of their decision. The grant money will not be disbursed until the DDA has inspected the completed project and reviewed all receipts, invoices and canceled checks.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the application must be approved BEFORE you do the work, not after you begin! Because of the limited funds available at this time, the DDA cannot grant funds to the same building more than once in a one year time frame.
For questions contact: Cail Hammons
Main Street Greensboro
111 North Main Street
Greensboro, GA 30642
(706) 453-7674
The Greensboro Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is administered by Greensboro’s Foundation for the Future as part of Greensboro’s Downtown Development Authority and the Greensboro Main Street Program’s economic development beautification program. Funds are available for façade improvements. Buildings must be in a commercial district, B1 or B2 within the city limits of Greensboro. Typically commercial tenants or commercial property owners may receive reimbursements of 50% (not to exceed $500.00) of the cost of the approved storefront or back renovation, signage, awning or landscaping.
What type of project is eligible?
Eligible projects should visibly improve the unique historic character of the storefront or back entryway or allow the non-conforming storefront to better fit within the historic area. Examples include but are not limited to appropriate signage, awnings, exterior painting, and window, door, and storefront or back entry feature restorations and changes or landscaping. These funds are available for exterior improvements only and may be applied to a front, side or rear façade, provided the façade faces a public street or parking lot.
Facade Grants are issued on a first come, first serve basis each fiscal year until the available funding is all awarded. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire about the availability of funds.
The Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission MUST approve projects involving historic property changes before construction begins. Judgment on eligibility will be based on appropriateness for the district as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Renovation and the Greensboro Design Guideline handbook. Copies are available through the Greensboro Main Street Office.
What type of assistance is available for Larger Projects?
Greensboro’s Foundation for the Future may award two 50/50 matching grants in an amount not to exceed $1000 for Larger Projects. A Larger Project is defined as any project with permits issued for work costing over $2,000.00. The Large Project awards are available on a first-come, first served basis. No more than two Large Project awards will be made within each fiscal year.
What help is available to me?
The Georgian Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of Community Affairs provide design assistance to Main Street communities to help you plan your project. They can even issue you a suggested drawing of the way your building could best be enhanced to fit into the area. The Main Street Manager can provide assistance and referral.
What must I do to receive the grant?
Complete the certificate of appropriateness application and façade grant application form and turn it into the Main Street office at 111 North Main Street in downtown Greensboro. Tenants are to include a letter of permission from the property owner. The Greensboro Downtown Development Authority will have the applications reviewed by the Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission and the Greensboro Main Street Design Committee. You will then be notified of their decision. The grant money will not be disbursed until the DDA has inspected the completed project and reviewed all receipts, invoices and canceled checks.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the application must be approved BEFORE you do the work, not after you begin! Because of the limited funds available at this time, the DDA cannot grant funds to the same building more than once in a one year time frame.
For questions contact: Cail Hammons
Main Street Greensboro
111 North Main Street
Greensboro, GA 30642
(706) 453-7674
Click below to download Facade Grant Guidelines:
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Click below to download the Facade Grant Application:
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Click below to download digital Facade Grant Application: