Facade Grant Program

The City of Newaygo administers a Façade Grant Program designed to support commercial revitalization efforts within two specific economic development zones: the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) District and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) District. This grant initiative is part of the City’s broader strategy to stimulate economic activity, prevent urban decline, and promote infrastructure and aesthetic improvements in targeted areas. Both TIFA and LDFA are structured as component units under the City of Newaygo and focus on financing community and economic development projects that will promote long-term growth and job creation. This program offers competitive matching grants to eligible applicants, specifically commercial and mixed-use property owners or lessees within the defined TIFA and LDFA districts. The grant covers up to 50 percent of eligible project costs for permanent physical improvements to building facades. While the maximum matching amount is not explicitly stated, the 50 percent cap ensures that all projects require applicant investment. The availability of funds is subject to budget allocations and may vary from quarter to quarter, reinforcing the competitive nature of the grant awards. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines set on February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30. Grants are awarded at the beginning of each calendar quarter, contingent on available funds. If funds are depleted, new allocations are expected at the beginning of each fiscal year, starting July 1, although earlier approval of funds may occur. This cyclical funding model allows for periodic reassessment and reallocation based on project readiness and fund availability. Application evaluations are managed by a grant committee, which assesses proposals submitted by the deadlines and allocates funding until depletion. Eligibility for the program is restricted to properties located within the TIFA or LDFA districts. Interested parties must confirm their location within these zones before applying. The City provides a contact point through City Hall (email: [email protected], phone: 231-652-1657) where applicants can request program guidelines and applications, as well as verify geographic eligibility. The Program Guidelines document outlines the specific types of improvements that qualify, likely including exterior upgrades that are both visible and permanent, although the full detail is contained in the linked guidelines. Evaluation criteria and required documentation are not detailed in the primary announcement but are assumed to be elaborated upon in the downloadable Program Guidelines. The grant is administered through a structured committee review process, although information about scoring rubrics or priorities is not provided in the announcement. Given the focus on visual and structural improvements, aesthetic impact, alignment with economic development goals, and readiness of the project may be potential evaluation factors. The grant is recurring with quarterly review cycles, which provides multiple annual opportunities for applicants. The timing of decisions aligns with the City’s broader planning and budget cycle, and board oversight is handled by a 13-member committee representing diverse sectors of the community. Additional activities supported by TIFA and LDFA include infrastructure improvements, festival support, business incubation, and city beautification projects, further aligning the façade grant program with the city’s strategic development objectives.

Ensure full documentation is submitted in one package and project is 100% complete before reimbursement.