Quick Impact Facade Grant Program

The Quick Impact Facade Grant Program is a local initiative administered by the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth to encourage visual enhancements to the exterior of commercial properties. This program is specifically designed to support property improvements within the city or town limits of Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals, Indiana. The program reflects the county’s broader commitment to revitalizing downtown areas and promoting economic development through aesthetic improvements and business-friendly infrastructure. The goal of the program is to stimulate visible, exterior upgrades to commercial buildings, thereby enhancing curb appeal and encouraging further private investment in the community. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of eligible activities that directly contribute to the visual and structural enhancement of building facades. These include improvements such as cornices, signage, doors, entrances, decorative features, awnings, masonry repair, painting or cleaning in preparation for painting, window repair or replacement (when part of a broader facade project), and restoration of original exterior architectural features. The improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and align with the intent of enhancing the visual character of the local streetscape. Grants under this program are offered as 1:1 matching funds, meaning applicants must provide an equal share of the total cost. The maximum grant award is $4,000 per project. Project completion is expected within six months of award notification, ensuring a timely impact and steady revitalization momentum across the participating communities. All grant-supported improvements must be completed within this timeframe to qualify for reimbursement or matching disbursement. Eligibility for this grant is limited to commercial properties located within the defined boundaries of the cities and towns of Crane, Loogootee, and Shoals. Residential, industrial, or agricultural properties are not eligible unless they are used for commercial purposes and zoned accordingly. This geographic focus ensures that the funds support core commercial districts where revitalization efforts are most impactful. The application period for the 2026 grant cycle opened on January 6, 2026, and will close on February 27, 2026. Interested applicants must submit their completed applications by the deadline to be considered. The program does not require a pre-application or letter of intent. Instead, potential applicants may obtain the full application packet by contacting Jessica Potts via email at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed following the close of the application period, with award decisions made shortly thereafter. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the public notice, preference may be given to proposals that demonstrate high visual impact, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s goal of restoring and enhancing original exterior architecture. This grant program is not described as recurring, and there is no indication of future application cycles. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the current window.