Façade Grant Improvement Program

The Ocean Springs Main Street 2026 Façade Grant Program is administered by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau, a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 that promotes tourism, preservation, and community vitality in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This grant initiative, offered in partnership with the Mississippi Power Foundation and United Way for Jackson, George & Greene Counties, continues a multiyear effort to revitalize the city’s commercial core. The 2026 program marks the fourth consecutive year of this effort, focusing on the enhancement of architectural features for eligible commercial properties within the designated Main Street district. The grant program is designed to stimulate downtown revitalization through improvements to commercial building façades. It supports exterior enhancements that help preserve historic integrity, improve the cityscape, and contribute to tourism development. Allowable project activities include painting, brickwork repair, lighting installation, awning and canopy upgrades, signage, murals, door and window replacements, ironwork, and restoration of original architectural elements. These improvements aim to strengthen the visibility and appeal of small businesses located in Ocean Springs’ downtown corridor and on Bienville Boulevard to Ocean Springs Road. The total funding available for the 2026 grant cycle is $30,000. The Ocean Springs Main Street Design Committee will allocate grant awards based on alignment with program guidelines and available funds. Businesses located within the Ocean Springs Main Street District and the Mississippi Power service area are eligible to apply. Additional requirements include current membership in the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street and full compliance with local tax obligations and building codes. The application window opens on April 10, 2026, and closes at 4:00 p.m. on May 20, 2026. All submissions must include required supporting materials, including photos and contractor quotes, for the application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Interested applicants can obtain the full program guidelines by visiting oceanspringschamber.com or contacting the chamber via email. This annual program reflects Ocean Springs’ broader commitment to supporting small businesses and preserving its historic and cultural identity. The Chamber emphasizes the role that well-maintained façades play in community pride and economic development. Final decisions will be made by the Main Street Design Committee, and selected projects are expected to contribute to the long-term beautification and commercial vibrancy of the area. For further assistance, applicants can contact the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street-Tourism Bureau directly at 228-875-4424 or via email at [email protected].