Facade Grant Program

The Facade Grant Program is a joint initiative between the City of Jasper and the Heart of Jasper organization, developed to support the revitalization and beautification of downtown Jasper, Indiana. The program is part of a broader effort to promote historic preservation and visual improvement across both commercial and residential areas within the Heart of Jasper district. It offers financial assistance to property owners seeking to enhance the external appearance of their buildings, fostering a more attractive, economically vibrant downtown core. With an emphasis on aesthetic improvement and community enhancement, the program seeks to stimulate investment, encourage retail growth, and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The program has two primary components: the Commercial Property Improvement Program and the Home Improvement Program (HIP). The Commercial Property Improvement Program is geared toward properties used primarily for commercial purposes within the designated Heart of Jasper boundaries. Eligible applicants must be current on taxes, free of liens and in compliance with local codes. Project proposals must exceed $2,500 in costs, with grant awards covering up to 50% of approved improvement expenses, capped at $10,000. Grant disbursements are issued on a reimbursement basis and require submission of itemized invoices, compliance with design standards, and project inspections by the Heart of Jasper Design Advisory Committee. Funding priority is given to projects with the most substantial visual impact. The Home Improvement Program (HIP), introduced in 2025, serves residential properties located near downtown Jasper. This component mirrors the commercial program in structure and eligibility but focuses on residential aesthetics and neighborhood beautification. Applicants must also meet compliance requirements and provide project budgets exceeding $1,500. As with the commercial program, grants can cover up to 50% of project costs or $10,000, whichever is less. Higher priority is assigned to owner-occupied homes, with rental residences considered second. Eligible improvements include exterior façade restoration, masonry repair, architectural enhancements, window and roof repair as part of a larger improvement project, and more. Application submissions are evaluated on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted, with a hard application deadline of February 25, 2025, for the 2026 funding cycle. Approved grantees will be announced by March 6, 2025. All work must be completed within nine months of approval. Work may not begin until an application is accepted, and applicants must enter into a contract outlining payment procedures. Applications require several components, including photographs, materials samples, contractor estimates, and written owner consent when applicable. All projects must comply with local architectural design guidelines and municipal codes. The grant committee, managed by Heart of Jasper, is responsible for reviewing submissions and allocating funds. It includes board members and staff who assess compliance with program guidelines and make final determinations regarding awards. The committee holds the authority to approve, deny, or adjust funding levels based on available funds and the strength of the proposal. All application materials and grant activities are monitored by the Executive Director, and any exceptions to policies require formal documentation and board approval. The official program guidelines, application checklist, and examples are available on the Heart of Jasper website. Interested applicants may contact Kate Schwenk via email at [email protected] for further assistance. The program’s policy and application materials outline a transparent, structured process for securing funding and contributing to Jasper’s vision of a revitalized, welcoming downtown district.

Higher priority is given to visually impactful projects and those using local licensed contractors.