Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program

The City of Raleigh’s Facade Rehabilitation Grant Program is a municipal initiative designed to support the revitalization of commercial properties within Raleigh, North Carolina. Originating in the 1980s, the program was developed to assist business and property owners in enhancing the visual appeal and marketability of their storefronts, particularly in Downtown Raleigh and older commercial districts. Over the years, more than 100 businesses have benefitted from the program, which continues to be a core component of Raleigh’s strategy to promote small business development and economic vitality through aesthetic improvements. This grant operates as a matching reimbursement program, providing up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible facade improvements. Businesses located within the City of Raleigh's Economic Development Priority Areas are eligible for grants of up to $10,000. Those located outside the priority areas may qualify for a grant of up to $5,000. Only exterior improvements that are visible from public streets qualify, and the program does not fund interior renovations, routine maintenance, or projects that do not require permitting. Moreover, projects that are already permitted or underway at the time of application are considered ineligible. Qualified rehabilitation improvements covered under the program include removal of false fronts, repair or replacement of windows, doors, cornices, facade materials, and the installation of exterior lighting. Art and mural-related costs are also eligible, such as artist fees, construction materials, labor, and equipment rental. However, murals placed on facades in good condition are excluded from funding. All proposed work must adhere to the program’s design guidelines, and applicants must obtain the necessary city approvals before proceeding. To apply for the Facade Rehabilitation Grant, business owners must first complete a pre-application to determine their eligibility. This pre-application process is required before access to the full application is granted. If eligible, the applicant will receive an application link via email. Applications are accepted only during specified quarterly grant cycles. For the 2025–2026 period, submission windows include June 26 to July 20, September 18 to October 12, January 8 to February 1, and April 2 to April 26. Notifications of awards are issued roughly two to three weeks following each cycle's close date. The City of Raleigh places special emphasis on projects located in designated Economic Development Priority Areas, which are displayed in an interactive map tool provided on the grant's website. These locations are eligible for increased funding ceilings and are part of the city’s broader effort to concentrate revitalization efforts in areas with greater economic need. Applicants are encouraged to consult this tool to verify their property's location and potential eligibility for enhanced grant terms. The grant is administered by the Housing and Community Development Department, and the main contact for the program is Jocelyn Sanchez, a Small Business and Workforce Development Analyst. Applicants seeking more information are directed to review the grant brochure and FAQ, and they may contact Ms. Sanchez via email at [email protected] or by phone at 919-996-3137. The program remains an active mechanism for Raleigh to improve commercial districts, support entrepreneurs, and enhance the city's visual environment in a targeted, sustainable manner.