Façade Improvement Grant Program

The Façade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the City of Freeport's Community Development Department, is a targeted initiative designed to support the revitalization of the city’s Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. With a clear emphasis on enhancing the visual and structural integrity of commercial storefronts, the program provides financial assistance to property owners who wish to preserve, restore, or rehabilitate the exterior facades of their buildings. The primary goal is to improve the aesthetic appeal and economic vitality of the downtown core, leveraging small-scale building improvements to generate larger community benefits. Funded through the Downtown TIF allocation, the program’s total funding for 2026 is set at $30,000. Individual applicants may receive up to $15,000 in reimbursable grants to cover qualified improvement costs. These funds are intended to offset the expenses associated with exterior renovations that align with the city’s design standards and planning objectives. Eligible façade improvements may include, but are not limited to, restoration of original architectural elements, window and door replacements, signage enhancements, and the repair or replacement of awnings. The grant program is strictly reimbursable, meaning applicants must complete the approved work and submit proper documentation prior to receiving funding. Applications for the 2026 cycle are being accepted through Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. All applications must be complete upon submission and include required attachments such as renderings or descriptions of the proposed improvements, proof of ownership or authorization from the property owner, and a detailed cost estimate. A workshop to provide prospective applicants with guidance on the application process will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. Attendance at the workshop is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged to help applicants align their proposals with program expectations. The City of Freeport will evaluate applications based on their design quality, historical relevance, potential for visual impact, and consistency with existing architectural styles. While specific evaluation criteria are not itemized, the program places emphasis on long-term impact and integration with the city’s redevelopment goals. Grants are subject to availability of funds, and preference may be given to projects demonstrating a high level of readiness and alignment with the City’s downtown revitalization strategy. There is no formal pre-application process required, such as a letter of intent or concept paper. However, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Community and Economic Development Director to clarify eligibility or scope of work questions prior to submission. For additional information, applicants may call 815-235-8221. Notification of awards and disbursement timelines will depend on project approval schedules and fund processing timelines after the submission deadline. As a locally administered program with a finite funding pool, this grant does not operate on a rolling basis. It is also not explicitly stated whether the program recurs annually. Therefore, the timeline beyond 2026 is uncertain and applicants are advised to treat the current application window as a unique opportunity. The program supports physical improvements only and does not fund interior renovations or unrelated operational costs.