2023 FACADE & INTERIOR GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!

Main Street Preservation Trust is delighted to announce that its Facade & Interior Grant Program is back for its thirteenth year. Business and property owners who are planning repairs or enhancements of their exterior or interior spaces in 2023 are encouraged to apply.

The Trust believes that small businesses thrive in attractive and welcoming commercial environments. We are very pleased to have $80,000 to allocate this year for our grant program this year. Overall, the Trust has invested nearly a million dollars into the preservation and modification of Main Street buildings since this program was established. The program is part of the Main Street Preservation Trust’s vision for a vibrant, revitalized, visually appealing downtown with historic structures preserved and adapted to modern usage.

Funds are awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to 50% of the cost of the project. Awards are given following the completion of the project, submission of receipts, and an inspection of the completed work by a representative of the Trust. Only work completed by trained, certified professionals and materials purchased from retail and wholesale establishments qualify for matching funds. Professional estimates for prospective work must be included with the application and receipts for all completed work and purchased materials must be submitted afterwards.

Façade enhancement grants may be as much as $20,000. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, painting and siding, brick maintenance, repair or replacement of exterior windows and doors, new or replacement awnings and exterior lighting, new or replacement commercial signage, landscaping, improvements to steps, parking, and more.

For interior improvements, grants are available up to $15,000. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, restoration of interior features, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, lighting fixtures, painting, safety upgrades, and more.

All applications are asked to be in compliance with the Gloucester Village Main Street Design Guidelines, which reflect the National Park Service’s and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The design guidelines can be found at this link.

Click here to download the application, or visit GloucesterVillage.com, go to “More” and click on “Grants,” or email diana@mspt.org to receive the materials directly.

Public meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. on January 12th and February 2nd at the Main Street Center at 6882 Main Street. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one or both of these meetings to answer any questions they may have about the application process. An additional point will be added to their application for each meeting attended.

Applicants should submit their applications for the matching funds award to the Main Street Preservation Trust office at 6892 Main Street by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 3rd, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted. Awards will be announced via email on Friday, April 7th. Work must be completed and a final report submitted by 3 p.m. on November 1st, and an inspection scheduled before November 30th. Grant checks will be processed by December 14th.