2024 Facade and Interior Grant Applications Now Available

A statement from Main Street Preservation Trust announcing the 2024 grant application process for façade and interior grants to our businesses in the historic district:

Façade enhancement grants are a dollar-for-dollar matching grant available up to $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, dollar-for-dollar matching 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 Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and more. The design guidelines can be found at this link.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this program again this year. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and we can see the tremendous impact it has made on the aesthetics of our district,” said Ashley Weast, Executive Director of Main Street Preservation Trust. “In addition to the public benefit of the physical improvements, these funds are a valuable tool for business attraction and expansion.”

Click here to download the application, or visit https://gloucestermainstreet.com/grants-transformations, or email director@mspt.org to receive the materials directly.

The program, now in its fourteenth year, 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. The Main Street Preservation Trust will be providing up to $40,000 in matching grant funds. Competition for this grant program will be strong. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a preliminary meeting to discuss their proposal with staff if they have questions or need additional guidance. Please contact Ashley Weast at director@mspt.org or call 804.824.9614. 

Applicants should submit their applications for the matching funds award to the Main Street Preservation Trust office at 6882-G Main Street by 3 p.m. on Friday, March 1st, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. Awards will be announced via email on Friday, April 5th. 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.

Main Street Preservation Trust is a 501c4 focused on business and building development, economic vitality, and historic preservation in downtown Gloucester, Virginia. Together with Gloucester Main Street Association, Main Street Preservation Trust leads Gloucester County in earning national accreditation as a Designated Main Street Community via the National Main Street Center.