Downtown Lynchburg Association is dedicated to enhancing the beauty and vibrancy of our downtown community to create a thriving environment for businesses. To support this goal, we are offering a competitive matching grant program to assist businesses and property owners with small-scale improvements to their building facades.

The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) Program is a competitive grant opportunity offering a total of $50,000 in funding. Through this program, eligible businesses and property owners can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000, with a required dollar-for-dollar match. This initiative is designed to create a more vibrant and visually appealing downtown for the entire community

This program is funded through a one-time grant, and therefore will not be offered on a recurring basis.

Please review all information below before applying.

Project ELIGIBILITY

All commercial properties located within Downtown Lynchburg Association’s project zone are eligible to apply for the FIG Program. Applicants must provide a 100% cash match for the project, meaning for every dollar spent, DLA will match that dollar up to the awarded amount. All matching funds must be directed toward the proposed improvements. Awarded projects must be completed by October 30, 2025.

Applications will be evaluated based on the project’s potential economic impact, degree of visual improvement visible from sidewalks, readiness for implementation, and contribution to downtown revitalization.

Before beginning any façade or signage improvements, applicants must consult with the City of Lynchburg’s Office of Community Development, Eve Mergenthaler at eve.mergenthaler@lynchburgva.gov or 434-455-3917. Participation in the FIG Program does not exempt applicants from adhering to any applicable sign or building permit requirements.

Preference will be given to applications that follow the Lynchburg Historic District Commercial Design Review Guidelines. Please note that new construction projects and previously completed projects are not eligible for funding.

Use of Funds

Eligible uses include:

• Signage improvements - repair or replacement

• Restoration of architectural details on historic buildings

• Aesthetic enhancements, such as painting, awnings, and decorative lighting

• Structural repairs or replacements (e.g., brick, siding, windows, doors)

• Landscaping improvements immediately adjacent to the subject property (including free-standing planters)

• All improvements must fall within City of Lynchburg ordinance

Ineligible uses include:

• New Construction

• Parking lots

• Interior improvements

• Projects completed prior to the approval of the application

GRANT DETAILS

• The FIG Program can cover up to 50% of design and construction costs for façade improvements, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000.

• Projects requesting less than $500 in grant funds will not be considered for this program.

• Total project cost may exceed the combined amount of the grant and required matching funds; however, applicants are responsible for covering any additional expenses beyond these amounts.

• Grants are provided as reimbursements upon completion of the project.

• Grant funds will only be released once receipts and proof of payment are submitted to DLA.

• Business and property owners (with property owner approval) may apply once per property.

• Applications must be submitted digitally, and only fully complete applications will be considered.

• The Façade Grant Committee reserves the right to reject any application. DLA may choose to allocate all funds by the deadline or reserve a portion for future initiatives.

• Applicant businesses/property must be current with City taxes. 

• If the final project costs are less than the awarded amount, reimbursement will be calculated based on 50% of the final project costs, up to the awarded amount

timeline

November 14, 2024: Applications open

January 13, 2024: Application due

February 7, 2025: Award notices sent

October 30, 2025: Projects must be completed

If you have any questions, please contact Kelvin Whitehurst, Business Development Coordinator with Downtown Lynchburg Association, at kelvin@downtownlynchburg.com or (434) 485-7252.