Historic Richmond Façade Grant Pilot Program – Phase II

Historic Richmond is excited to announce that we are offering a second phase of our Façade Grant Pilot Program! This program is designed to keep the neighborhood in the neighborhood by helping property owners living and working in City Old and Historic Districts (COHDs) maintain their buildings. Based on feedback, we have expanded the COHDs that are eligible to apply and during this phase of the Pilot Program we will be focusing on the Jackson Ward, Union Hill, Church Hill North, Chimborazo, and St. John’s Church COHDs.

How it works:

Historic Richmond will provide matching grants of up to $10,000 to assist in exterior and structural repair, rehabilitation, and restoration projects for owner-occupied buildings located in the target areas. Examples of the types of projects covered include, but are not limited to:

• Windows and doors
• Exterior painting
• Porches
• Roofs and gutters
• Foundation
• Original exterior details
• Structural repairs

This is a competitive grant and funding is limited. Factors that will be considered for selection include:

• Preservation impact of the project - saving historic material and visibility
• Financial need
• Owners’ ability to complete the project within the proposed time frame
• Urgency of repair

What is a matching grant?

Matching grants are grants that require the grantee to provide funds equal to or in excess of the Historic Richmond grant funds. Historic Richmond will never contribute more than the applicant has contributed, but the applicant is able to contribute beyond the grant amount.

For example, if you are awarded $10,000, then you should anticipate spending at least $10,000 of your own funding as well. However, if the project total came to $10,000, then Historic Richmond would match your payment at $5,000. If the project total came to $30,000 then Historic Richmond would pay $10,000 and you would pay $20,000.

Who qualifies?

• Buildings must be owner-occupied, either as a primary residence or locally owned business.
• Buildings must be within the Jackson Ward, Union Hill, Church Hill North, Chimborazo, or St. John’s Church COHDs. If you’re not sure if you qualify, you can check here.
• Buildings must be over 50 years of age.
• Proposed work must comply with the Commission of Architectural Review and its guidelines.
• Property must be covered by appropriate fire and property insurance.

How to apply:

To begin the application process, please fill out the application below and send to [email protected] along with photographs of the property by Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

If your application is selected, applicants will be asked to provide proof of matching funds, copies of bid(s) for the proposed project, and supplemental information relating to insurance and licensing before being provided with a formal grant agreement.

Timeline:

The application is due by end of day July 3, 2024. Applicants will be notified in August. Once notified, applicants are expected to provide supplemental documents and sign grant agreements within 30 days. Projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the grant agreement and regular check-in’s are required.

Grant Agreements and Terms:

All stipulations related to the grant will be detailed in a contract to be signed by the grantee and Historic Richmond before funds are released. In some cases, funds will be reimbursed to applicant and will require documentation and inspection by Historic Richmond before funds are released.

Historic Richmond reserves the right to deny grant funding for any reason. Grants will be considered based on the factors set forth above and will not be based on an applicant’s relationship, if any, with Historic Richmond or its staff, board of trustees, auxiliary groups, or donors. Membership in a Historic Richmond auxiliary group or status as a donor to Historic Richmond is not a prerequisite for being considered for, or awarded, a grant. Members of Historic Richmond auxiliary groups and Historic Richmond donors are eligible to be considered for a grant on the same basis as non-members but will not be given any preferential treatment.  Any local, state, or federal taxes resulting from a grant awarded are the sole responsibility of the grantee.

Historic Richmond is available to answer questions before and during the application process to help you determine your eligibility and ensure that a preservation ethic is being adhered to.

Historic Richmond Façade Grant Pilot Program Phase II - Application