Downtown Danville, Inc. Grant Program
Downtown Danville, Inc. (DDI) is a certified 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit that is dedicated to the enhancement and continued development of Downtown Danville. DDI serves the real estate property that is located in the City of Danville Special Service Area Number 1. The purpose of this Grant Program is to assist local property and business owners in expanding existing operations and assisting in new companies pursuing to move their business to Downtown Danville.
The grant program includes four grants; Awning Grant, Exterior Enhancement Grant, Interior Improvement Grant, and Retail Assistance Mini Grant.
A downtown business is eligible for one grant per year. Applicants cannot apply for the DTSB Façade & Streetscape Grant and the DTSB Business Assistance Mini Grant at the same time. Façade Grant recipients have to wait a minimum of one year to apply for the Mini Grant.
Grants are available on a first come, first serve basis with a rolling deadline. Awardees will be chosen by the Downtown Danville Board, which will give priority to businesses which will encourage interaction with the downtown area, such as retail, restaurant, and art related storefronts.
DDI reserves the right to award or deny any and all applications for grant funding. Grant awards and amounts will be dependent upon DDI’s financial capabilities, project eligibility, and DDI board’s discretion in relation to priority.
Downtown grants are independent of TIF grants offered by the City of Danville. Learn more about how to apply for grants from the City of Danville here.
NOTICE: Grants from Downtown Danville, Inc. are currently on hold until our next funding cycle in Summer 2023. Applications may still be submitted and will be reviewed in order of receipt.
RETAIL MINI GRANT
The Retail Assistance Mini Grant program focuses on helping small businesses in downtown Danville improve the appearance of their property and enhance visitor experience in the downtown.
The grant is a rebate program under which owners will be reimbursed 50% of the total amount spent on the qualifying portion of the project (minimum grant of $100 and a maximum of $1000). The cost for all the work must be paid for in full by the applicant before any grant funds are paid by DDI. The applicant shall provide proof that all costs have been paid.
Sample of Eligible Uses
Interior Design Enhancements: including interior Paint, Carpet, Shelving, Lighting, Window Displays and Window Treatments.
Exterior Improvements: including café tables & chairs, unique sidewalk signs, artistic business signage, planters.
Ineligible Uses
Financing existing debt, Projects begun prior to grant approval, merchandise, professional design fees.
INTERIOR IMPROVEMENT GRANT
The Interior Improvement Grant is designed to enable new businesses to locate in the target area by helping to bridge the financial gap between property owner and tenant by providing financial assistance (up to 50% of total amount spent with a total reimbursement maximum of $5,000) on qualified improvements to the interior of a tenant’s space. Existing businesses with a current location outside the target area who wish to move or open an additional location within the target area are also eligible. Property owners opening a new business may also apply.
Eligibility
The grant is intended to assist:
• A new business locating within the target area
• An existing business relocating to the target area from outside the target area
• An existing business opening an additional location within the target area
The grant is not intended to assist:
• Existing businesses within the target area and who wish to change locations
• New construction
Who May Apply
Program applicants can be property owners or tenants of commercial buildings. However, property owners and affected tenants must both sign the Grant Application in order to participate in the program.
AWNING GRANT
The purpose of the matching grant is to provide assistance in funding attractive, well-maintained awnings that make a noticeable visual enhancement in the downtown area.
This is a rebate program under which owners will be reimbursed 75% (maximum grant of $1,875) of the total amount spent on the project. This grant is made possible through DDI and the generosity of an anonymous donor. The pool of dollars for the project is limited so please apply early.
EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENT GRANT
The purpose of the matching grant is to provide assistance in funding well-designed building façade and streetscape improvements that respect the building’s history, original design integrity, and adjacent structures and that make a noticeable visual enhancement in the downtown area. –
This is a rebate program under which owners will be reimbursed 50% (maximum grant of $2,000) of the total amount spent on the project. Examples of qualifying expenditures include, but are not limited to:
Building Exterior: exterior painting, masonry refurbishing, awnings, exterior building lighting, storefront entry systems, security systems and individual windows and door replacement or modification.
Streetscape: streetscape plantings, street furniture, curb and sidewalk, street lights and related amenities.
How to Apply
Prior to completing the work, submit your application, an overview of your project with designs if applicable and a copy of the quote(s) from your contractor(s) or material providers to Downtown Danville, Inc. at 149 N. Vermilion St. in Danville or by email to downtowndanvilleinc@gmail.com or complete the form below . The request will be reviewed at the next regular DDI board of directors meeting. If approved, when the work has been completed, submit the paid invoice to DDI for reimbursement.
Improvements must be completed within 6 months or the awarded funds will be rescinded and slated for reallocation to other projects. Improvements previously completed within the calendar year are eligible to apply for reimbursement through this grant program. Eligibility does not guarantee an award since funds are limited.