The Facade Improvement Grant Application Opens Monday April 6th!
The City of Toledos Department of Economic Development annouces $250,000 in funding for the Facade Improvement Grant Program. The Facade Improvement Grant Program is designed to incentivize property owners to comprehensively enhance the primary face of their commercial, industrial, or mixed-use buildings facing the street.
Download the Notice of Funding Availability
The program is part of the City’s Vibrancy Initiative, which is designed to enhance the city’s vitality by supporting revitalization efforts that create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve structures in our community. The grant reimburses a portion of eligible expenses incurred during a facade improvement project.
The City partners with business development organizations to provide application and project support to applicants at no cost.
Note: A building is not eligible to receive both a Facade Improvement Grant and a White Box Grant in the same year.
Questions?
Please email your questions to vibrancy@toledo.oh.gov
Application Process
Check Eligibility
15 minutes
There are requirements for the applicant, building use, and project type. Take a few minutes to check if you, your space, and your ideas work for this funding opportunity.
| Eligible Applicants Are: |
|---|
in good standing with– |
Owner of a ground-floor commercial space that is |
Tenant in a ground-floor commercial space and can provide – |
Note: A building owner and tenant may apply together
| Building Is: |
|---|
In the City of Toledo |
| Ground-floor commercial spaces |
| Zoned for the proposed use |
| Building Is Not: |
|---|
| Single or multi-family residential |
Self-Storage |
| Internet Café |
| Car Wash |
Payday Loan Business |
| Pawn Shop |
| Firearm/Weapons Dealer |
| Tobacco/Vape, or Marijuana Store |
| Adult Entertainment |
| Project Is: |
|---|
| Materials and Paint for Building Face |
| New Windows and/or Doors |
| New Gutters and Downspouts |
| Stairs, Ramp, or Sidewalk Improvements |
| Exterior Lighting |
| Permanent Signage |
| New Awnings or Canopies |
| Walk-Up Service Window |
| Permanent Patio or Deck |
| Artist Mural |
| Project Is Not: |
|---|
| Paving |
| Landscaping |
| Fencing |
If you meet these criteria, you can submit a pre-application.
Submit Pre-Application
Open April 6th at 9:00 AM - May 1st at 5:00pm, 2026
Applicant must submit a pre-application to officially determine eligibility and project readiness. The City will review pre-applications on a rolling basis.
Submit Application
Closes May 8th, 2026 at 5:00pm
Successful pre-applicants are invited to apply for the grant funding. Application must be complete and submitted by 5 p.m. on May 8th to move to the Committee Review.
Committee Review
All complete applications are reviewed by the Vibrancy Review Committee. The Committee will submit the scoring results and recommendations to the Mayor who will make the final decision on which projects receive funding.
See the Evaluation Criteria
Awards
May 15th, 2026
Awards will be announced. All applicants will receive an email at the end of the review period letting them know whether they have been awarded funding or not.
Post-Award Process
Grant Agreement
Deadline: May 22, 2026
Before Construction Begins
Awardees will need to provide:
- W-9
- Vendor Registration Form
- Copy of Commercial Building Insurance Policy
- Entity Operating Agreement
- Proof of Funds or Bank Commitment Letter
Awardees schedule pre-development meeting with the Economic Development Department to review project details.
Begin Construction
Deadline: August 14th, 2026
Construction must begin no later than August 14th. Awardees must also execute a Restrictive Covenant with the Lucas County Recorder's Office. The property may not be sold without the City's approval before December 1, 2028.
Complete Construction
December 4, 2026
The full scope of work must be complete by December 4. Awardee must also secure a Certificate of Zoning Compliance or Certificate of Completion in order to apply for reimbursement.
Reimbursement
Deadline: December 4, 2026
Once the work is complete, the awardee can apply for reimbursement.
The awardee will need to submit:
- Itemized invoices for all eligible expenses
- Proof of payment for eligible expenses
- Photographs of completed work
- Copy of Zoning Compliance or Certificate of Completion
DISCLAIMER
The Department of Economic Development, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to modify the above dates; suspend, amend, or modify the provisions of this Notice of Funding Availability, to waive selected requirements or limitations herein, to reject all proposals, to negotiate modifications of proposals, or to award less than the full amount of the funding available; all in its sole and absolute discretion.
Questions?
Please email your questions to vibrancy@toledo.oh.gov