Qualified business and/or commercial property owners in Opelousas can now apply for grant funds for building rehabilitation work through the Building Improvement Grant (BIG).
Donor Name: City of Opelousas
State: Louisiana
City: Opelousas
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000
Details:
Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas, and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is excited to announce the third year of funding for the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This matching grant program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, complementing other community development efforts and preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets.
Building Improvement Grant Program
The BIG program is a reimbursement grant program that gives business/property owners an incentive to renovate and rehabilitate their building located within the designated ODDD. Preference will be given to applications whose buildings are also located within the Main Street District. The grant program is made possible through a partnership by the City of Opelousas, Opelousas Downtown Development District and Opelousas Main Street.
Goal
The goal of the BIG program is to preserve the city’s historic identity and cultural assets while stimulating local investment.
Funding Information
- This year the program will offer a total of $50,000 in grant funds for selected projects.
- The maximum amount that can be applied for is $10,000. Grant award amounts must be matched dollar for dollar by the recipient. An applicant is only allowed one grant per fiscal year.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Building Improvement Grants are awarded for tangible and permanent building improvements, inclusive of the following:
- Restoration/Renovation of building
- Awnings (without signage)
- Brick cleaning or re-pointing of brick and other masonry
- Accent Lighting
- Removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street
- Window restoration
- Door replacement
- Restoration of original exterior/interior architectural features
- Interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, plumbing
- Work on roofs, cornices, gutters and down spouts
- Cleaning, preparation and painting of walls and trim
For more information, visit City of Opelousas.
