The Monticello Building Improvement Grant program is designed to improve the quality of the buildings to house existing and potential businesses, focusing on the physical infrastructure, increasing property tax base, and expanding the sales tax base.
Donor Name: City of Monticello
State: Illinois
City: Monticello
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 06/15/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The BIG program is a reimbursable grant program, providing a reimbursement of up to 50% of approved eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement potential of $10,000.
Objectives of the BIG Program
As stated in the Monticello Business District Plan, funds received from the Monticello Business District as it relates to the Monticello Building Improvement Grant program are to be used to achieve the following objectives:
- Improve the building conditions of commercial and industrial properties within the District.
- Facilitate the repair, renovation, rehabilitation and restoration of deteriorated structures.
- Provide assistance in facilitating the highest level of public safety to the community.
- Enhance the sales tax base of the District through small business retention and recruitment.
- Enhance the property tax base of the District by encouraging redevelopment and investment.
Eligible Projects
Examples of eligible project costs include, but are not limited to:
- Demolition and reconstruction of all or part of an existing building or structure
- Cost of materials affiliated with an improvement project for a structure
- Cost of labor affiliated with an improvement project, if labor is performed by someone other than property owner and/or applicant.
- Façade reconstruction or improvements, including painting and tuckpointing
- Signage, murals and awnings (no billboards)
- Patio, landscaping or sidewalk improvements (private property only)
- Roof replacement or repairs
- Window or door replacement
- Life-safety improvements (fire suppression, firewall, sprinkler systems, etc.)
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades
- Mechanical improvements/ HVAC
- Interior and exterior ADA compliance.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are minimum requirements that all applicants must meet to be eligible to participate in the BIG program:
- The applicant must be the property owner or business tenant of an existing or incoming business (signed lease required) of a commercial or industrial-zoned property within the Monticello Business District. If the applicant is a tenant of the subject property, applicant must include the signed written consent form of the property owner agreeing to the proposed project.
- Local and State taxes, permit fees, and City of Monticello licenses and service accounts must be current at the time of application, with no fines or ordinance violations unresolved. Where applicable, the business must be in good standing with the State of Illinois.
- A plan adequately describing the improvements to be performed along with official estimates or proposals for the project must be submitted at the time of application. The plan should include a project budget and construction schedule. The budget form should be completed, identifying total project costs, funding sources, and include proof that applicant has allocated contingency funds (typically 10% of total project cost) available to address unexpected issues.
For more information, visit City of Monticello.
