The city of Newport announced that applications for two new grant programs are officially open.
The Business Facade Grant Program and the Newport Home Repair Program are aimed at improving commercial corridors and helping homeowners address critical health and safety issues. Both programs were authorized by the board of commissioners through partnerships with ReNewport and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati.
“We’re leveraging public dollars with strong nonprofit partners to get real, tangible results,” said Newport City Manager John Hayden. “A well-maintained storefront and a safe, dry home are foundational to a strong neighborhood. Partnering with ReNewport and Habitat for Humanity allows us to address both in a way that is accessible to the residents and businesses who need it most.”
The Business Facade Grant Program will provide $50,000 in matching grants for exterior improvements to commercial buildings, with the city of Newport and ReNewport each contributing $25,000. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to for-profit commercial property owners, who must provide a 50% match on the awarded amount. The program will be administered jointly by the city of Newport and ReNewport, and applications will close at 5 p.m. on June 5.
“ReNewport is excited to partner and collaborate with the city of Newport to launch the very vital and highly requested Business Facade Program,” said Gordon Henry, president of ReNewport. “We believe the program will be an additional tool to help spur new businesses and help current businesses potentially activate and attract more customers. We look forward to this partnership and growing the program.”
The Newport Home Repair Program will provide $75,000 in critical home repair grants, drawing on $25,000 each from the City of Newport, Habitat for Humanity and ReNewport.
The program is open to owner-occupied households at or below 80% of Area Median Income, with priority given to West Newport. Funds are structured as grants, and homeowners pay nothing out of pocket. The program will be administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the city and ReNewport to launch this program,” said President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Joe Hansbauer. “At a time when housing costs have skyrocketed, it is important to support existing homeowners with necessary repairs so they can remain safe and stable in their homes and in their communities.”
For more information and how to apply, click here.