CHINATOWN AND DOWNTOWN FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, in partnership with the City of Fresno is providing a total of $360,000 for façade improvements under the City of Fresno General Fund. The intent is to strengthen the economic vitality of Fresno by improving the exterior physical appearance of commercial businesses and non-profits within the eligible areas in Chinatown and Downtown.
The Program is designed to fund commercial façade improvements visible from public right-of-way.
Apply for the façade Improvement Program
The program provides funding for façade improvement projects to approved applicants interested in enhancing existing business space exterior. Grant proceeds will be used for labor and materials directly related to the façade project. Upon approval, the grants will reimburse up to $20,000 after FAHF & CITY deems the project complete and verify submitted invoices and proof of payments. Approved applicants must provide a 25% match of the total approved grant amount.
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Applications shall be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Priority will be given to businesses in the Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIGC Project Boundary). New construction is not eligible in this grant program.
$20,000
Maximum Reimbursement
with a 25% match which can 6-months retroactive
Eligibility Requirements
& Guidelines
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Must have an active Business Tax Certificate and be in good standing with the City of Fresno.
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Business/Non-Profit must be currently in operation at the qualified location.
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A 25% match is required which can be fulfilled retroactively 6 months from the application submission date. Proper documentation must be provided including, but not limited to, proof of purchase, payment, and/or invoices.
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Priority will be given to businesses in the Infill Infrastructure Grant – Catalytics Qualifying Area (IIGC Project Boundary) identified on the map below.
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MUST have 75 or fewer employees. An employee working 40 hours per week equals 1.0 FTE; Employee working 20 hours per week equals .5 PTE.
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If a Non-profit, MUST submit IRS Determination Letter and certification of good standing with the state of California.
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MUST submit a signed letter of approval from the building owner approving the façade project for those tenants with long-term leases.
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All work must be done by a contractor licensed by the State Contractors License Board, have a valid City of Fresno Tax Certificate and obtained all needed permits for the project(s).
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MUST submit licensed contractor information for verification to FAHF before the project start date.
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MUST submit proof of insurance for the licensed contractor before the project start date.
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MUST commence the façade project after grant award confirmation is received and complete project by September 2025.
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MUST submit before and after pictures.
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Preference will be given to locally owned and operated applicants.
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Only EXTERIOR façade renovations of EXISTING businesses or nonprofits are eligible.
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Historic properties must comply with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures and receive approval from the City of Fresno Historic Preservation Commission prior to funding.
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Businesses owned (in whole or part) by City of Fresno Staff, Council members, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation Staff, or their spouses or domestic partners are NOT eligible.
