Façade Grant Program

Now Accepting 2025 Façade Grant Applications - Click here to apply for up to $5,000 in matching grants!

Mandatory Façade Grant Workshop Dates

(All applicants must attend at least one workshop or schedule a 1:1 by emailing Miles Campbell at mcampbell@christiansburg.org prior to the application deadline.)

April 24 (Thur.) Noon - 1p.m. virtual
May 22 (Thur.) 6-7p.m. Recreation Center Classroom 1
June 4 (Wed.) Noon - 1 p.m. virtual
June 5 (Thur.) 6-7 p.m. Recreation Center Classroom 1

Program History

In 2019, the Town of Christiansburg created a new program aimed at helping property or business owners improve their building façades and encourage investment in our historic central business areas. The Façade Grant Program, the first of its kind in the Town of Christiansburg, completed its first round in 2020, and was designed to improve the streetscape and strengthen partnerships with Downtown and Cambria stakeholders as well as encourage revitalization of older commercial buildings. Since then, with the original program goals in mind, the program has expanded and changed in a variety of ways including extended eligibility. This year nonprofits and owners of buildings in all areas of Town can apply to the The Façade Grant Program. For more information on who can apply, check out the Application Packet, here.

Mission Statement

The Façade Grant Program aims to help business owners, non-profit organizations, and mixed use and commercial property owners to improve their building façades and encourage investment in our business areas. The program prioritizes properties in our Downtown and Cambria areas. It is designed to enhance the streetscape, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and encourage revitalization of older buildings.

How does it work?

Between now and June 30, 2025, eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 matching grant through the Town. The application can be found here.

A selection committee will review the applications and select finalists to receive the grant awards. Town Council will make the final approval of grant recipients.

Once grants are awarded, the applicant will be required to contract and perform all building improvements by June 30, 2026. Upon completion of work, the awardee can submit receipts, or invoices with proof of payment, to the Town for reimbursement up to the maximum awarded grant.

Criteria to Apply

The building must be located within the town limits of Christiansburg, VA.
The building must be occupied or in the process of being renovated.
Property must be zoned as B-1, B-2, B-3, I-1, I-2, MU-1, or MU-2
If business owner is different from property owner, must have consent of property owner(s).
The proposed project focusses on the façade, or an approved side of the building as determined by the selection committee.
Must be willing, able, commit to, and demonstrate equal match of the grant awards in project investment.
Nonprofits only: Have not received any other budgeted Town funds or Town grants in the current fiscal year.

How does the Committee select award winners?

The Façade Grant Program selection committee will score applications based on a variety of categories using a weighted rubric. There are three primary points of focus for scoring including:

Project's impact on the community
Alignment with the Town's planning goals
Historical significance

We recommend reviewing the the rubric on page 6 of the Application Packet. This will help give insight to applicants on higher scoring projects that are more likely to be approved.

What type of work can be done with the grant?

Eligible work that REQUIRES a professional design submitted with the application:

Stabilization of building’s façade
Removal of historically inconsistent materials from façades, such as wooden board, plywood, vinyl, siding, and replacement windows, if restoring original details underneath, such as transom windows
Restoration of original windows, replacement of windows with period-correct versions, reopening of bricked-up windows
Repair, restoration, or replacement of period correct architectural details such as cornices, dormers, doors, lintels, window pediments, columns, and similar details deemed to be contributing to the character of the building
Decorative façade painting

Eligible work that does NOT REQUIRE a professional design submitted with the application:

Painting in historic or period-accurate colors
Restoration of historic painted signage
Hardscaping and/or landscaping improvements in area between the front of the building and public street

Work that is NOT eligible:

Landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, trimming hedges, etc.)
Landscaping, hardscaping, and/or painting in historic or period-accurate colors will not be considered as a standalone project but may be considered in conjunction with other approved façade work.

How can I learn more?

Contact the Town of Christiansburg's Small Business Solutions Manager, Miles Campbell at (540) 382-6128, ext.1131 or mcampbell@christiansburg.org.