Grants

Grant Opportunities That Support Safety and Beautification

Investing in your property not only boosts your business—it also enhances safety and livability in the Arts District. Grants available through the City of Richmond can help fund improvements like better lighting, secure entrances, updated signage, and fresh storefront designs. These upgrades don’t just beautify—they deter crime by increasing visibility, foot traffic, and community pride. Whether you're restoring a historic façade, renovating interiors, or relocating to a safer, more vibrant corridor, these grants can support your goals while strengthening the neighborhood for everyone.

These three programs specific to our area are the Care, Enterprise and Facade grants. With any grant program, please contact the administrators directly to check current funding before expecting to be reimbursed for work done. Each program comes with its own expectations from the city, regulations and boundaries.

1. CARE Grants: The Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) grants offer a 50% rebate—up to $25,000 per building or $50,000 for multiple buildings—for interior or exterior improvements to commercial structures in Richmond’s designated CARE zones https://www.richmondeda.com/enterprise-zone-and-care-program-map/

2. Enterprise Grants: Richmond’s Enterprise Zone incentives include rebates and grants—such as up to $10K for business relocation, 50% rebates on new machinery, job creation bonuses, and fee reimbursements—all aimed at fostering commercial and industrial growth within the city’s enterprise zones

 https://www.richmondeda.com/enterprise-zone-and-care-program-map/

3. Façade Grants: The Arts & Cultural District Façade Improvement Program matches up to 50% of eligible façade renovation costs—capped by building type and size—to revitalize storefronts and enhance the visual appeal of properties in Richmond’s Arts District. https://rva.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/Facade%20Improvement%20Grant%20Program%20Description_0.pdf