FAQ – Are nonprofits eligible?
No - Businesses must meet the definition of a small business meaning they:
(1) Have no more than 500 employees, or if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates, and
(2)Are a small business concern as defined in Section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field of operation).
Do applicants need to satisfy both the building owner and business owner requirement?
No. If a business owner does not qualify, then a building owner may apply if they meet the 2020 ownership requirement.
Do I have to complete a design review prior to applying for the Grant Program?
An applicant may submit an application for the Grant Program prior to getting their design review applications approved.
Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the Planning Division throughout the Grant application process to ensure their Façade/CEPTED plans are consistent with City design guidelines.
How much will the City Cover? The program allows applicants to request up to:
(1) $15,000 maximum or up to 50% of the project, whichever is less, for the façade improvement. Examples:
a. If the total cost of the project is $45,000, the City would contribute $15,000 and the applicant must cover the additional $30,000. b. If the total cost of the project is $10,000, the City would contribute $5,000 and the applicant would cover the additional $5,000.
(2) $7,500 maximum or up to 50% of the project, whichever is less, for CPTED property enhancement.
Examples: a. If the total cost of the project is $30,000, the City would contribute $7,500 and the applicant must cover the additional $22,500.
b. If the total cost of the project is $15,000, the City would contribute $7,500 and the applicant would cover the additional $7,500.
(3) Final award amounts will be determined by City staff Timeline after approval?
If the grant has been approved by City Staff, the City of Escondido will draft and agreement for the payment of the grant amount approved. Drafting an agreement may take up to two weeks, so planning a project timeline to reflect this additional period of time is essential for reimbursement.
The City will pay applicants once their invoices have been submitted post-project and a contract is finalized. Payments are mailed to the applicant after all required documents are submitted for review and approval.
Payment will be made within 30 days of reimbursement submission and approval.
Grant Funding Application deadline?
Review meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month; therefore, applications should be submitted no later than the second Thursday of every month.
What documents do I need to submit? In order to apply for this grant you must complete the survey form on the Grant Homepage. In addition to completing this, you must also attach the following documents:
Please note, if you are applying for both Facade Improvement and CPTED Property Enhancement funding then you must include attachments 1-5 for each project.
1. Project Application
2. Detailed Project Description The project narrative should relate how the project will fulfill the criteria that staff will use to review the application. Specifically:
• In detail, what improvements are being done and why they are necessary
• The history of the building • How the project will benefit the community and the immediate streetscape
• The estimated project start and completion dates.
3. Detailed Project Budget The project budget should identify each component mentioned (including labor at a prevailing wage) and a detail of each component part, cost of unit, number of units, and total cost.
For projects of complexity, a cover sheet showing total component costs split into labor and materials helps.
• Photographs of current conditions for each area of requested funding
• Photographs that are taken from far away to get the general scope
• Photographs that are taken up close to show detail
• Photographs of the facade and business sign as seen from a street side view
4. Renderings of Proposed Changes • A proposed “after picture”, rendering, or engineering/architectural elevation showing the finished product.
Exhibits must be in color.
• Material or textile examples.
5. Federal W-9 Form This form should identify the individual or organization to be reimbursed. If the recipient is an organization or business, proof must be provided that the grant signatory has the authority to sign.
6. Facade Improvement and CPTED Property Enhancement Funding checklist 7. Signed Terms and Conditions 8. Proof of property owner authorization
• Not required if the applicant is the property owner