Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) is pleased to announce our 2020 Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program.

HEC has committed funds raised from last year’s Decorator Show House to our mission of preserving and restoring historic properties in Howard County. While our passion for preservation can be seen throughout the County, our primary focus for this grant cycle is the improvement of properties within the Ellicott City Historic District. The Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program will provide direct assistance for the rehabilitation, sustainment, and preservation of properties within the Ellicott City National Historic District boundaries.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the 2020 calendar year. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first served basis.

Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. Preference will be given to those projects that exhibit a cost-sharing agreement.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Any building owner, store owner, building tenant (with authorization from the property owner) for profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and religious institutions are eligible to apply.

WHAT ARE THE PROJECT GUIDELINES?
Eligible projects include but are not limited to the following list:
• Painting • Awnings • Lighting/Security/Safety Devices • Signage repair/new signage • Masonry repair • Door/window repair and replacement • Stabilization and/or rehabilitation of historic properties • Roof replacement & repair • Exterior beautification & curb appeal enhancements • Educational, research, and planning efforts related to preservation.

GRANT CRITERIA:
• Relative historical and cultural significance of the project(s) • Urgency of the need for financial assistance • Administrative capability of the applicant; matching funds in-hand • Extent to which the project stimulates or promotes other preservation activities • Extent to which the project leverages other sources of financial assistance • Readiness of the applicant to initiate and complete the project.

A complete Grant Packet, which includes more about the grant process, the grant program application instructions and application, and more information can be obtained here: 2020 Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program Packet

Any questions regarding this application or the HEC grant process should be directed to HEC Grant Committee at info@historicec.com.

UPDATE: July 2020
Announcement Regarding HEC’s Revitalization Grant Program

In May, HEC announced a 2020 Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program, through which the organization has committed funds to provide direct assistance for the rehabilitation, sustainment, and preservation of properties within the Ellicott City National Historic District boundaries.

During the past 3 months, HEC has considered several applications. In reviewing them, we would like to make grant applicants aware that HEC has a limited amount of funds to support this program and that the award of these funds will be determined on a competitive basis. The best applications are those that address the requirements of the Grant Program and satisfy the 6 Grant Criteria items described on the 1st page of the grant packet. These are the projects that will have the highest probability of receiving a Grant award.  It’s important that applicants provide significant detail regarding the scope of their project and explain why the project needs to be addressed.  It’s also important that at least 2 quotes from qualified contractors for the same scope of work be provided.  For example, if your project is to replace windows, then ensure that you provide a clear specification for the windows such as type and quality and then provide 2 contractor quotes for the same type and quality of window.

Each of the 6 Grant Criteria items listed on page 1 should be addressed in detail, explaining how the grant request supports these items.  These items will be scored by the HEC Grant Selection Committee and will be important to determine which applicants will be awarded funds.

Please feel free to contact HEC should you need any further explanation of the grant applications requirements.