Thank you for your interest in the Spokane Neighborhood Business District Activation Grants!
A total of $20,000 is available to be awarded competitively in Spring 2025 within each of the four eligible neighborhood business districts. A matching grant element will help to expand the reach of these grants to increase district impact! This grant, funded by the City of Spokane’s ARPA funding, is intended to provide support to business and property owners who embark on projects to improve the visible appearance and functionality, as well as to increase placemaking efforts within each district.
ARPA Grant Funding Provided by:
Office Hours
Drop in to our virtual office hours/info sessions to learn more and ask questions on Zoom:
- March 11: 9:00-10:00 am. Event complete.
- March 13: 4:30-5:30 pm. Event complete.
- March 28: 12:30-1:30 pm. Use this link.
Information & FAQ
Eligibility
This Activation Grant program is open to business owners, property owners, and non-profit organizations working and serving within the Garland, Hillyard, North Monroe, and South Perry Neighborhood Business Districts.
Purpose of Activation Grants
These smaller projects aim to provide and show impact within business districts in the Spring and Summer of 2025. Consider these important and “quick win” projects to support businesses and district needs immediately.
Activation Grant Timeline
- March 10: Applications available
- April 7: Applications due by 11:59 pm
- Mid-Late April: Applicants may be asked to clarify application information
- May 7: Grant decisions communicated on or before this date
- May 14: Signed project agreements due. Projects may not begin until agreements are signed.
- May-August: Project implementation.
- August 31: Funded projects must be implemented or completed no later than this date
Funding Available
Each of the four districts is allotted up to $20,000 in Activation Grant funding. Individual projects can receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. While projects may be awarded up to the $5,000 maximum, the final amount will depend on several factors, including: the project’s requested budget, its overall cost, the review committee’s assessment, and the availability of funds. The expenses must not have been incurred before the signed project agreement date.
One-to-One Matching Grant Details
This is a one-to-one matching grant, meaning applicants must secure contributions dollar-for-dollar equal to the requested grant amount to fully unlock its potential. For every dollar requested from this grant, you must demonstrate securing an equivalent dollar from your personal funds or from other sources. These matching contributions can be either financial or in-kind. Financial contributions are direct monetary donations. In-kind contributions include the documented fair market value of donated goods, services, or volunteer time that directly support the project. We will utilize the Independent Sector’s volunteer time valuation, currently $40.28 per hour in Washington State.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Activation Grants fund impactful projects with visible and immediate results in Spring and Summer 2025. Funds may be used to reimburse costs of materials and labor including, but not limited to, the following types of projects:
- Community engagement events and marketing initiatives (especially those benefiting multiple stakeholders or the district as a whole)
- Safety enhancements (e.g., improved lighting, repaired vandalism, improved crime prevention through environmental design)
- Beautification (e.g., murals, facade improvements, and greenspaces)
- Parking lot enhancement or pop-up parklet activation
- Note: Routine or deferred maintenance is not eligible for funding.
May I apply for a project at more than one property within the district?
Yes. You may submit applications for projects on multiple properties. While all applications will be considered, the intent is to distribute funds equitably among as many different businesses and properties as possible throughout each district.
Might partial funding be available?
Yes, partial funding may be offered, subject to the selection committee’s evaluation and the desire for balanced funding throughout each district.
Selection Criteria and Scoring Rubric
Grants will be reviewed by a committee and scored based on set criteria, along with discretion by the selection committee members. Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria, including, but not limited to:
- Alignment with neighborhood values, including clear connections to make your business district more resilient, welcoming, beautiful, safe, equitable, and connected.
- Contribution to long-term district viability
- Equitable and positive impact on small businesses within the district
- Enhancement of walkability, access, safety, and sense of place for residents
- Demonstrated project feasibility and readiness
- Alignment with existing city/regional priorities
Who will select the funded projects?
Activation Grants will be selected by the Spokane-based Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Team alongside partners from the City of Spokane, using the criteria listed above. This allows leaders within the business districts to also apply for funding without conflict of interest.
Notification of Award
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email within the first week of May. Funded projects will receive a contract agreement to sign at that time.
Grant Agreement
Awardees will be informed of their selection by the Washington Trust staff promptly after the selection process is completed. Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement, outlining the terms of the award, before project commencement and incurring eligible expenses.
Funding Disbursement
Only approved project costs will be reimbursed. Upon project completion, proof of costs and payments must be submitted for reimbursement up to the awarded amount. Before and after photos and a brief narrative project summary must also be submitted. Projects must be completed or implemented by August 31, 2025, to receive reimbursement.
Need Support Crafting Your Proposal?
The team at SIMBA (Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance) can provide one-on-one grant writing support for free for any businesses applying for Activation Grants. This support may include clarifying and strengthening ideas, editing, and the like. Interested in accessing this gift of a free resource? Visit the SIMBA Business Support link.