Mayor's Urban Neighborhood Initiative - Front Porch

FRONT PORCH PROGRAM

Application Form (PDF)
The Front Porch Program provides matching grants to make façade improvements to residential properties in the Near North Neighborhood. The goals for this project are to help improve the appearance and desirability of the Near North Neighborhood as a residential area, and increase property values.

About The Progam

Property owners can apply for a matching grant of up to $5,000 per eligible property through this program. An additional $2,500 grant may be availabe to do authentic restoration work on historic properties. All grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar with private funds. The minimum grant award is $1,000, for an minimum eligible project cost of $2,000.

Eligible work includes:
  • Construction/reconstruction of architecturally appropriate front porches
  • Repairs to existing front porches/steps/walks (including shingling, structural repairs)
  • Repair/replacement/reconstruction of original exterior woodwork/trimwork
  • Reversal of architecturally inappropriate exterior alterations/additions (including repair/replacement of windows and doors) on the front façade only
  • Exterior painting and siding repair
  • Landscaping

The Program will not fund:
Structural repairs to the house Additions
Garages/driveways Interior work
Rear porches/decks Fences

Application Process

Applications will be processed by the City’s Office of Urban Development on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is obligated. Applicants will fill out a short application form and attach a description of the project, including budget. For larger projects, drawings will be required. Applications will be reviewed and approved by staff at Urban Development, City Inspections, and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Once a project has been approved, Urban Development will send a Notice to Proceed. Staff will make periodic site visits to ensure that the work described in the application is being implemented. Since this is a dollar-for-dollar matching program, and funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis only, grant recipients must provide invoices and/or receipts for double the amount of requested funds. A 10% retainage will be withheld to incent timely project completion.




City of Grand Forks
255 N 4th Street * Grand Forks, ND 58203 * Phone (701) 746-INFO