"Beautifying Alameda" Grant
Beautify Your Community with Our Business Grant
The Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District (ACBID) is proud to launch our “Beautifying Alameda” Grant Program! The program is designed to encourage exterior improvements to existing commercial buildings and properties in the West Alameda Area and produce positive, visible changes impacting the building location. The program goals are to help property owners fix up their properties and stimulate reinvestment in the Alameda Corridor.
Grant applications are analyzed on a case-by-case basis that examines the improvement’s visibility along the Alameda corridor, the level of participation by the commercial property owner and/or business owner, and project readiness.
Key Features
Applying For the Grant
- Grants may be up to a maximum of $25,000 per property, to be reimbursed all at once in the 2024 funding cycle.
- A 5% match from the property owner is required for the full project cost.
- Grants will be awarded based on projects producing the most visible changes and maximum quality impact to the visual environment and best aligns with the priorities of the BID.
- All grants are awarded on a competitive basis as funding allows.
- Funding is limited and the amount awarded for a project is at the discretion of the ACBID Board of Directors.
- Work in progress or work performed before a complete application is both submitted and approved is not eligible for a grant.
Total Grant Amount: $5000
Grant Award Criteria
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- Businesses who attend our monthly Community Meetings and/or our quarterly Crime Prevention discussions will be granted higher priority.
- Safety and security improvement impact of the project.
- Compatibility of the project with the ACBID Corridor Security goals and CPTED recommendations.
- Amount of investment by the property or business owner into improvements, with a minimum cash match of 5%.
- Assurances by the owner to commence work within 30 days of grant approval and submit for reimbursement before Dec 31, 2025.
- Assurances by the owner of long-term maintenance of the improvements, such as a signed maintenance plan agreement, and commitment to the Alameda location and to participation in Business Watch.
Eligible Activities — Eligible activities include a wide range of improvements designed to elevate a property’s value and appeal, categorized into three simple areas for easy review.
- Upgrade the Look (Curb Appeal), businesses can focus on things that instantly improve their visual presence, such as façade renovations, deep cleaning, new permanent signage, decorative awnings, and landscaping.
- Fix the Basics (Structure & Safety), attention is given to essential maintenance like replacing or repairing doors and windows, fixing external gutters, and addressing dangerous conditions.
- Improve the Site (Access & Parking), activities cover better customer navigation and safety, including parking lot repaving and lighting, sidewalk repair, enhancing ADA accessibility, and installing security cameras and lighting.
Submission Guidelines
Grant Application Form
What you need to do to apply for a Beautifying Alameda Grant
Complete application online.
Create a project budget with at least one qualified estimate for improvements from a licensed contractor, more if possible.
Upon completion of project, submit all project-related receipts, invoices and supporting payment documentation to ACBID staff within 30 days.
The 5% match is calculated based on full project cost at completion.
Schedule an on-site project walk-through with staff.
Await approval and reimbursement, usually 3-4 weeks.
APPROVAL PROCESS DEADLINES
Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as funds allow.
Applications for funding in 224 must be received by October 15 and reimbursed within the funding cycle, unless extenuating circumstances such as weather delay the project.
- ELIGIBILITY
- Business must be located in a commercial or retail Lakewood zone district in predetermined blocks along Alameda Ave. (see map)
- Business must have all necessary licenses to operate and be in good standing
- Individual centers and multi-tenant centers are eligible.
- Reimbursement is only valid for costs expended within a year of submitting the application.
We invite you to apply for our grant program designed to support innovative projects that benefit the Lakewood community. Please fill out the form below to submit your application.
FAQs: Beautifying Alameda Business Grant
What are some ideas for "Architectural Presentation (Curb Appeal)"?
Description: This category focuses on enhancing the primary visible surfaces of the building to create immediate visual impact and establish a clean, clear public identity.
- Building frontage or façade improvements.
- Awnings or canopies not considered signs.
- Deep Cleaning exterior building surface if painting is not needed.
- Permanent exterior monument signs.
- Permanent exterior art or mural installation.
- Exterior lighting permanent to building.
What are some ideas for "Functional Aesthetics (Fix the Basics)"?
Description: These improvements focus on high-touch and structural components—like windows and doors—to ensure they are highly functional, structurally sound, and contribute to the overall polished appearance.
- Door and window replacement.
- Construction or improvement of entranceways.
- Window repair – all building windows including, display windows, transom, basement or second story facing a public street or alley way.
- Gutters and/or downspouts visible on building exterior.
- Fencing and/or screening.
- Repairing dangerous or unhealthy conditions on the exterior of the property.
What are some ideas for "Site Infrastructure (Improve the Public Site)"?
Description: This section groups upgrades to the surrounding ground-level areas, including pedestrian access, vehicle areas, green space, and essential safety features that support the site’s functionality and curb appeal.
- Landscaping/Streetscaping –planters, benches, containers, and bike racks.
- Sidewalk repair and/or replacement – stamped or decorative brick work.
- Parking lot improvements – re-paving or re-striping of parking lots, de-paving for landscaping, creating buffer zones, garage enclosures, and lighting.
- Improving ADA accessibility.
- Security lighting and cameras (excluding monitoring contract).
What Our Grant Recipients Say
“We were very excited to receive our Alameda Connects “Small but Mighty” grant! Our exterior sign blade had our logo from 7 years ago on it, so we updated it to our “new” one to make our branding more uniform. We also got a sandwich board where we can have quotes of inspiration. We have had multiple shares of this on social media. The quotes not only make people feel inspired, but it also gives us more visibility.”
Valerie Savarie, Owner
Valkarie Gallery
“We used our “Small but Mighty” grant to upgrade the façade of our property facing Alameda with new LED architectural sconces. The new light improved our curb appeal, added illumination to the area, and helped us achieve our energy efficiency goals.”
Max de La Bruyere, Owner
Lafayette Property Company
Apply for Your "Beautifying Alameda" Grant Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to secure funding for your project. Complete the grant application now and take the next step towards making your vision a reality. At Alameda Connects, we’re here to support your growth and innovation.
One of many Alameda Connects Grants
Alameda Connects aims to empower local organizations and businesses by providing financial support for projects that enrich the community. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable environment in Lakewood, Colorado, by funding initiatives that align with our mission of community engagement and development. For over 20 years, the Alameda Connects Grant Programs have been dedicated to nurturing the heart of Lakewood.
Between Alameda Connects and the Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District, we have numerous grants built around the themes of beautification, sustainability, security, and community development. We strive to support projects that address community needs, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of belonging.
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