How do I apply?

We strongly recommend submitting your application online to ensure quick review of your application materials. However, you may submit a hard copy of your application if necessary by droping your materials off in person at City Hall. Details for submitting online and for dropping a copy off in person are below. 

To submit your application online, visit the application website, fill out the online application form, and upload the required attachments.

If you do not have the ability to submit materials online, you may drop off a hard copy. Deliver your complete application package to City Hall in a sealed envelope in the secure drop-box in the lobby of the Department of Planning and Community Development on the 6th Floor of City Hall, 101 W. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.

I’m applying for a Pop-Up Patio permit. Can I combine my applications?

Yes. If you are submitting a Pop-Up Patio permit application, you may upload all materials to the grant application website for routing to the proper City Department OR you may include the Pop-Up Patio application with permit fees in your hard-copy grant application dropped off to City Hall.

What format should I submit my documents in?

All materials should be submitted as PDF or docx files. The maximum file size is 20 MB.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

Yes. All materials may be signed digitally to allow for remote submissions.

Will I receive notification that my application was received?

Yes. Once you hit “submit” on the application website you will be taken to a confirmation page. Print or save a copy of this notification for your records. You will receive a separate confirmation email from City staff once your application has been screened for completeness and eligibility.

Will I be taxed on the grant amount?

Yes. This grant is considered taxable income. 

How will grants be awarded?

Grants will be awarded based on the following award criteria: 

• Level of detail provided in the application (1-5)
• Appropriateness of cost and justification for budget items (1-10)
• Overall Community Impact including:
  • Geographic location (1-5)
  • The businesses community involvement and social consciousness (0-2)
  • Support to minority and disadvantaged business owners (0-1)
• Ability to meet the required deadline of November 20 to spend funding. (1-5)

What are my obligations if I receive this award?

In order to remain in compliance with the grant terms, you must sign a grant agreement, submit a final report that details all eligible expenses by November 20th, 2020, and keep clear records of your grant expenses for 5 years in case of audit.

Under no circumstances are you permitted to use any of the awarded funding for purposes other than those outlined in the grant agreement and herein and you acknowledge and agree that any unauthorized use of the funding is a breach of this grant award and such breach shall result in: (1) the return of the funding in the total amount of your award to the City immediately; (2) the divestment of any profits or gains made from the funding; and (3) your cooperation with all auditing and procedures as may be required, including but not limited to the obligation to pay all costs associated with the audit.

How will I be notified if I am selected to receive a grant?

Grant award recipients will be notified by email 1 week after receipt of a completed application.

When will grant funds be awarded?

Grant funds will be processed 3 weeks after notifications are issued and will be mailed to the address listed on the application.

What is the process for getting my payment?

Grants will be issued by check made payable to the legal business name and mailed to the address included on the application form.

My project cost less than I estimated. What do I do with the extra funds I received?

As soon as you know that your estimated project expenses will total less than your grant award, reach out to City staff to discuss the situation. Call or email Susan Vincent at (937) 333-3683 or susan.vincent@daytonohio.gov. 

Businesses may be asked to return the funds or you may be asked to submit a revised grant application detailing how you intend to spend the remainder of the funds. All additional award considerations are subject to availability of funds, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and will follow the original grant approval criteria outlined in this program.

My project cost more than I estimated. How do I cover the extra costs?

As soon as you know that your estimated project expenses total more than your grant award, reach out to City staff to discuss the situation. Call or email Susan Vincent at (937) 333-3683 or susan.vincent@daytonohio.gov. Your business may be responsible for covering the extra costs which is why it is important to have accurate estimates as part of your original budget submission.

Businesses may be eligible to submit a revised grant application detailing how you intend to spend the additional funds; however, no awardee may receive more than $10,000 in grant funds. All additional award considerations are subject to availability of funds, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and will follow the original grant approval criteria outlined in this program.