1. Baltimore Development Corporation – Facade Improvement Grant (FIG)

Best for: Exterior renovation of storefronts and business buildings

• Provides matching grants for improvements like:

  • Storefront renovation

  • Doors, windows, signage, lighting

  • Masonry repair, awnings, accessibility improvements

• Open to business owners and commercial property owners in Baltimore City

• Funding paid as reimbursement after completion

• Helps improve neighborhood business districts and attract customers

• Estimated grant amount:

  • Typically $5,000–$30,000 (varies by district)

  Contact:
  Baltimore Development Corporation
  Phone: (410) 837-9305
  Website: baltimoredevelopment.com

• or https://www.baltimoredevelopment.com/doing-business/facade-improvement-grant

2. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Neighborhood BusinessWorks (Business Boost Microgrants)

Best for: Renovation, expansion, and interior build-out

• Provides $20,000–$50,000 grants

• Funds can be used for:

  • Renovation and expansion

  • Interior build-out

  • Community classroom spaces

  • Exterior improvements

• Priority for businesses that positively impact local communities 

Ideal for:

• Community resource centers

• Workforce training facilities

• Faith-based outreach facilities

• Press Release at https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2025/03/28/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-awards-over-450000-in-business-boost-microgrants-to-expand-businesses-in-baltimore-region/

3. Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development – Community Catalyst Grants (CCG)

Best for: Major renovation projects tied to community services

• Provides capital grants for building rehabilitation and community revitalization

• Up to $2 million available per funding round citywide

• Supports projects improving underserved neighborhoods 

Eligible uses include:

• Building rehabilitation

• Community service space construction

• Facility build-outs

Best if your business provides:

• Workforce development

• Community services

• Education or health outreach

Read more at https://www.baltimorecity.gov/dhcd/our-work/neighborhood-development/city-grant-opportunities/ccgrants

4. Maryland DHCD – Maryland Facade Improvement Program

Best for: Major exterior rehabilitation projects

• Covers capital costs for façade and building exterior improvements

• Focused on Sustainable Communities areas (many Baltimore neighborhoods qualify) 

Eligible uses:

• Structural repairs

• Exterior modernization

• ADA accessibility improvements

Read more at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/StateRevitalizationPrograms/MFIP.aspx

5. Maryland DHCD – Project Restore 2.0

Best for: Renovating vacant buildings into community-serving businesses

• Grants up to $300,000

• Funds can be used for:

  • Renovation

  • Leasehold improvements

  • Activating vacant commercial buildings

• Focus on revitalizing business corridors

Read more at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/Small-Business-Grants.aspx

6. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Baltimore Regional Neighborhood Initiative (BRNI)

Best for: Large rehabilitation and community development projects

• Supports:

  • Commercial renovation

  • Community facilities

  • Mixed-use buildings

• Part of statewide revitalization funding exceeding $69.5 million

Read more from Press Release at https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/Governor-Moore-Announces-%2469-5-Million-in-Awards-for-Statewide-Community-Revitalization-and-Economic-Development.aspx

7. Baltimore Main Streets – Main Street Improvement Grants

Best for: Businesses located in designated Baltimore Main Street districts

Provides funding for:

• Building renovation

• Streetscape improvements

• Business revitalization
  These grants help revitalize local commercial districts and stimulate economic growth.

Read past Press Release at https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-announces-162-million-to-support-small-businesses-and-community-revitalization-across-maryland.aspx

Additional Major Grant Sources You Should Apply To

Federal Grants (High Funding Potential)

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

• U.S. Small Business Administration – Community Advantage and facility grants

These can fund renovation if serving low-income communities.

Estimated Funding You Can Potentially Combine

Typical combined funding stack:

• Facade Improvement Grant: $5,000–$30,000

• Business Boost Microgrant: $20,000–$50,000

• Project Restore: up to $300,000

• Community Catalyst Grant: $50,000–$500,000+

• BRNI Grant: $50,000–$500,000

Total possible funding stack:
$75,000 to $500,000+ depending on project scope

Best Grants for Your Situation (Highest Approval Odds)

Since your business helps community residents, prioritize:

1. Neighborhood BusinessWorks (Business Boost)

2. Community Catalyst Grants

3. Project Restore

4. Baltimore Facade Improvement Grant

5. Baltimore Main Streets Grant

These specifically favor community-impact businesses.