DDP Property Improvement Grants

  • DDP Property Improvement Grants

  • The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) Property Improvement Grant Programs are designed to encourage private investment that strengthens downtown buildings, supports business success, and enhances the overall appearance and vitality of the Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID).


    These programs support high-quality, permanent improvements that increase property value, activate commercial space and align with the goals of the Downtown Davenport Master Plan. Each grant program has its own eligibility criteria and funding limits.

    All projects must be located within the Downtown SSMID boundaries to be eligible (see map).

    Grant funding is provided as a reimbursement when projects are completed and requires a minimum private investment match.

    Applicants may submit a single application for projects that include multiple improvement types. DDP staff will assist in determining eligible costs and applicable grant programs.

    • Pre-Development Grant 

    • The Pre-Development Grant Program is intended to reduce early-stage financial barriers for property owners and developers considering reinvestment in downtown buildings. This program supports planning, design, and feasibility work that helps projects move from concept to construction.


      Eligible Uses May Include:

      • Architectural or engineering studies
      • Structural assessments
      • Code analysis or feasibility studies
      • Conceptual design, renderings or test fits
      • Environmental or historic assessments
      • Professional consulting related to redevelopment planning

      Grant Amount

      • Pre-Development Grants are capped at $5,000 per project and are evaluated separately.
      • Grant funding may cover up to 50% of eligible pre-development costs

      Deliverables & Reporting Requirement
      As a condition of funding, the applicant must provide DDP with a digital copy of all final deliverables produced through the Pre-Development Grant (e.g., feasibility study, architectural concepts, renderings, cost estimates, or assessment reports).

      Deliverables will be used by DDP for internal planning, grant reporting and to better understand redevelopment opportunities within the Downtown SSMID. Ownership of the work remains with the applicant and/or the contracted professional. DDP will not publish or distribute proprietary materials without the applicant’s consent.

      Important Notes

      • Pre-development grants do not guarantee approval for future DDP construction grants.
      • All work funded through this program must directly relate to a potential downtown reinvestment project.
    • Exterior & Structural Improvement Grant 

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      Program Goals

      • Encourage strong property stewardship and reinvestment in downtown buildings
      • Improve the visual appearance of buildings and commercial storefronts
      • Enhance the pedestrian experience and public realm
      • Support business success through improved curb appeal
      • Increase long-term commercial property values downtown

       

      Eligible Projects May Include:

      • Exterior building repairs
      • Exterior painting
      • Tuck-pointing and masonry repair
      • Window and door repair or replacement
      • Storefront repair or replacement
      • Canopies and awnings
      • High-quality fencing
      • Exterior lighting
      • Outdoor planters, seating and street furniture
      • Permanent, professionally designed signage (as part of a broader façade project)
      • Community-driven placemaking elements with public visibility (murals, wayfinding, beautification)
      • Fees for design and permitting

      All improvements funded in part by DDP must permanently remain with the property.


      Not Eligible

      • Temporary, movable, or non-permanent improvements.

      City of Davenport Design Review Board
      Many exterior improvements within the Downtown Design Overlay District require review and approval by the City of Davenport Design Review Board (DRB) prior to construction.


      The DRB reviews projects to ensure quality design and compatibility with downtown character. DDP staff can help applicants understand whether DRB approval is required and how to navigate the process.


      Matt can be contacted at (563) 888-2221 or at Matt.Werderitch@davenportiowa.com.

      Additional information about the Design Review process can be found on the City of Davenport’s website. 

    • Commercial Interior Grant 

    • The Commercial Interior Improvement Grant Program supports reinvestment in downtown commercial spaces by helping property owners and tenants complete permanent interior improvements that make spaces code-compliant, marketable, and ready for long-term occupancy.


      Goals of the Commercial Interior Improvement Grant program:

      • Encourage new businesses to open downtown locations
      • Motivate property owners to work with tenants to fill long-vacant spaces
      • Increase the total number of retail businesses downtown
      • Make existing downtown office and retail space more marketable, while raising the overall value of the downtown SSMID.
      • Retaining existing tenants/businesses downtown that require additional improvements to renew, maintain, or extend leases.


      What kind of projects are eligible?

      • Permanent equipment, plumbing, mechanical, electrical & HVAC
      • Hazardous materials abatement, such as asbestos removal
      • Interior demolition and shell reconstruction
      • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
      • Permanent lighting
      • Flooring
      • Historic restoration of interior features
      • Permanent interior walls and finishes
      • Permanent bar/counter for point of sale
      • Architectural/interior design/permitting fees related to interior improvements

      The following expenses are NOT eligible under the Commercial Interior Improvement Grant:

      • Furniture such as tables, chairs, display racks and other similar fixtures
      • Temporary or moveable cubicles or partitions to subdivide space
      • Moveable equipment, fixtures, or furnishings
      • Moving expenses, salaries, working capital or inventory
      • In-kind work performed by the applicant
      • Artwork
      • Other items deemed by staff as narrowly tailored for a particular use and not potentially beneficial to other future users of the space
    • Grant Amounts & Project Scale 

    • The following funding ranges apply to the Exterior & Structural Improvement Grant and Commercial Interior Improvement Grant programs. Funding limits apply per grant program.

      Projects that include both eligible exterior and interior improvements may be considered for funding under both programs, subject to eligibility, match requirements and committee approval. The maximum award amounts listed below apply separately to each program and are not combined into a single project cap.


      Grant Award Limits

      • Grant funding may cover up to 50% of eligible owner/developer investment
      • Maximum award amount determined by project scope, funding availability, and DDP priorities

      Eligible construction projects may be categorized as Standard, Major, or Critical Site based on scale, visibility, and strategic impact. Not all projects will qualify for Major or Critical Site funding. Most applications are expected to fall within the Standard project range.


      Standard Projects:

      • $1,000–$20,000
      • Minimum private match: 50%

      Major Projects:

      • $21,000–$35,000
      • Minimum private match: 50%

      Critical Site Projects:

      • Case-by-case award amounts
      • Projects recommended above $40,000 require approval by the DDP Board of Directors

      DDP staff use the Downtown Master Plan to identify priority corridors and catalytic sites, including areas adjacent to major public investment such as the two-way street conversion.

    • Frequently Asked Questions: 

    • Who reviews the applications and makes funding decisions?
      Applications are managed by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) Business Retention & Recruitment Committee, which meets quarterly to review submissions and make funding recommendations. DDP staff review applications in advance and provide background materials to support committee discussion, including eligibility, project scope and alignment with downtown priorities.


      Projects and committee recommendations are shared with the DDP Board of Directors. The total grant funding available is determined by the approved annual DDP budget (fiscal year is July 1 – June 30).


      DDP reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals.


      Can I be awarded more than one grant?
      It depends on the scope of the project. Many downtown projects include both interior and exterior improvements. In these cases, DDP staff will help determine whether eligible costs may be split across multiple grant programs. In most cases, applicants are encouraged to submit a single application per project.


      Please note that DDP grant programs are not an entitlement and not all applications will be approved. The approved grant amount may be less than the maximum, depending on project scope, funding availability and DDP priorities.


      When should I apply?
      Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the project planning process. While DDP may consider projects at various stages of completion, projects submitted before construction begins are more competitive for funding.

      Applications submitted after work has started may be considered but timing does influence the committee’s funding decision.


      Once bids and a project budget are available, applicants should consider submitting an application.


      FY26 Application Deadlines

      • July 1, 2025
      • September 1, 2025
      • November 1, 2025
      • January 1, 2026
      • March 1, 2026
      • May 1, 2026

      Grant requests are typically reviewed, and decisions are shared with applicants within 30 days of each deadline.


      If I receive a grant, when will I be paid?
      All DDP grant funds are provided as reimbursements upon completion of projects. Grant funding will be released once all work on the project is complete and the applicant has submitted proof of payment to contractors or consultants.


      How do I know which grant program is right for my project?
      Many projects qualify for more than one DDP grant program. Applicants should describe the full scope of their project in the application and DDP staff will help determine which program(s) are the best fit and which costs are eligible.
      Applicants are encouraged to contact DDP staff early in the planning process with questions.


      What are the application steps?

      • Gather bids and prepare a project budget
      • Complete the application form
      • DDP staff may contact the applicant if additional information is needed
      • DDP staff presents the application to the Business Retention & Recruitment Committee
      • Applicants are notified of the funding decision
      • If awarded, once work is complete and contractors are paid, submit a reimbursement request to DDP staff

      Have more questions?

      Contact Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com

  • Grant Application

    Note: Incomplete grant applications will not be considered.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Project Details:

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  • Property Owner Info

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Disclaimer: 

    The DDP and its affiliates are not responsible for business consulting, planning, design, or construction of improvements to property that is owned by the applicant or any other entity. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the description of, application for, or participation in the DDP Property Improvement grant programs. The applicant is advised to consult with licensed architects, engineers, and/or building contractors before proceeding with final plans or construction.

  • Applicant's Certifcation:

    This application is made in order to induce the DDP to grant financial incentives to the applicant. The applicant hereby represents that all statements contained herein are true and correct. All information materially significant to the DDP in its consideration of the application is included. The applicant acknowledges that it has reviewed the descriptions of the DDP financial program for which it is applying and agrees to comply with those policies. 

    Please note, information submitted to DDP may be shared with the property owner of the project location and the DDP Business Retention & Recuritment Committee for review purposes.

    DDP reserves the right to deny funding to any applicant based on demonstrated patterns of unsafe property conditions, unresolved code enforcement actions or failure to disclose material information relevant to project risk.

    By signing this document, I acknowledge that any improvements funded in part by the Downtown Davenport Partnership must remain with the property and proper permits will be obtained for the project.

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