Home » Programs & Incentives

Programs & Incentives

The GCRA offers a variety of incentive programs designed to encourage neighborhood preservation, economic development, and community partnerships within the district. To verify location eligibility, please check the GCRA Map 

Business Improvement Grant Program

Project Manager: Daniel Blumberg
GCRAprograms@gainesvillefl.gov
(352) 393-8208

This updated program offers matching grant funds to businesses for significant eligible renovations to their building’s exterior and interior. The program has three levels, or “tiers,” and two application periods each year, depending on available funding. Tier 1: Applications are accepted year-round for a 100% matching grant of up to $5,000. Tiers 2 and 3: Apply by February 1 or August 1 for a 50% matching grant of up to $50,000.  Tier 3 (historic buildings): Applications with a historic designation can apply for up to $150,000. The BIG Program boundary can be found on the GCRA District Map.

FY25 Funding Breakdown: $432,337, of which $100,000 is reserved to complete two in-progress grants. $332,337 of which $2,337 is reserved for marketing/signage.  Leaving $330,000 for the Fiscal Year. Each cycle receives an initial 50% of the funds:

  • $165,000 February 1 cycle
    • $16,500 for Tier 1 (up to $5,000)
    • $66,000 for Tier 2 (up to $50,000)
    • $82,500 for Tier 3 (up to $150,000) – Note that the program allows for up to $150,000, dependent on available funds for the cycle.
  • $165,000 August 1 cycle
    • $16,500 for Tier 1 (up to $5,000)
    • $66,000 for Tier 2 (up to $50,000)
    • $82,500 for Tier 3 (up to $150,000) – Note that the program allows for up to $150,000, dependent on available funds for the cycle

Any grant funds left over per cycle roll into the available grant funds for the following cycle.

Need ideas? See how other businesses in Gainesville used the BIG Program with before and after photos.

Community Partnership Grant Program

Project Manager: Daniel Blumberg
GCRAprograms@gainesvillefl.gov
(352) 393-8208

The Community Partnership Grant Program offers up to $5,000 in matching grant funds to assist local community organizations to enable special programming within the GCRA District. The program is administered in 4 cycles. Deadlines and cycle dates are as follows:

  • February 1 to April 30 – due December 1st at 5pm
  • May 1 to July 31 – due March 1st at 5pm
  • August 1 to October 31 – due June 1st at 5pm
  • November 1 to January – due September 1 at 5pm

Community Partnership Grant Program Guidelines and Application

Downtown Events Grant Program

Project Manager: Daniel Blumberg
GCRAprograms@gainesvillefl.gov
(352) 393-8208

Applications for this program are on pause.

The Downtown Events Grant Program assists organizations and businesses with up to $5,000 in grant funds to host events within Downtown Gainesville. Events must be held in publicly owned spaces and take place between June 1 through December 31, 2024.

NEW: The initial $50,000 funding for this pilot program has been allocated as of June 13, 2024. Applications can still be submitted, but they may not be funded. This program is under development in coordination with the Downtown Advisory Board.

  • Downtown Events Grant Program Guidelines and Applications

 

MENU