The Front Door Grant Program is a curb appeal and exterior improvement grant designed to assist homeowners in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, with enhancing the front (street-facing) appearance of their homes. The program offers financial assistance to eligible property owners who undertake specified beautification or basic improvement projects. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will open on January 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and close on February 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Recipients will be chosen via a lottery system, with the drawing scheduled for March 5, 2025. The lottery will be streamed live on CTN 799 Government Channel, the city's Facebook page, and YouTube channel. All applicants will be notified of their selection status within two days of the lottery event.

The grant aims to support Coon Rapids property owners in making external upgrades that enhance neighborhood aesthetics and contribute to overall community improvement. There are no income restrictions for participation. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000, with homeowners required to invest at least $4,000 of their own funds to be eligible for the minimum grant. The grant funds do not need to be repaid. Funding is allocated based on the scope of work: 15% or 25% of the total project cost, depending on the category of improvements undertaken. The total combined grant amount must be at least $1,000 to qualify.

To be eligible, applicants must own and occupy a one-to-four-unit property within Coon Rapids, have homestead status as recognized by Anoka County, and be current on property taxes. The property must have an estimated value of less than $400,000 according to Anoka County's property assessment. Projects must include at least one improvement from the designated Beautification Project list, be visible from the street, and cannot be covered by insurance claims or other city grant programs. Additionally, past recipients from 2019 to 2024 are ineligible, though previous unsuccessful applicants may reapply.

Eligible improvements fall into two categories. The Beautification Projects category, which qualifies for a 25% grant, includes enhancements such as new front doors, garage doors, windows, covered porches, decorative columns, permanent landscaping, and driveway or sidewalk improvements. The Basic Projects category, eligible for a 15% grant, includes roofing, siding, painting, gutters, window replacement, chimney repairs, and deck or porch renovations. All work must be approved before commencement, and funding does not cover tools or tool rentals.

Homeowners needing additional financial assistance may apply for low-interest loans offered by the city in partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). Interest rates vary based on household income, but there are no income restrictions for participation. For more details on financing options, applicants can visit the CEE website or call 612-335-5884.

Applications must be submitted online, with only one application allowed per address. Prior grant recipients are ineligible. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Kristin DeGrande, Housing Programs Coordinator, at 763-767-6517 or via email. The Housing Department, located at 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, also provides additional assistance.