The Silver Bay Neighborhood Revitalization Mini-Grant is designed to assist residents and business owners within the city limits of Silver Bay in improving the exterior of their properties. The program is aimed at enhancing curb appeal, promoting pride in ownership, and contributing to the overall beautification of neighborhoods. It is a partnership between the City of Silver Bay and the Lake County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (LCHRA). This grant is open to both residents and business owners, and there is no income limit for applicants. The primary focus of the program is on exterior improvements only, and applicants can receive up to $500 in grant funds for qualifying projects.

The purpose of the grant is to encourage the revitalization of properties through exterior enhancements, such as roofing, siding, painting, and other visible improvements that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods. The grant is not intended for interior projects, landscaping, or personal decorative items. The program emphasizes the importance of using licensed contractors for labor, as only contractor-performed work is eligible for reimbursement. The grant is reimbursement-based, meaning that recipients must first complete the project and then submit receipts for approved materials and licensed labor to receive funds.

Eligible applicants must own the property or have written permission from the owner to make changes. Proof of ownership, current property taxes, and utilities are required, along with any necessary permits and inspections for the proposed work. The grant is limited to one application per address per year, and priority is given to applicants who have not previously received funding. All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis starting on May 1, 2024, and continue until the available funds are depleted.

To apply, applicants must submit a "before" photo of the disrepair they plan to address, along with a detailed application outlining the proposed improvements. Following approval from the City Administrator, applicants have 21 days to complete the project. Upon completion, a "before and after" comparison is required, along with all receipts for the work. The grant only covers the reimbursement of materials and licensed contractor labor, with non-reimbursable items including tools, insurance deductibles, and personal labor.

The grant program has specific limitations, such as not funding repairs that were completed before grant approval, and excluding any projects that have already been funded in previous years for the same type of work. Additionally, infrastructure improvements, tree removal, and certain cosmetic upgrades like plants and flowers are not eligible for reimbursement. Applicants are advised to ensure that their projects meet the visual improvement standards set by the city in order to qualify for reimbursement.

In summary, the Silver Bay Mini-Grant is an opportunity for property owners and tenants with permission to improve the exteriors of their homes or businesses, with a focus on enhancing neighborhood appeal. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis starting May 1, 2024, and applicants are encouraged to act quickly as funds are limited and disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.