The Town of Parachute is offering the Beautification Grant 2025 to support licensed businesses in enhancing the physical appearance of commercial properties within the town. This grant aims to contribute to the visual improvement of the community by funding exterior enhancements. The initiative prioritizes projects located within the main business districts as outlined in the program's official boundary map. Businesses must either own or operate a licensed business within the designated boundaries to be considered eligible for this opportunity.

Applications for the Beautification Grant will open on March 24, 2025. Applicants are required to submit a complete application package by 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time on Monday, April 28, 2025, either via email to vtomasulo@parachute.gov or by delivering hard copies to Town Hall. Initial reviews for completeness will be conducted administratively by town staff. Completed applications that meet all requirements will then be recommended to the Parachute Renewal Authority Commission for final approval. It is strongly advised that applicants contact Vinnie Tomasulo, the Economic and Community Development Director, prior to submitting their documents to ensure compliance with all requirements.

The grant offers a maximum award of $5,000 per property per grant cycle. However, a 100 percent matching contribution from the applicant is required. For example, a $10,000 project must be split evenly between the business and the town. Funds must be used specifically for improvements to the exterior of the commercial property, including but not limited to painting, siding, sidewalk enhancements, facade upgrades, and landscaping.

All proposed projects must be completed by October 31, 2025. Approved grants are issued as reimbursements following successful project completion. To receive reimbursement, applicants must submit dated and paid receipts or invoices, copies of canceled checks, and before-and-after photos of the work. Additionally, all improvements must adhere to the Town of Parachute's municipal code and design guidelines.

The application checklist includes several mandatory items: scaled drawings of the proposed work, current photos of the property, contractor estimates, a comprehensive list of materials and plantings, a detailed budget, and a letter of permission from the property owner if the applicant is not the owner. Applications missing any of these elements will not be considered.

Interested applicants may apply via email or paper submission. Email submissions should be sent to vtomasulo@parachute.gov, and paper applications may be delivered in person or via mail to the Town of Parachute at 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, CO 81635, attention Vinnie Tomasulo. For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact Vinnie Tomasulo at (970) 665-1146 or visit the town offices during public hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.