The 2025 Façade Improvement Matching Grant (FIMG) Program is administered by the City of Aurora to encourage investment in business properties and improve the visual appeal of commercial buildings within the city. The program provides financial assistance to business owners who wish to renovate and enhance their storefronts, aligning with the city’s Downtown Strategic Revitalization Project. The goal is to maintain the historic character of Aurora while stimulating economic growth through property improvements.

This year's FIMG program is exclusively available for businesses and does not extend to residential properties, including AirBnBs. The program provides matching grants of up to $5,000, requiring recipients to contribute an equal dollar-for-dollar expenditure toward the project. Due to limited funds, not all applicants will receive an award, and partial funding may be granted based on project merit and alignment with program goals. Grant awards will be determined based on how well the proposed projects support the city’s preservation and economic development objectives.

Eligible applicants must submit a complete application by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM to Aurora City Hall, addressed to Benny Turner, Aurora Clerk Treasurer. Additionally, applicants must comply with all applicable city codes and regulations. If selected, the applicant must obtain necessary permits before beginning work. Permit fees are not included in the grant but must be secured before funds are disbursed. Potential required permits may include zoning permits (812-537-8821), building permits (812-537-8822), or Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) (812-979-0152).

The application evaluation process will be conducted by the Design Review Committee, which includes city officials, the Main Street Director, and representatives from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and other local entities. Applications will be scored on a 40-point scale, with emphasis on the project’s impact on the community, historical significance, proximity to downtown, and overall visual and structural improvement quality.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to 50% of their project expenses, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000. The amount awarded will be determined by the lower of 50% of actual eligible project expenses, 50% of the lowest contractor quote, or the $5,000 program cap. Eligible improvements include façade renovations, masonry and structural repairs, signage, awnings, roofing visible from the street, gutters, and downspouts. New primary structure construction is eligible, but demolition projects will not be considered. Ineligible activities include interior improvements, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, furnishings, and projects already completed before approval.

Grant awards will be announced at the April 14, 2025, Aurora City Council Meeting. Awardees must submit a letter of acceptance by April 25, 2025, and will receive an award packet by May 2, 2025. All project work and final fund disbursement requests must be completed by August 29, 2025, unless an extension is granted due to unforeseen circumstances. Final payments will be made upon submission of required documentation, including permits, invoices, and before-and-after photos.

For more information, applicants may contact the City of Aurora City Manager at awoods@aurora.in.us.