Downtown Denville Business Improvement
District
Façade Grant Program
Revised January 2026
Program Purpose
The Downtown Denville Business Improvement District (DDBID) Façade Update Grant Program is designed to
encourage private investment in building improvements that enhance the appearance, architectural character,
and economic vitality of Downtown Denville.
The program supports high-quality design, preservation of distinctive architectural elements, and visible
improvements to commercial and mixed-use buildings within the DDBID.
Program Overview
The DDBID offers reimbursement grants for eligible façade improvements to buildings located within the
Downtown Denville District.
● Maximum grant amount: Up to $2,500 per applicant (1 time grant)
● Annual program funding: $10,000 per calendar year
● Disbursement schedule: $2,500 awarded per quarter
● Award selection: Determined by the DDBID Board in consultation with the Design Committee, based
on project need, readiness, and completion level
● Reimbursement basis only: Funds are released after project completion and verification
If total project costs are less than $2,500, the DDBID may award a lesser amount. The BIDat its discretion can
award the grant to multiple recipients each quarter not to exceed a total of $2500 per quarter.
Example: 1 business receives $1250 and a 2nd business receives $1250
Target Area
Eligible properties must be located within the Downtown Denville Business Improvement District.
Eligible Applicants
● Property owners or leaseholders of commercial or mixed-use buildings within the DDBID
● Applicants must be current on DDBID fees
● Leaseholders must submit written permission from the property owner
Eligible Improvements
All improvements must be permanent and comply with all applicable State, County, and Local codes. Eligible
improvements include, but are not limited to:
● Removal of non-original siding covering historic materials
● Exterior wall or brick repair
● Brick and mortar pointing
● Window and door repair or replacement
● Attached signage
● Repair or replacement of architectural details
Funding Guidelines
● Work must begin within 90 days of DDBID Board approval
● Projects must be completed within six (6) months of approval
● Extensions may be considered with written documentation of delays
Application Process
- Initial Meeting
Meet with the DDBID Executive Director and Design Committee Chair to review the proposed scope of
work (in person or virtual). - Application Submission
Following the meeting, submit a completed application no later than:
○ March 1
○ June 1
○ September 1
○ December 1 - Applications will be placed on the agenda for the DDBID Regular Meeting held the last Thursday of the
same month.
Required materials include:
○ Detailed project description
○ Design plans (architectural drawings/renderings encouraged but not required)
○ Photos of existing conditions showing areas of work
○ Contractor estimates
- Meeting Attendance
The applicant must attend the DDBID meeting to present the request and answer questions. - Grant Decision
Final approval is determined by the DDBID Board. - Project Completion & Verification
Upon completion, submit “before and after” photos. DDBID staff will verify the work was completed as
approved. - Reimbursement
After verification, submit:
○ Digital photos of completed work
○ Copies of all paid invoices
○ Closed permits, if required - Approved funds will be issued as a single reimbursement payment.
- Incomplete or Ineligible Applications
○ Incomplete applications will not be accepted
○ Work completed prior to approval or outside the approved scope is not eligible for
reimbursement
Program Amendments
The DDBID reserves the right to amend or discontinue this program with formal approval of the DDBID Board.
Contact Information
For questions or to begin the application process, contact:
Downtown Denville Business Improvement District
Email: scrighton@downtowndenville.com
Phone: 973-886-9624
DOWNTOWN DENVILLE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FACADE UPDATE GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
