Nonprofits can receive funding for beautification projects. This grant helps to enhance the sense of place and improve the aesthetic of the neighborhood. Organizations can receive as much as $20,000 for a project.

Improvements can include:

• Pedestrian furniture.
• Signage.
• Trees and planters.
• Public art.

Applicants must be:

• 501(c)3 organizations.
• For-profit organizations with nonprofit partners.

This grant helps commercial and industrial businesses expand within the American Street Empowerment Zone. Businesses who have been in operation for three or more years can apply. Businesses can receive up to 50% of the total cost of eligible expansion improvements. This can be for as much as $25,000.

The Neighborhood Economic Development Impact Grant supports commercial and industrial projects in undeserved areas. These projects must be new construction or substantial rehabs. The goal of this grant is to increase services and job opportunities in the neighborhood.

Nonprofit organizations can receive this grant to address urgent capital needs. This ensures that vital services are not interrupted due to emergency.

This can include the replacement, repair, or improvement of:

• Existing equipment.
• Basic systems.

To qualify for the Nonprofit Capital Grant, services must be at risk of being:

• Halted.
• Reduced.

Residents of the American Street Empowerment Zone may be eligible to apply for an academic scholarship. This will help cover expenses for college education or vocational training.

To be eligible, applicants must show financial need. The $2,500 scholarship exists to cover direct costs, including:

• Tuition.
• Room.
• Board.

Scholarship funds will be awarded at the start of the academic year. Students who have received the scholarship may be eligible for renewal if the recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA. This scholarship has a rolling deadline.

The ASEZ Storefront Improvement Program helps to beautify this area. Commercial and industrial spaces may be eligible to be reimbursed for facade improvements. The program can reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible improvements to a maximum of $10,000 for a single commercial property, or up to $15,000 for a multiple-address or corner business property.

Examples of eligible improvements:

• Masonry/brick pointing
• Cornices
• Exterior painting
• Windows/glazing
• Exterior doors
• Exterior facade lighting
• See-through security grills
• Signage and awnings

Apply for the Storefront Improvement Program.

Individuals who live or work within the Empowerment Zones can receive free:

• Tax preparation services.
• Financial literacy services.

More information will be available at the start of tax season.