Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program

Returning vacant properties to productive use

Under the vacant properties umbrella, the Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program assists communities in putting vacant properties back to work. The grants match other public and private funding to repair and renovate properties — from storefronts to factories — for use by new and expanding businesses. The businesses in turn create jobs, add to the tax base and restore hope in struggling communities.

Download fact sheet

Go to application and reporting forms

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the grants cover?
May I apply?
Does my project qualify?
Are there restrictions on the types of jobs that will be created?
Does a building only partially occupied qualify as vacant?
Are housing projects eligible?
May a grant be applied retroactively?
How much money can my project get?
Who decides whether my project gets a grant?
What if my project doesn't live up to expectations?
How do I apply?
Is there a deadline for applications? And when will we hear back?

What do the grants cover?
The program offers development grants of up to $480,000 (or $240,000, depending on location) to projects ready to begin renovation.

• Examples of eligible activities
  • renovation and rehabilitation
  • upfitting
  • brownfields remediation

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May I apply?
Eligible applicants are units of local government located

• in one of North Carolina's 85 rural counties or
• in one the most economically distressed (Tier 1) urban areas.

Typically, the local government applies on behalf of one or more private businesses or nonprofits committed to reusing a vacant building and creating jobs. Priority will be given to projects in severely distressed localities or towns with fewer than 5,000 people.
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Does my project qualify?
At a minimum, qualifying projects must

• Target a building that has been vacant for at least three months
• Be matched by other public and private funds, including a cash contribution by the local government
• Have firm commitments from the business that will use the building and from all other sources of funding
• Begin construction within six months of the award date
• Create new jobs within two years of a grant being awarded

The program targets “North Carolina resident” businesses, that is, companies that have paid unemployment taxes and/or income taxes in the state and whose principal place of business is located in North Carolina.

Please note that projects upfitting shell buildings are not eligible for building reuse grants.
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Are there restrictions on the types of jobs that will be created?
The jobs may be in the private (industrial, commercial or service) or nonprofit sector. Each job must be filled with one employee working at least 35 hours a week and paid at least minimum wage. Jobs that carry benefits will receive priority consideration.
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Does a building only partially occupied qualify as vacant?
No.
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Are housing projects eligible?
Maybe. Building reuse grants do not fund housing-only projects. On the other hand, mixed-use or adaptive projects that include housing may be eligible if one or more businesses that produce jobs also are located in the building.
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May a grant be applied retroactively?
No.
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How much money can my project get?
The maximum is $480,000 for projects in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties. The amount for any particular grant depends on the location of the building, how many jobs will be created, the cost of the renovation project and the type of business involved. Grants require that at least one job be created for each $5,000 in grant funding. Businesses with certain NAICS/SIC codes may be eligible for $10,000 for each job being created. In Tier 3 counties, the maximum award is $240,000, or $5,000 for each job created.

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Who decides whether my project gets a grant?
The Rural Center Board of Directors makes all grant decisions.
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What if my project doesn't live up to expectations?
If the project fails to meet job creation goals, you will have to return a proportional share of the grant.
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How do I apply?
You must first schedule a pre-application conference.

1. Download the pre-application conference guidelines.
2. Complete and submit the attached conference form.
3. Schedule a conference call to discuss the project. The Rural Center will contact you about the arrangements. At your end, the call should include a representative of the local government making the application, a representative of the business(es) involved and other project partners.

To apply for a development grant:

1. Download the application for vacant property grants.
2. Complete the application in full.
3. Make sure the application is signed by the chief elected official of the unit of government filing the application.
4. Prepare a detailed narrative of the proposed project, including all the required elements identified in the application package.
5. Submit the entire package, with exhibits, to:
   Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program
   N. C. Rural Economic Development Center
   4021 Carya Drive
   Raleigh, NC 27610
   Attn: Melody Adams

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Is there a deadline for applications? And when will we hear back?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Grant decisions are made during regularly scheduled board meetings. For consideration at specific board meetings, the effective deadlines are listed below with their award dates. The Rural Center must receive the completed application by 5 p.m. on the date listed for consideration.

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Contact

Melody Adams, Director, Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program

N.C. Rural Economic Development Center

4021 Carya Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Telephone: 919-250-4314

Fax: 919-250-4325