Important 2026 Grant Cycle Changes

Accelerated Storefront Improvement Grant Cycle — Proposals Due Dec. 10

The City of Bellingham has launched new fan zone–aligned grant opportunities totaling over $400,000 for Downtown businesses and organizations. As part of this effort, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership will directly distribute $50,000 in awards, up to $5,000 each, for Downtown Bellingham storefront improvements and business-readiness projects. This is the largest fund in the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s legacy of annual Storefront Improvement Grants, and we are grateful to steward this award from the Seattle Foundation, through the WA State Department of Commerce.

Because of this accelerated investment strategy for 2026—and to ensure Downtown is ready for the Fan Zone summer—we must advance our usual Storefront Improvement Grant cycle AND emphasize that there will not be an additional call for storefront improvement proposals in spring 2026.

If your business has been planning storefront upgrades or readiness projects for 2026, you must submit your proposal by December 10, 2025. To help you finalize applications, City of Bellingham and Downtown Bellingham Partnership staff will present an overview of the Request for Proposals and respond to questions at a free webinar Thursday, December 4, 2025 from noon-1pm.

In addition to storefront improvements, the City is accepting proposals in four other grant tracks we encourage Downtown businesses to apply for:

• 🎦 Community Watch Parties – host gatherings around the soccer matches to engage locals and visitors.

• 🤩 Designated Fan Zone Venues – create welcoming spaces for fans to gather and celebrate.

• ⚽ Family-Friendly Soccer-Themed Activities – bring accessible, inclusive events to downtown for all ages.

• 🎨 Downtown Activation & Beautification Grants – enliven the district with art, murals, exhibits, and events that enhance the visitor and resident experience alike.

These grant tracks, combined with the $50,000 storefront readiness funding, provide an unprecedented opportunity to enhance Downtown’s visitor experience, drive local spending, and leave a lasting legacy of vibrancy in the city center.

All submissions and questions are handled directly by the City. Apply and learn more at cob.org/fan-zone-rfp

Optional Q&A Webinar — December 4 Noon - 1PM

City of Bellingham and Downtown Bellingham Partnership staff will present an overview of the Bellingham fan zone Request for Proposals (RFP) and respond to questions at this free webinar.

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2025 from noon-1pm.

WHERE: Online via zoom: https://cob.zoom.us/j/84165617218?pwd=3vNL6yWnudNmcFHPPx59g5ajyWSGpk.1

Learn more about this exciting funding opportunity and how you can get involved! Applications are due before noon on December 10. Visit cob.org/fan-zone-rfp for additional information. 

Registration is not required. Please contact Darby Galligan at dgalligan@cob.org for more information or to request assistance with accessing this free information session.

Legacy Grants 2021 - 2025

Downtown Bellingham
Storefront Improvement Grant

ABOUT THE GRANT’S HISTORY

The goal of the Storefront Improvement Grant is to help businesses achieve their vision for the front of their space. It is a competitive grant program funded by BECU to assist Downtown businesses and property owners with making improvements to their building facades, signage, and/or surroundings. Improvements can be to the exterior façade of the business, or to the interior that is closest to the window such as track lighting and signage.

This grant will fund or contribute to projects at a maximum of $2,000 for a single property. Projects are for work done to the exterior of the site only; interior work or projects are not eligible. Projects that will be mostly or fully funded by the grant will be prioritized. Selection is based on feasibility and positive impact.

The following factors are considered in evaluating impact: 

• Current condition of the building/façade 

• Impact on street design and neighboring businesses

• Creative value of the project 

• Community need/demand for change

The selected businesses will receive two benefits:

1. A one-hour consultation upon request with members of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership Design Committee to assess needs and provide potential design improvements;

2. Funding for project costs, up to $2,000 per business. These funds cannot be used for installation labor or staff time.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

• Open Wednesday, February 5th

• Close Monday, March 10th

• Recipients notified by April 1st

• Projects must be completed by October 31st, 2025

The Storefront Improvement Grant, managed by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) and funded by BECU, annually enhances the downtown economy by revitalizing street-level building façades to attract customers to downtown businesses. In 2025, the DBP is empowered to award up to $12,000 total for this program. As part of a comprehensive plan to stimulate economic development and historic preservation, the DBP provides design assistance and remodeling incentives to small businesses.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligible applicants must be physically located within the Downtown Bellingham neighborhood. Awards shall be based on creativity, visual impact, degree of change between before and after, and level of contribution to neighboring properties and downtown revitalization.

Exclusions:

• National franchises

• Professional offices

• Residential space

• Government occupied spaces

• Churches and other religious institutions 

• Projects already underway
  

Eligible improvements include:

• Signage on windows/doors, or hanging from awning

• Façade improvements

• Windows and doors

• Lighting

• Paint

• Landscaping, plants and containers

• Tile or other decorative material

• Creative and imaginative exterior elements