Deadline: January 31st, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

Eligibility: The grant program is available to any Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) member business in an area of Downtown Eau Claire that is currently in operation. Please fill out the form below and email additional attachments to  downtown@eauclairewi.gov. Questions can be directed to the same address, or call 715-839-4914.   

Grant Overview:
Downtown Enhancement Grants are run in two cycles; the winter cycle focused on funding business operations improvements, and the summer cycle focused on public art and experience enhancements to downtown. Applications that are submitted by the deadline are then reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges who will select one project to fund for each cycle. The winner will receive $2,000 toward the funding of their project. 

Winter Cycle:
Submissions for this grant cycle should be focused on creatively enhancing your business/organization by serving a new customer that may not be being served in Downtown Eau Claire already or serving them in a unique way. Whether it’s putting on an addition to a retail space, commissioning a new product or service, or further enhancing another area of the business, we want to see owners push the envelope by updating their space or creating a one-of-a-kind experience for customers.

Summer Cycle:
Submissions for this grant cycle should be focused on enhancing the overall downtown community or downtown experience. Consider projects that could impact the experience of someone visiting Downtown Eau Claire such as wayfinding, public art, cultural enriching event at your organization or by partnering with others, and more. Be creative!

Schedule:
The application for the Winter 2024 cycle opens on January 1, 2024 and will remain open until 11:59 pm on January 31st, 2024. Announcement of the winner for the Winter cycle will be announced by February 29th 2024

Application Requirements:
1. Create an Enhancement Plan that includes:
- Business/Organization Description
- Description of enhancement project as it relates to the current grant cycle described above
- Sources/Uses or Project Budget, including how grant funds will be spent and other potential sources of capital for the enhancement project
- Implementation Plan/Schedule, including how the applicant will report to DECI Board and staff on the completion of the project
2. Completed Application Form
3. After filling out the application, please send the Enhancement Plan with any additional support material and the attached W-9 form to downtown@eauclairewi.gov

Incomplete applications will not be considered.