Eligible projects include improvements to:

·  window & doors

·  exterior woodwork & architectural metals

·  paint

·  masonry

·  cornices, parapets & roofs

·  fabric awnings

·  signage & lighting.

Past Grant Participants include:

Arcadia University, Glenside
$2,000 for signage

Sound City Odyssey, Glenside
$2,000 for lighting and painting

ERM, Glenside
$2,000 for stucco

Gusto Pizza, Cheltenham
$2,000 for door & painting

Bruno’s Tailoring, Elkins Park
$212.50 for painting

Won Buddhism, Glenside
$2,000 for signage

Verizon Wireless, Elkins Park
$2,000 for signage

Wawa, Glenside
$2,000 for lighting

Little Dipper, Elkins Park
$2,000 for windows

Shear Pleasure, Cheltenham
$975 for roof work

In Tier A, businesses can receive grants up to $2,500 to help underwrite exterior improvements to their properties totaling at least $5,000. Tier B increases the base grant to $3,500, and PNC Bank contributes an additional $500 grant plus a $1,000 low-interest line of credit for enhancement projects totaling at least $10,000.

To qualify, the proposed improvements must conform to the architectural design guidelines of the Cheltenham Township Commercial District Enhancement Plan. Grants will cover up to 50% of the total project cost. Up to $300 is also reimbursable for design assistance by a licensed design professional. Funding is limited; applications will be reviewed by the economic development task force and design committee on a first come, first served basis.

Design Challenge Grant Program Guidelines: Tier A

Design Challenge Grant Application: Tier A

Design Challenge Grant Application Tier B Process

1.  The applicant shall first pursue and secure a minimum $1,000 line of credit with PNC Bank at 101 S. Easton Road in Glenside. 

2.  Upon receipt of approval of this loan, the applicant submits to the Main Street Manager’s office of the Township all submittal requirements delineated on the Township application, plus PNC’s approval of the line of credit, on their letterhead.

3.  The Design Challenge Grant Program application is assigned a review date by the Main Street Manager.  The applicant or a representative is asked to attend the meeting to present the proposed scope of work.

4.  The Design Committee reviews the proposal for appropriateness and compliance with the district guidelines.  The applicant will receive written notification of approval.

5.  Any work requiring permits must be secured from the Township’s Building and Zoning Department before work commences. 

6.  The applicant completes improvements. 

7.  Upon completion of the work, the applicant supplies to the Main Street Manager copies of all canceled checks for work done, along with invoices marked “Paid” by the contractors.

8.  Upon a site inspection by the Township for approval of the work done, PNC and the Township subsequently authorize the issuance of appropriate checks as applied for in the Design Challenge Grant Program application and deliver to the applicant.  

Design Challenge Grant Program Guidelines: Tier B

Design Challenge Grant Application: Tier B

For more information, contact the Main Street Manager.