Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program

Expansions, renovations to occupied buildings

The Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program will fund expansions and renovations of buildings currently in use if the project will create additional, private-sector jobs. The grants match other public and private funding.

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?
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?

Grants may be used for the expansion or renovation of buildings occupied by certain types of businesses, such as manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, data processing and software development. The project must create additional jobs in the for-profit business occupying the property.

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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

• 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. Priority will be given to projects that will create at least five jobs.

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Are there restrictions on the types of jobs that will be created?

The jobs must be in the private, for-profit 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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May a grant be applied retroactively? We're already working on a reuse project.
No.
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How much money can my project get?

In Tiers 1 and 2 grants are available for up to $5,000 per job, with a maximum of $500,000 per project or one-half the renovation cost, whichever is less. In Tier 3, the maximum grant is $250,000.

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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:

1. Download the guidelines and application for occupied 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