Financial Incentives

Building Improvement Grant

The Building Improvement Grant (BIG) is designed to incentivize property owners to undertake exterior property improvements, leading to increased property values within Downtown Fond du Lac. The intent is to support building projects that will help move the needle forward to a more aesthetically vibrant downtown.

BIG is a matching grant to fund the expense of exterior renovations, only. Exterior Renovations must be approved by the Downtown Architectural Review Board (DARB). Property owners may apply for up to 50% of total exterior renovation project costs. There is no maximum.

Creative Sign Grant

The Creative Sign Grant is designed to incentivize property owners to undertake creative projecting sign projects that add to the unique character of Downtown Fond du Lac. The goal of this grant program is to make downtown business signage as unique as the businesses they represent. This grant reimburses up to 75% of the cost of unique, handcrafted projecting signs, including expenses related to the sign design, manufacturing and installation. Maximum grant award is $3,000.

Downtown Fond du Lac Experience Generator Grant

The Experience Generator Grant Program is designed to attract businesses who contribute to the overall downtown experience. These business types include restaurants, retail shops, or experience-based businesses such as indoor archery, museums, ceramic art studios, golf simulators, cooking schools, etc. These business categories contribute significantly to visitor and tourism spending and the overall vibrancy and vitality of downtown Fond du Lac. This $5,000 grant may be used for a variety of business startup expenses.

Downtown Fond du Lac New Business Grant

The Downtown Fond du Lac New Business Grant is an incentive to assist entrepreneurs with expenses associated with starting a new or expanding business in downtown Fond du Lac. New businesses are eligible for a $2,500 grant to be used towards business startup expenses.

Building Security Grant Program

The Building Security Grant assists property/business owners with purchasing an exterior surveillance camera system (in partnership with the Fond du Lac Police Department) and/or a rapid entry system lock box (in partnership with the Fond du Lac Fire Department).

Façade Design Assistance Grant Program

This reimbursement grant funds the services of an architect to design the exterior of a downtown property. Maximum grant amount is $4,000. 25% of design costs are reimbursed when the design is approved by the Downtown Architectural Review Board. The remaining 75% is reimbursed upon completion of the project.

Contact DFP Executive Director, Amy Krupp, at Amy@downtownfdl.com for more information on the Downtown Fond du Lac Façade Design Assistance Grant program.

National Exchange Bank & Trust Downtown FDL Loan Program

For Downtown Fond du Lac Properties

Provides Downtown Fond du Lac property and business owners the opportunity to secure financing at below-market interest rates to improve business space or rehabilitate residential space for market-rate housing.