Critical Improvements Grant Program

New development is projected to result from Capital City 2030: Transforming Downtown Dover, the strategic master plan to bring about significant transformation of the Capital City into a thriving and economically-sound business district, a cultural center, and residential base for hundreds of new residents. Reference: https://tinyurl.com/CapitalCity2030 

In anticipation of new construction and development in downtown Dover, it is vital to bring current commercial building stock up to today’s standards, and to occupy these buildings with appropriate and sustainable businesses. 

To address this need, in July 2022, the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) was awarded funds from the Delaware Community Reinvestment Fund and, coupled with DDP and property owner funding, now offers special program of “limited time only” financial incentives for improvements to properties in the downtown Dover central business district, with a priority on addressing critical life-safety and ADA compliance improvements, preparing for commercial kitchens, and ensuring that properties become leased as a result of improvements made.

Click here to read the press release (Nov. 9, 2022).

Added 1-12-23: Click Here for the Application PDF to Review: For those that have already submitted a Pre-Application and have been approved to submit an Application.

Click Here to Complete the Application: It is recommended that Applicants first review the PDF of the Application (above).

Added 1-12-23: Click Here for Supplemental Rubric Questionnaire - Applicants must submit with Application.

Click Here to review the Critical Improvements Pre-Application Guidelines and to review a printable copy of the Pre-Application.

Click Here for the Pre-Application: Those who wish to submit an Application but have not yet completed a Pre-Application, must complete a Pre-Application first. 

Important Notes:

• Please note that a first review of Pre-Applications took place on December 2, 2022 and funding requests exceeded the amount of funding in the program. Nevertheless, property owners may submit a Pre-Application which will be placed in queue should a second round of reviews take place. We cannot guarantee that there will be another round of Pre-Applications at this time.
• You must have all your information ready to complete this online application in one sitting. It could take 15-20 minutes. Therefore, it is recommended that you first review the Pre-Application Guidelines that includes the Pre-Application Form prior to going online to submit the electronic Pre-Application.

Questions about the Pre-Application process may be directed to DoverImprovements@gmail.com or by calling the Downtown Dover Partnership at (302) 678-2940.

To view other downtown Dover incentives, click here.