Suffolk Offers $250K in Downtown Grants

This article was written by Sara Walsh.

Suffolk is now accepting applications for $250,000 in downtown revitalization grants through June 14.

Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory announced applications are being taken for Round 11 of the Suffolk County Revitalization Grants. The round is $250,000 in grants for partial funding of capital projects on or next to downtown areas on municipality-owned land. 

“Providing grant funding through this program encourages local organizations to partner with their municipality and find ways to enhance public lands, improve the vitality of business districts, and contribute to walkable communities and bustling downtowns,” Bellone said in a written statement.

The applications must be filed by organizations who represent the downtown area, such as business improvement districts, chambers of commerce, civic associations, historical societies or beautification societies, who are working with the local government. Towns or villages will be required to pass resolutions supporting the project. 

Projects eligible for funding could include: public parking facilities, curb and sidewalk construction, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, public restrooms, disability access, renovations and cultural facilities. 

Each application will be judged by the Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory on a point-based system to ensure the projects that receive funding make the greatest long-term improvements to business districts. 

Instructions for applying can be found here, along with the application for grant funding here. All applications are due by 4 p.m. June 14.