Grants Available For Aurora's New Exterior Home Beautification Program

AURORA, IL — Aurora unveiled a new grant program to foster "neighborhood empowerment" through home exterior beautification projects.

Through the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Program, residents can apply for a one-time grant to fund outdoor projects that affect the exterior presentation of a home, such as landscaping, fencing improvements, and paint, window or door screen repairs.

Funding assistance, which will be given as reimbursements, can range between $250 and $1,000. Requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting March 15 until funds are depleted through Dec. 31, officials said.

To be eligible, applicants — who can be both owners or renters — must live in Aurora, demonstrate beautification results with before and after photos and adhere to total household income requirements. Projects may or may not be awarded the full amount requested.

The reimbursement would only cover materials and supplies, not permit fees or equipment purchases.

A full list of eligibility and project requirements and disqualification information can be found on the city's website.

Applications will open on March 15. An online application will be available on the city's website. The documents for a physical application, currently available, should be dropped off at the Community Services Department, 44 E. Downer Place, First Floor.