The 2025 Renaissance Block Challenge Pre-Applications 

Will be Available January 2025

​

The Renaissance Block Challenge Grant encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties in order to begin revitalizing  Oswego’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest.

 

Participating property owners in a Renaissance Block are eligible for Matching funds (a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $1,000, for exterior improvements, for each property owner). This is a matching grant. If $500 is spent, for example, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 (or more) is spent, the match is $1,000. 

 

 

Grant are awarded competitively, and funded based upon the availability of funding and the number and quality of applications received. Please note that no house can participate in two consecutive years, unless the home is owned by a Block Leader. Please contact the ORA for more information

​

​

​

​

How to Participate 

 

Look to see if your neighborhood is in one of the Target Zones. Streets in target zones are especially encouraged to apply. The ORA has, however, funded blocks outside of the Target Zones. Being in a Target Zone is one of several factors that impact the likelihood your block would be awarded the grant.

 

If you decide to apply for the Renaissance Block Challenge for 2024, form a cluster of at least FIVE neighboring property owners who intend to perform exterior work to their properties–including landscaping, exterior painting, porch repair, walkway/sidewalk repair, and lighting. Homeowners, landlords and/or tenants may apply. Neighbors submitting pre-applications on time then meet with an ORA representative to prepare and submit a detailed, final application. Designation of 2024 Renaissance Blocks will occur in Mid-May, 2024.

 

1. Tips for a Competitive Final Application

​

2. Next round of pre-applications are out in Jan 2025