Oswego Renaissance Association 2024 Block Challenge Pre-Application

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.

How to Participate for 2024

Look to see if your neighborhood is in one of the Target Zones. Streets in target zones are especially encouraged to apply.

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 and landlords 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.

Find out more information here.