DIG Grant for Downtown Pelham

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is proud to unveil the Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG), a new initiative aimed at boosting the aesthetic appeal in the heart of the Village of Pelham. This grant program provides financial support to storefront businesses, offering grants of up to $5,000. The DIG grant underscores the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Pelham’s downtown business community and creating a more dynamic and inviting environment for residents and visitors.

The Downtown Improvement Grant has been designed by the Pelham Chamber of Commerce together with the Village of Pelham and in partnership with The Catalyst of Westchester County Economic Development to support projects that enhance storefronts and contribute to the overall charm of the downtown district. Whether it’s a new awning, updated signage, or outdoor seating areas, these improvements will not only benefit businesses but also elevate the collective appeal of the Village of Pelham as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Grant Highlights

The DIG grant program offers businesses the opportunity to apply for funding for a variety of projects, such as:

• Storefront Facades: Fresh coats of paint, façade repairs and decorative enhancements

• Signage Updates: Modernized, visually appealing, and compliant signage to attract customers

• Outdoor Seating or Displays: Enhancements that encourage foot traffic and create welcoming spaces

• Lighting and Accessibility or Code Upgrades: Better lighting, ramps, or other features to ensure safety and inclusivity, as well as updates required to meet code

• Creative Initiatives: Other projects that align with the program’s mission to improve the downtown experience

Eligibility and Application Process

The DIG grant program is open to all businesses with storefronts in the downtown Village of Pelham. To apply, business owners should:

- Download the application form

- Review FAQ for eligible project improvements

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals by April 15th 2025 to pelhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com

The applications will be assessed and ranked towards the program’s goals and grant criteria, including aesthetic improvement, accessibility, and creativity.

• Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per approved application. Exceptional applications can apply for an up to $10,000 grant.

• Grant Conditions: Up to 2/3 of the project cost will be eligible for reimbursement  (e.g., a $7,500 project can receive up to $5,000, or a $3,000 project can receive up to $2,000)    

• Application Deadline: April 15th 2025

• Selection Criteria: Projects will be evaluated for their contribution to the downtown’s aesthetic, accessibility and public safety, creativity and economic rationale. Grants may also be used to ensure conformance with Village code. 

Downtown Pelham includes 5th Avenue (from Train Station to Willow/Mayflower Ave) and Wolfs Lane (from Train Station to Colonial Ave) in Pelham Village.

Approved applications will be reimbursed once the project has been completed in accordance with all required permits and building owner approvals (for lessees). Grants in excess of $5,000 may be approved for exceptional applications.

The full agreement required between business owner and Village of Pelham can be found here. This document needs to be executed pursuant an approved grant application.

Full press release can be found here.

List of Pelham businesses that could help can be found here.