Chinatown Building
Upgrade Fund
New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative The Chinatown Building Upgrade Fund provides grants to support property improvements that strengthen and revitalize Chinatown. Eligible projects include building exterior improvements, ADA accessibility, and small projects such as signage improvements. If you own or lease a property in Chinatown, you can apply for funding between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on your project type.
Who can apply
Eligible activities & funding limits
| Activity | Funding range |
|---|---|
|
Building exterior improvements
Storefront and building exterior upgrades
|
$50K – $100K |
|
ADA accessibility
Ramps, lifts, compliant doorways, emergency exits
|
$10K – $25K |
|
Small projects
Awnings, signage, lighting, security cameras, plaques
|
$10K – $15K |
Soft Costs:
Associated architectural, engineering, and environmental costs must constitute less than 18% of the award.
Match Requirement:
- Minimum 20% match of the total project cost is required
- Match must be comprised of eligible project costs only
- Match calculated on a building-by-building basis
- In-kind contributions are not eligible
Selection criteria
Projects are scored on five criteria. Download the full rubric, application instructions, and program details below.
readiness
impact
impact
of life
priorities
| Criterion | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Project Readiness | Project readiness, financial readiness, and implementation timeline. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a reasonable construction timeline and a clear path to construction with minimal risk of delay, with evidence of the applicant's previous experience completing similar projects and their overall capacity to deliver. | 20 |
| Physical Impact | Priority is given to projects that are transformative beyond normal maintenance by evaluating physical impact, such as projects that are visually prominent, have historic value, address properties that are in danger of being lost, and bring existing properties into compliance with design guidelines. | 20 |
| Economic Impact | Projects will be evaluated based on their size, scope, and total investment amount, which demonstrate their potential for transformative change. Priority is given to projects that leverage grant funds with private investment, result in economic impacts such as reducing blight or vacancies, contribute to the target area's economic recovery, and support the stabilization and expansion of the area's tax base, businesses, and jobs. | 20 |
| Quality of Life | Projects will be evaluated based on how well they advance the quality of life within the target area. This includes accessibility and safety improvements as well as broader quality of life considerations that support a more attractive, livable, accessible, and inclusive community. | 20 |
| DRI Priorities | Projects will be evaluated based on how well they advance the DRI Investment Strategy's goals. The Committee will assess each project's impact on its immediate surrounding area, including effects on the street or corridor and benefits to neighboring properties. Priority will be given to projects that catalyze improvements along key streetscapes or encourage nearby investment. High priority will also go to projects on strategic, high-visibility corridors that enhance neighborhood character, improve pedestrian experience, and strengthen Chinatown's identity as a vibrant community destination. | 20 |
How to apply
Complete the application form
- Basic information about you and proposed project
- Project description, including scope, narrative, and budget
- Confirmation of compliance with program requirements
Submit supporting documents
Eligible applications are reviewed until September 7, 2026. If your project qualifies by location and scope, you'll be asked to submit the following via our online portal:
- Budget projection & cost breakdown
- Proof of ownership or lease
- Project plans, renderings, or specifications
- Contractor bids or quotes
- Photographs of existing property
More details
Ineligible properties
Structures owned by religious or private membership-based organizations with no public access or benefits. Municipally owned or operated buildings. Note: if a membership-based organization partially leases to an eligible business, that lessee may still apply provided all other requirements are met.
Ineligible costs
- Acquisition costs, furnishings, appliances, non-affixed electronics, tools
- Septic systems, parking lots, sidewalks, patios, decks, landscaping, fences
- Inventory, rent/lease expenses, working capital, general or deferred maintenance
- Labor provided by the applicant, their family, or their staff
- Soft costs for work on buildings that eventually prove infeasible
- Costs incurred prior to the effective date of the grant agreement
Regulatory compliance
Project scopes are submitted to SHPO for review. SEQRA environmental review documentation is required — HTFC will issue a formal Notice to Proceed only after these documents are accepted. No construction may begin before that notice. Compliance with NYS MWBE/SDVOB requirements applies.
Contractor insurance
- General liability: minimum $1M
- Workers' compensation coverage
Property owner insurance
- Property insured for full (100%) replacement value
- Flood insurance required if in a special flood hazard area
- Fire insurance recommended
Reimbursement & documentation
This is a reimbursement grant — you pay first, then are reimbursed upon project completion. Required documents include written contracts, invoices, bank documents, cancelled checks, and lien releases. Cash payments are not reimbursable.
Post-award & compliance period
A 3-year compliance period applies after project completion. Repayment schedule if property is sold: 100% in months 0–12, 65% in months 13–24, 33% in months 25–36, no repayment after 36 months.