Residential Facade Improvement Program

The Mt. Sterling Residential Façade Program (MRFP) is a locally funded grant initiative administered by the City of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, with support from the Tracy Family Foundation. The program is designed to assist homeowners within city limits in improving the exterior appearance of their residential properties. By focusing on visible, street-facing enhancements, the program aims to strengthen neighborhood aesthetics, preserve architectural character, and promote community pride. The funding is not derived from federal sources and is instead supported through local and philanthropic contributions. The primary objective of the MRFP is to encourage reinvestment in residential properties by providing financial assistance for exterior improvements that enhance curb appeal. Eligible activities include general façade upgrades such as painting, siding, roofing, window and door replacement, and porch improvements. The program emphasizes improvements that are visible from the street and contribute to the overall visual quality of the neighborhood. Projects that occur behind fences, inside homes, or that do not contribute to exterior appearance are not eligible. Additionally, the program seeks to stimulate local economic activity by encouraging homeowners to engage local contractors and suppliers. Funding under the program covers up to 90 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant award of $15,000 per residential structure. Homeowners are required to initially fund their projects and are reimbursed after completion and verification of the work. The program imposes a deed restriction on funded properties for a period of five years, which is forgiven incrementally at a rate of 20 percent per year. If the homeowner sells the property or ceases to use it as a primary residence before the five-year period ends, a portion of the grant may be subject to repayment. Eligibility is limited to owner-occupied, single-family residential properties located within the city limits of Mt. Sterling. Mobile and modular homes may qualify if they are placed on permanent concrete foundations and the homeowner owns the land. Homes must be at least 15 years old, and applicants must be current on property taxes, mortgage payments, and insurance premiums. Properties must not have outstanding code violations that cannot be resolved through the proposed project. Rental properties and investment properties are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with supporting documentation, including proof of ownership, insurance, mortgage status, identification, contractor estimates, and photographs of the existing façade. Applications may be submitted via email or in person at City Hall. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the MRFP review board to ensure compliance with program requirements. Projects are prioritized based on their impact on neighborhood appearance, the homeowner’s financial need, level of personal investment, and completeness of the application. Following approval, a site visit is conducted by a program representative to confirm project details and approve the selected contractor. The homeowner is responsible for managing the project, securing permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Upon completion, a final inspection is conducted, and reimbursement is issued after submission of receipts and documentation. Applicants are typically notified of approval within approximately one month of submission, depending on application volume. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and remains open until allocated funds are depleted. Applicants are given 365 days from the date of award notification to complete their projects. For additional information or to request application materials, applicants may contact the City of Mt. Sterling directly via email or phone. The program reflects a broader community development effort to maintain and enhance the quality and character of residential neighborhoods.

Ensure your project clearly improves visible curb appeal and submit a complete application with all required documents to avoid delays; prioritize high-impact exterior improvements that align with program goals