Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program

The Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program is administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) for the District of Columbia. The program is intended to support economic activity and neighborhood revitalization along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor within the District. DMPED released the FY2026 Notice of Funding Availability on May 1, 2026, with a Request for Applications scheduled for release on May 15, 2026. The program is authorized under the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Limited Grant-Making Authority Act of 2012, as amended by the Rhode Island Avenue Corridor Long-Term Lease Adjustment Emergency Amendment Act of 2026. The initiative reflects the District's interest in supporting long-term commercial occupancy and strengthening neighborhood-serving businesses that contribute to community engagement and pedestrian activity. The purpose of the grant program is to provide direct financial support to small businesses operating or intending to operate within the Rhode Island Avenue corridor in Washington, DC. Eligible businesses must either currently hold or intend to sign long-term commercial leases of at least five years, with at least three years remaining on any active lease. The grant program specifically seeks to support businesses and organizations that offer retail, educational programming, entertainment, food services, or other activities that strengthen community connections and increase foot traffic within the corridor. Preference may be given to businesses that improve food access, including food markets, grocery stores, and fresh food providers. DMPED intends to distribute up to $350,000 in total funding during FY2026 through multiple awards. Individual grant awards are anticipated to range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on project scope and eligibility. Successful applicants may receive one-time payments, contingent upon funding availability, successful verification of lease status, and compliance with all grant agreement requirements. Funds may be used for two primary purposes: offsetting commercial rent expenses or completing tenant improvements associated with the business location. The NOFA does not specify a required matching contribution, cost-share requirement, or reimbursement structure. The source material also does not identify indirect cost limitations, project performance periods, or restrictions on specific categories of tenant improvement costs. Applicants must satisfy several eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. Eligible entities may be either for-profit or not-for-profit organizations registered in the District of Columbia. Applicants must be in good standing with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, the Office of Tax and Revenue, and the Department of Employment Services. For-profit applicants must either already be certified business enterprises or qualify for such certification. Businesses must employ fewer than 30 full-time employees and must operate, or plan to operate, within the eligible Rhode Island Avenue corridor geography identified by DMPED. The program requires that applicants provide services or activities that promote neighborhood engagement and attract visitors to the area. Additional eligibility details and selection criteria are expected to be included in the full Request for Applications. The application process will include an initial screening phase to assess completeness and eligibility, followed by review and scoring by a panel organized by DMPED. Final funding determinations will be made by the Deputy Mayor after consideration of review panel recommendations, budget priorities, available resources, geographic balance across communities served, and overall alignment with the program goals. DMPED states that award decisions are final and may not be appealed. The agency anticipates completing application reviews within approximately forty-five days after the submission deadline. The NOFA also reserves DMPED's right to amend, supplement, or rescind the funding opportunity at its sole discretion. Applications must be submitted electronically in accordance with instructions provided in the Request for Applications. The RFA is scheduled for release on May 15, 2026 through DMPED's grant opportunities website. Applications will be accepted through June 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, and late applications will not be accepted. DMPED also plans to host both virtual and in-person information sessions for interested applicants, with details to be posted on the agency website. Program inquiries may be directed to Tariq Sheriff at bizdev@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-6365. The funding opportunity appears to be part of a broader corridor revitalization initiative but no explicit recurring annual schedule is stated within the NOFA.

Emphasize how the business will strengthen community connections and increase foot traffic within the Rhode Island Avenue Corridor. Applicants offering fresh food access such as grocery stores or food markets may receive preference. Demonstrate long-term lease stability and neighborhood impact clearly.