Did you know? For more than 20 years, the Department of Commerce's Office of Neighborhood Economic Development has invested in commercial real estate development projects that provide vital goods and services to residents in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.
Our next funding round is now open. Don't miss this opportunity to address the coordinated disinvestment of neighborhoods through funds dedicated to real estate development activities aligned with the needs of the surrounding areas.
Commercial real estate grants help nonprofits, including community development corporations, increase their financial capacity and create economic opportunities that revitalize the communities they serve.
Nonprofit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $950,000 to fund commercial space for businesses that provide goods and services accessible to low- and moderate-income residents while increasing job creation.
The application deadline is March 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
The proposed activity must comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations. Additional City requirements include:
Project teams have knowledge and understanding of the community so they can make informed decisions based on the community's needs. The goal is to increase local ownership and self-determination in how land and property are developed and prioritize the needs of the surrounding community. Projects must fit into the City's plan for the area, the Neighborhood Strategic Plan, the organization's Strategic Economic Development Plan, and ensure they serve low- and moderate-income residents through upcoming programs and services.
Eligible projects can receive funding in four categories:
Planning Economic development planning activities aimed at revitalizing neighborhood commercial activities and eliminating blight that will lead to increased economic opportunity within the target area. Eligible plans must include action items that the applicant can influence or move so that they can act on and measure the results of the plan. Pre-Development Commercial or mixed-use projects that are in the stages before development and construction begins. Project funding can support architectural, legal, environmental, consulting, and related pre-development costs. Development “Brick and Mortar” projects: new construction or significant renovation of commercial or mixed-use facilities. Eligible projects that apply to the Development Track entail a site management or purchase and sale agreement, and plans for tenants for the commercial space. Acquisition The purchase of occupied commercial or mixed-use real estate in a commercial district. The purpose of this funding is to stabilize the commercial district, retain existing businesses, and maintain viable commercial space. Eligible projects must have an existing business providing goods or services in ground floor commercial space and a commitment to continue operating after ownership transfer of the building.
The City will consider a variety of factors when evaluating proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposal (RFP). Required documentation includes, but is not limited to:
A budget including a detailed proposal for the costs of specific services and work products proposed. The proposal must clearly demonstrate the need and provide evidence of secured funding commitments and a specific plan for obtaining the remaining funding commitments. A project description documenting community support, commercial occupancy plans, scope of work, and a detailed timeline showing tasks completed to date and a reasonable timeline for project completion. If there are any issues required, such as zoning changes, environmental work, these should also be detailed. Evidence of site control through proof of ownership (deed), executed purchase and sale agreement or option agreement, or lease agreement of at least 15 years. If there is no site control, the applicant must show evidence of a clear path to site control. Evidence of management and operational efficiency must provide a plan for staffing a development team, including architects, building contractors, development and legal consultants. If the organization does not have the experience or capacity to undertake the development, it must not only identify consultants but also attach contracts outlining the services the consultants will provide from the pre-development through construction phase.
To be considered for this contract opportunity, applicants must complete their application through eContract Philly by the deadline. Proposals are not considered submitted until the “Submit” button is pressed at the end of the eContract Philly submission process. You will receive a confirmation email notifying you that your application has been submitted.
Applicants are encouraged to allow sufficient time to complete the application process to understand the eContract Philly interface requirements, upload all required documentation, and resolve any technical issues prior to the submission deadline. The City is not required to accept, and may discard, incomplete responses, late responses, or responses submitted in any other format. Applications are available online.
If you have any questions, please email Sara.Lepori@Phila.gov.