Main Street Hanover Announces 2026-2027 Downtown Façade Grant Program
Hanover, PA — Main Street Hanover is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026–2027 Downtown Façade Grant Program, a new matching reimbursement program designed to help commercial property owners and business tenants make exterior improvements that strengthen the appearance, character, and vitality of downtown Hanover.
Made possible through funding from the York County Community Foundation, the program will provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 per commercial property, per project, with a dollar-for-dollar match required.
“Investing in the buildings that make up our downtown is an investment in Hanover as a whole,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “We know that exterior improvements can be a significant expense for property owners and small businesses. This program is intended to make those projects a little more achievable while encouraging improvements that preserve and enhance the character of downtown.”
Eligible projects may include a wide range of exterior improvements, including:
- Storefront and display window restoration or repair
- Permanent exterior signage
- Awnings
- Exterior doors and windows
- Exterior lighting
- Exterior painting and surface preparation
- Brick and stone masonry
- Architectural metals
- Historic architectural details and exterior woodwork
Projects may focus on restoring historic features, refreshing an existing storefront, or making exterior improvements that help a business or property stand out while contributing to the overall appearance of downtown.
For example, an eligible $10,000 project could receive up to $5,000 in grant funding, while an eligible $6,000 project could receive up to $3,000. Applicants are responsible for paying project costs upfront, with grant funds provided as reimbursement after the approved work is completed and all required documentation has been submitted and approved.
Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-approved, first-funded basis while funds remain available.
Who Can Apply?
Commercial property owners and business tenants located within Main Street Hanover’s designated district are eligible to apply. Tenants must provide written approval from the property owner.
Applicants must also be current on local taxes and municipal obligations and may not have outstanding municipal code violations on the property. A $50 non-refundable application processing fee is required with each application.
All proposed projects must receive final written approval before work begins. Projects that have already started or been completed are not eligible for reimbursement.
Applications will be reviewed by the Main Street Hanover Board of Directors based on factors including compatibility with Main Street Hanover’s Downtown Design Guidelines, overall visual impact, historic appropriateness, and project feasibility.
“We encourage property owners and business owners to contact us early in the process, even if they are still developing their project ideas,” Tyler added. “We’re happy to help applicants understand the program requirements and determine whether a proposed improvement may be eligible before they move forward.”
Applicants may perform eligible work themselves; however, generally only material and supply costs are eligible for reimbursement. Labor costs are eligible only when the applicant is a qualified, licensed contractor.
Projects must comply with Main Street Hanover’s Downtown Design Guidelines, applicable Borough of Hanover codes, and historic preservation best practices when appropriate. Grant participation does not exempt applicants from obtaining any required Borough permits or approvals.
The program does not fund interior renovations, sidewalk or streetscape improvements, exterior patio seating, temporary or movable fixtures, landscaping, unrelated roof replacements, work begun before approval, or improvements that do not comply with applicable Borough requirements.
Applications Now Available
Property owners and business tenants interested in applying are encouraged to review the complete 2026–2027 Downtown Façade Grant Program Guidelines before submitting an application. The guidelines include detailed information about eligibility, eligible expenses, application requirements, design standards, the review process, and reimbursement procedures.
Applications are available through Main Street Hanover at MainStreetHanover.org or by contacting the Main Street Hanover office at (717) 637-6130.
Main Street Hanover is grateful to the York County Community Foundation for making this program possible and for supporting continued investment in downtown Hanover.
About York County Community Foundation
The York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community. They started by pooling charitable gifts, then invested the funds to grow over time, and then made grants to charities from the earnings of those investments. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation decided to build its assets to become the leading philanthropic organization it is today.
Donors are the crux of our existence and the reason we have been successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from various community members, we have enhanced our mission by serving as changemakers and working alongside community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and ensure a lasting impact.
About Main Street Hanover
About Main Street Hanover
The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.
Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover.
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Moriah Tyler Executive Director
- September 23, 2026
- (717) 637-6130 Ext. 101
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