Critical Improvements Program (Begin January 2026)

Critical Improvements for Downtown Properties (Dover)

UPDATED 3-4-26

Those anticipating completing an application must discuss proposed project plans prior to submitting application with Ann Marie Townshend: annmarie.townshend@rossitg.com or (302) 302-242-0381

Deadline for submission of CIP Application has been extended to March 20, 2026.

Please view the 12 minute video of this round before proceeding: https://www.downtowndoverpartnership.com/ddp/critical-improvements-program/

Downtown Dover property owners who are planning critical improvements to their downtown Dover properties may now submit an Application for funding consideration. Application to the program does not imply receipt of funds to the applicant as it is a competitive process. Those who are now reapplying for funds (including those who have been allocated funds previously but did not meet project requirements) are not guaranteed to receive funds during this round.

You must be the property owner to complete an Application.

To view a pdf of the actual Application prior to completing it online, visit: https://www.downtowndoverpartnership.com/ddp/critical-improvements-program/

Prior to submitting an application, potential applicants must

Priorities of the Program:

1. Projects that have permitting in place will be prioritized.
2. ADA improvements (handicap accessible compliance/improvement such as rest rooms, ramps, audible/visual “sensory: alarms, etc.
3. Life safety (such as, but not necessarily limited to: fire suppression, alarms, electrical, egress, etc.
4. Commercial Kitchen fit-out: Kitchen equipment attached to building structure, such as stove/ansul system.
5. Residential if above first floor commercial space, or other if in support of master plan, as approved by CIP review panel. https://tinyurl.com/CapitalCity2030
6. Properties must be located within the designated DDD (Downtown Development District by DSHA) boundary for Dover. For the DDD boundary map visit: http://tinyurl.com/DDDBoundaryMap.
NOTE: Properties on Loockerman Street and adjacent streets (one block out from Loockerman) within the DDD will be prioritized.

The following are NOT eligible uses of grant funds:

• Signage
• Purchase of interior furnishings, fixtures, or equipment, except: Consideration will be given to the purchase of kitchen fixtures and equipment attached to building structure and/or required for establishment of a commercial kitchen.
• Construction of a new structure or facility, replacement of an existing structure with a new one.
• Demolition of an existing building.
• Site improvements, with possible exception of exterior ADA retrofits to access entry to property.
• Acquiring title to a structure or a property.
• “Costs of doing business” such as operating or overhead.
• Legal fees, insurance premiums, licensing and permitting fees, or fees related to loans, or for activities otherwise ineligible for grant funding.

PRIOR TO APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

Those anticipating completing an application must discuss proposed project plans prior to submitting application with Ann Marie Townsh

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* 1. Property Owner First Name (NOTE: If the property is jointly owned, provide the first & last name of the co-owner in parenthesis next to your first name in this answer box.)

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* 2. Property Owner Last Name

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* 3. Property Owner Phone number

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* 4. Property Owner Email Address

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* 5. Home Address of Property Owner: (Street, City , State, Zip) Not your business address, but your home address.

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* 6. Do you plan to submit more than one Application for funding consideration, and if so, how many (including this one)?