2025 Grant Application

The Foggy Bottom West End Main Street program (FBWEMS) will provide grants of up to $4,000 for small businesses in the Main Street corridor.
Only businesses located within The Foggy Bottom West End Main Street boundaries are eligible to apply. 

Applications are available in English other languages as needed by sending a request to info@foggybottomwestendmainstreet.org.
The maximum grant amount awarded is $4,000. 

Important Dates

  • Info Session Tuesday, June 17th 4-5pm at West End Library (2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037)

  • Applications may be submitted as early as June 1, 2025.  APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS. 

  • Applications must be received no later than Thursday, July 31, 2025 by 5:00 pm. 
    Extended Deadline: Friday August 15, 2025 by 5pm EST

  • Applicants will be notified of their award status no later than Friday, August 15,2025. 

  • Applicants must expend all funds and provide all receipts no later than September 15, 2025.


CONFIDENTIALITY: Information provided as a part of this grant application shall only be used in evaluating the proposed project. 

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The following businesses and/or organizations are ineligible for a 2025 grant:

    ● Any business located outside of the FBWEMS boundaries

    ● Businesses without appropriate and current licenses, permits, and other necessary registration to be a legally operating business in Washington, DC

    ● Businesses that do not have at least 2 years remaining on their lease or fail to submit an LOI for lease renewal

    ● Online businesses without a brick-and-mortar location

    ● Average annual revenue for the last three years must not exceed $2 million.

    ​● Adult entertainment

    ● Gas stations

    ● Banks

    ● Home-based businesses

    ● Professional Services (i.e. real estate, accounting, legal firms, etc.)

    ● Churches

    ● Nonprofit organizations

    ● District of Columbia government agencies

  • Examples of eligible expenses for FBWEMS grant in 2025 include but are not limited to:


    • New or upgraded equipment or technology ​such as HVAC systems, refrigeration units, electrical upgrades

    • New or improved brand guidelines, marketing strategy, website, social media 

    • E-commerce sales systems, including Point of Sale systems

    • Other expenses related to enhancing business operations

    • Interior displays

    • Patios or decks (with evidence of proper Summer Garden or Sidewalk Cafe permits)

    • Fixed gates, grates, or bars removed (with or without an option for new exterior mesh gates, interior roll-down bars, or interior grilles)

    • Paint, including site preparation

    • Business signage

    • Lighting

    • Entrance, windows, & doors (ADA compliant)

    • Canopy/Awning

    • Architectural elements (shutters, parapets, etc.)

    • Building finishes & materials

    • Damage repair

    • Security improvements

    • Other interior, exterior and storefront improvements and renovations

  • Examples of ineligible expenses for FBWEMS grant in 2025 include, but are not limited to,  merchandise (meant for sale), financing of existing debt, rent, payroll, day-to-day operational costs, design costs, permit fees, contract services, maintenance and moving expenses, loan interest, and any expenses incurred before January 17, 2025. 

  • Yes, if the Grants Committee determines your project fits the criteria, the funds from this grant program can apply to expenses as far back as January 17, 2025.

  • No. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for consideration for the grant program this year. 

  • $4,000.  Going forward the FBWEMS Board may decide to limit the number of grants for which a business may apply. 

MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact the FBWE Grants Committee at info@foggybottomwestmainstreet.com.
Due to a high volume of questions, please allow 2 business days for a response.