Facade and Tenant Improvement Program

Small business owners and property owners can apply for up to $25,000 through the City of Oakland’s expanded and updated Facade and Tenant Improvement Program to improve the exterior and interior of their commercial properties.

About the Window Repair Grants
Applications Closed Jan 31, 2023
About the Facade/Tenant Improvement Grants
Applications Closed Jan 31, 2023
Sign up for Email Updates
Get notified for key program updates

Applications are now closed for the Facade and Tenant Improvement Grant Program. In the last round of funding, we received over 600 applications. We issued over 100 grant commitments and have a substantial waitlist of eligible projects.

In order to increase the capacity to process the large number of FTIP grants, the City issued an RFP in 2024 for a third party to administer FTIP, in order to allow more rapid assistance to FTIP grantees to complete their projects and improve their properties. Plenum Architecture, Inc. was selected as the preferred vendor, and a contract with Plenum was executed in March 2025.

If you would like to be notified in the future if funding becomes available, please sign up for email updates. 

NOTE: Applicants must sign a grant agreement with the City BEFORE starting construction, in order for those project expenses to be considered eligible for reimbursement.

Key Program Features & 2022 Updates

Sweetfingers Restaurant at 5859 Foothill Blvd (Before and After)
Sweetfingers Restaurant at 5859 Foothill Blvd (Before and After)
  • Grants now available city-wide​
  • Projects up to $25,000 are fully reimbursable; additional costs reimbursed at 50%. Grant funds are given out after work is completed and proof of payment submitted.
  • Reimbursement can be provided in stages throughout project
  • Emergency Window Repair Grants of $2,500 due to vandalism​ (first-come, first-served basis)
  • Open to both property owners and their business tenants.
  • ​Tenant applicants must be an independently owned, for-profit business​. Churches, nonprofit organizations, chains, and franchises are not eligible.
  • Applications will be prioritized based on the Equity Scoring Criteria and the fulfillment of the following goals: a) Support the City's broader economic development goals; b) Improve the retail climate of the surrounding commercial district; c) Enhance the appearance of the property and preserve/restore valuable historical features.


Program Details

Maximum Grant Awards

  • Combined Façade Improvement + Tenant Improvement: $25,000
  • Emergency Window Repair: $2,500

Note: Awarded grant money is taxable income​

Example Eligible Projects

Façade (Exterior) Improvements​ Tenant (Interior) Improvements​
  • Signage​
  • Landscaping​
  • Exterior lighting​
  • Security systems​
  • Awnings/canopies​
  • Windows, doors, and safety grilles​
  • Restoration of historical façade​
  • Physical upgrades associated with outdoor dining (e.g., parklets)​
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)​
  • Permit fees​
  • Design work​
  • Interior design, paint, and décor​
  • Demolition and shell reconstruction​
  • Restoration of interior historical features​
  • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC​
  • Hazardous materials abatement (e.g. asbestos removal)​
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)​
  • Permit fees​
  • Design work​

Help publicize the program using graphics and suggested blurbs in our asset library

Please review Program Guidelines before you apply

Contact us:

Phone number: (510) 238-3853

Email address: ftip@oaklandca.gov

Posted: November 15th, 2022 5:18 PM

Last Updated: April 9th, 2025 8:53 PM

Was this page helpful?

Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.
Your feedback will help us improve our website. We cannot reply individually to all feedback.