Healthy Homes Grant Program

Are you looking to enhance the appearance of your home and contribute to the betterment of your neighborhood? If yes, you’ll be excited to learn that the City of Emmetsburg has introduced a program to assist homeowners with exterior repairs. Participating property owners are eligible for a grant up to $500 on qualifying exterior improvements.

How does the program work?

Participating property owners are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match up to $500 on exterior improvements. If $500 is spent, for example, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 is spent, the match is capped at $500. This is a competitive grant program, and funds are limited. Grants will be distributed based on the amount of funding available and the number and quality of applications received. Grants will be disbursed as a reimbursement after project completion.

To receive matching funds, property owners must submit a final report with all receipts, invoices, proof of payment, and photos at the conclusion of their project(s), even when the participant invested more than required by the matching grant. The City of Emmetsburg will review these materials, take photos of the completed work, and mail a reimbursement check to the participant.

Who is eligible for funding?

Homes must be owner-occupied and located within the city limits of Emmetsburg.

What improvements are ELIGIBLE?

• Air sealing and insulation (to meet current energy code requirements)
• ENERGY STAR certified doors and windows
• Exterior paint, trim, and shutters
• Siding (durable cladding with at least R-5 continuous exterior insulation)
• Soffit, fascia, flashing, ventilation, and gutters
• Roofing
• Foundation repair
• Radon testing and mitigation
• Sidewalks
• Mailboxes, house plaques, and signs
• Exterior lighting
• Ash tree removal and replacement

*More improvements may be eligible but all must be approved through development department*

What improvements are INELIGIBLE?

• Interior construction
• Construction of additions or detached structures (i.e. sheds)
• Isolated roof or siding repairs
• Adding additional layers of shingles to roof
• Removal of gutters without replacing with new
• Installation of uninsulated siding

What are the selection criteria?

The number of projects chosen for the Healthy Homes Program will depend on available funding. If the number of applications exceeds committed funding, a competitive selection process will take the following factors into consideration: completeness of application, need/impact of proposed improvements on property and neighborhood, and proximity to other applicant properties. Properties that are physically close together will create a greater neighborhood impact than properties that are separated by great distances, therefore preference will be shown to applications that demonstrate neighbors are working together to boost the entire neighborhood. Communication and coordination is encouraged between neighbors. Additionally, preference will be given to projects with materials purchased locally.

Can property owners apply more than once?

Homes are eligible to receive awards twice in a five-year period. The second award will be limited to half of the eligible expenses of that of the first year. For example:
1^st year project cost: $1,000         Award amount: $500
2nd year project cost: $1,000     Award amount: $250

Timeline & Process

There are multiple funding cycles for the Healthy Homes Grant Program:

• Funding Cycle FY25 Round 2 – projects completed and reimbursed between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025
• Funding Cycle FY26 Round 1 – projects completed and reimbursed between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025
• Funding Cycle FY26 Round 2 – projects completed and reimbursed between January 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026

Project may begin according to the dates listed above. Project completed prior to this date must have pre-approval. Final expense reports are due, along with copies of invoices/receipts, proof of payment, and completion photos, prior to final reimbursements.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.