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 eligible home 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. Expenses incurred prior to grant approval will not be eligible for reimbursement.

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
• Removal of ash tree without planting new tree
• 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
• Current condition of property
• Visible/demonstrated need for proposed improvements
• Impact of proposed improvements on property and neighborhood
• Selection of local contractors and materials
• Plan for maintenance and future improvements

Additionally, proximity to other applicant properties will be considered. Properties that are physically close together have the potential to 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.

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 FY26  – projects completed and reimbursed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
• Funding Cycle FY27  – projects completed and reimbursed between July 1, 2026 and June 14, 2027

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. Final reports are reviewed by the Economic Development department and subsequently approved for final payment by City Council.

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.