Loan & Grant Programs

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program allows Whittier to allocate funds to help the community reinvest in their properties. Currently, the Alliance offers low-interest loans to help with renovations, as well as a facade improvement grant offering matching funds for facade improvements along Nicollet and Lyndale.

There are three loan programs for properties in the Whittier neighborhood that the Whittier Alliance helps to administer.

Home Improvement Loan

The Home Improvement Loan program provides low interest loans of 4% of $1000 to $25,000 for exterior improvements to owner-occupied single family homes, and owner-occupied rental properties of up to four units. Properties must be located in the Whittier Neighborhood.

The eligible repair guidelines were updated in 2007 and can be found here: Single-Family Home Improvement Loan Guidelines

Applications will be reviewed and handled by the CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT (CEE). For general information, call the Whittier Alliance at 612-871-7756, otherwise visit CEE's website to learn more about the process of obtaining the loan and who at CEE to contact.

3-R Loan Program (Rental Rehabilitation & Renewal Loan Program)

The purpose of the Rental Rehabilitation and Renewal Loan Program (3-R Program) is to provide financial assistance to owners of residential rental property in the Whittier neighborhood to complete property improvements. The 3-R Program should be used especially by owners who wish to use rehabilitation as part of an effort of the Whittier Alliance, the participating Lender, the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). The goal is to finance as many improvements as possible by providing affordable financing.

The loan to value, depending on the size and owner-occupant status of the property, can be high as 90%. The maximum for a non owner-occupied building is 70% loan to value. If the property does not provide adequate collateral for the transaction, the applicant will be required to pledge other assets as available to secure the loan at its full value.

To make loans affordable, the participating Lender will loan 30% of the principle and the NRP funds will loan the remaining principle (70%). Interest is approximately 3% with terms up to 10 years. Property must be in the Whittier neighborhood. Funds for this program are provided by Minneapolis' NRP program and are administered by Franklin National Bank or EastBank.

Eligible Improvements
  • Improvements that correct City of Minneapolis Housing Maintenance Code deficiencies.
  • Improvements that correct other substandard conditions under local and state building, health or safety codes.
  • Improvements to the exterior of the building.
  • Replacements or improvements to roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems.
  • Improvements to increase the energy efficiency of the building.
  • Improvements to increase the safety of the building for residents.
  • Historic preservation work.
  • Interior capital improvements.
  • Improvements for handicap accessibility.
Ineligible Expenses
  • Recreational or luxury improvements.
  • Working capital.
  • Appliances (unless built in).
  • Payment for the property owner's own labor for the performance of rehabilitation.
  • Debt service of any kind.
  • Other expenses as determined by the Loan Committee and/or NRP funding guidelines.
Funding Guidelines: The maximum amount is determined by the number of housing units in the building and if it is an owner-occupied property being improved.
  • Up to $20,000 for a 2 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $25,000 for a 3 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $30,000 for a 4 unit owner occupied property.
  • Up to $15,000 for a 2 to 4 unit building that is not owner occupied.
  • Up to $2,500 per unit for buildings with 5 units or more.
Other requirements apply. Please call the Whittier Alliance for more information at 612-871-7756.

2% Commercial Improvement Loan

The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Loan program is to provide low-interest, longer-term loans as an incentive for tenants and owners to upgrade the appearance and maintain the viability of commercial properties and the commercial area as a whole. Any business in the Whittier neighborhood may apply. Applicants may be individual owners, partnerships, tenant operators, corporations, or contract for deed purchasers. The applicant's property must be a conforming use under the City's Zoning Ordinance.

Eligible exterior projects include, but are not limited to: Cleaning, painting and staining of exterior surfaces, Repairing doors, windows and awnings, Sign repair or replacement, Architectural design services, Roofing.

Eligible interior improvements include, but are not limited to: Repair of walls, floors, lighting and windows, Electrical and plumbing improvements.

Ineligible costs include equipment financing and inventory, among others.

Other requirements apply. Please call the Whittier Alliance for more information at 612-871-7756.

Whittier Facade Improvement Grant

Business and commercial property owners along Nicollet and Lyndale may apply for matching grants for a variety of eligible storefront improvements. The grant is made possible by the City of Minneapolis "Great Streets" program. The Great Streets program aims to help revitalize and sustain neighborhood business districts. Matching grants up to $5,000 per business or storefront are available. Click here for the Facade Improvement Guidelines.

In 2007, the Whittier Alliance Business Association contracted U+B Architecture & Design (2524 Nicollet Ave So) to create "virtual facade improvements" for 3 neighborhood businesses. The "before" images are of the existing business storefronts; the "after" images show the virtual effects of facade improvements. The intent is to show the types of improvements than can be made and inspire commercial property owners to improve the look of their business or storefront.
Click here to see the "Virtual Facade Improvement" images.