Facade Grant
In October of 2016, Historic Marion Revitalization Association (HMRA) was proud to present the new Main Street Commons to the town of Marion and its surrounding communities. Our ribbon cutting ceremony and following events far exceeded our expectations.
With dedication and passion, HMRA will continue to support the development of our downtown community. We are confident that these new changes will bring added visitation and activity to your business. We want you to join us and we need your participation!
HMRA is proud to announce the return of the HMRA Façade Improvement Grant Program. The grant is created to stimulate private investments in high-quality improvements which will enhance the appearance of buildings and properties. The grant is open to owners of commercial properties and owners/managers of businesses located in the designated historic district as a way to support your vision for facility upgrades.
The grant requirements:
1. A current sustaining member of HMRA,
2. An eligible applicant as defined by the Program Guidelines,
3. Submit complete application that meets the requirements of the grant process, and
4. Willing to provide a minimum match of 25% of the awarded amount (or more if exceed amount awarded).
Applications are accepted and reviewed quarterly, at a minimum.
Even if you choose not to participate, please take a moment to think about how you can become part of the movement to revitalize Marion. Let us know what your goals are. We might be able to help.
So come join us as we make Marion the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of big town living.
The Facade Grant is limited to HMRA sustaining members and buildings located within the Historic Downtown District. Stop by the office for more information or an application.
Exterior Paint & Signage Campaign
To continue on the success of the Facade Grant, HMRA asked what we could do to continue helping our businesses in other ways. One need that has been apparent is for adequate or updated signage for our businesses. We also have noticed that businesses applied to the Facade Grant only for painting projects, and that was something we would be able to help with. With help from our friends in Hartsville, SC, we adapted a grant opportunity for our businesses, and so was born the Exterior Paint & Sign Campaign. By applying for this grant, businesses can be reimbursed for up to 75% of their signage or paint projects. The projects are reviewed by a committee and brought before the Historic Preservation Commission by HMRA on behalf of the applicant.
The Exterior Paint and Sign Campaign is open to HMRA sustaining members and buildings within the Historic Downtown District. Stop by the office for more information.
The grant requirements:
1. Current sustaining member of HMRA,
2. Submit complete application that meets requirements of the grant process, and
3. Willing to provide 25% match of the awarded amount (or more if exceeded amount awarded).
Tactical Urbanism Grant
Times sure have changed recently and so have the needs of our businesses! We are working hard to provide what our businesses need for success, and so we present the Tactical Urbanism Grant! This "outside the box" grant includes anything from lighting to sidewalk signs, landscaping to outdoor games...we want to help catch the eye of potential customers, get them talking, and get them in your doors! Funds are limited and will be reviewed by the current sign and paint campaign committee.
The Tactical Urbanism Grant is limited to HMRA business members and buildings within the Historic Downtown District. Stop by the office for more information.
The grant requirements:
1. Current sustaining member of HMRA,
2. Submit complete application that meets requirements of the grant process, and
3. Willing to provide 25% match of the awarded amount (or more if exceeded amount awarded).
Billboard Program
Another way we are here to support our businesses is through our Billboard Program. HMRA owns three billboards in the area, and we rent them at a discounted rate to HMRA members to promote tourism and economic vitality! Check with the office for current availability and timelines.
The Billboard Program is open to HMRA sustaining members. Stop by the office for more information.
The program requirements:
1. Current sustaining member of HMRA,
2. Submit complete application
3. Willing to pay amount in full prior to installation.
Grants We Receive!
.jpg)
HMRA is excited to announce a mini grant from the Marion County Healthcare Foundation for our newest endeavor, Paint Your (P)art art installation contest! This county wide contest is open to residents or workers of Marion County age 15 years or older. 10 finalists will be chosen to produce a 4'x4' art piece to be hung in our Historic District of Marion. First place, second place prizes will be awarded based on popular vote and a student edition winner will be chosen by a panel of judges. We are so thankful for ongoing support of the revitalization of Marion's Historic District from the Marion County Healthcare Foundation. Without them, this project would not be possible! Additional funding has come from donations and HMRA promotional funding.
On January 8, 2020, with support from Representative Lucas Atkinson, HMRA received $75,000 in funding from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. We are humbled by the endorsement bestowed upon us from the state for our revitalization efforts. With this money, we have plans to work on facility improvements, increased signage and painting - including mural work, event planning, beautification projects within the Historic District, and capacity building of the organization. It is our mission to preserve, promote, and stimulate the historic appearance and economic vitality of Historic Downtown Marion, South Carolina, and we look forward to making huge strides in our efforts with the faith placed in our organization. We thank Representative Lucas Atkinson, Senator Kent Williams, Mayor Ashley Brady, and our membership for your belief in what we work so hard to do.
Historic Marion Revitalization Association is proud to announce the acceptance of a $75,000 grant from the Marion County Healthcare Foundation. HMRA employed MPA Strategies based out of Columbia, South Carolina to assist with the grant writing process. The grant, which spans a total of three years, will contribute a total of $45,000 to the facade grant program, $15,000 to the signage and paint program, and $15,000 for marketing and promotions. HMRA's mission is to improve to historic appearance and economic vitality of the Historic District in Marion, South Carolina. "This is a huge leap in the right direction for HMRA and our Historic District. I am so proud of all the hard work and dedication of our board members and HMRA supporters for what we've accomplished thus far, and I look forward to what is coming for our town. The forward momentum is palpable and contagious." For more information about HMRA, visit www.theswampfox.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.