28 Mar Ticonderoga DRI Small Projects Fund Launches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 28, 2025
$600,000 DRI Small Projects Fund Launches to Support Building Renovations in Downtown Ticonderoga
North Country Rural Development (NRDC) is pleased to announce the launch of its Small Projects Fund, a $600,000 program made possible through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). The Fund provides matching grant awards to support transformative building improvements within the Ticonderoga DRI target area.
Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs with properties in the designated downtown zone. The program is designed to catalyze visible improvements, strengthen the downtown economy, and bring long-term energy to Ticonderoga’s historic commercial core.
“This fund is an opportunity for building owners to tackle long-overdue upgrades—whether it’s restoring a historic façade, modernizing interiors, or making spaces more energy efficient,” said Nicole Justice Green, Executive Director of NRDC. “Our goal is to make downtown more vibrant, inviting, and economically resilient.”
Funding Focus Areas Include:
- Façade and exterior building renovations
- Interior commercial space renovations and fit-outs
- Code compliance and accessibility improvements
- Energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, HVAC, lighting, )
- Permanent improvements that enhance business function and building longevity
The program offers matching grants between $25,000 and $100,000, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs. All applicants are required to provide a minimum 25% match. This is a reimbursement-based program, and all funded activities must comply with New York State procurement and environmental review regulations.
Completed applications, including all required attachments, must be submitted by May 5, 2025 either through the online portal or by dropping off a paper application at the NRDC office.
🔗 Online Application:
https://form.jotform.com/250435345367155
🌐 Program Details & Paper Application Download:
https://northcountryruraldevelopment.org/dri-small-projects-fund/
This link also provides access to the full program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and instructions for completing both digital and paper submissions.
All applicants are required to attend one info session, or make an appointment if they cannot attend, before applying.
Get Support & Ask Questions:
- April 8 & April 15 – Drop-In Q&A and Info Sessions
⏰ 12:00–3:00 PM and 5:30–7:00 PM
Printable Flyer For April 8th & 15th
- April 30 – Applicant Open House (by appointment only)
⏰ 12:00–7:00 PM – Applicants must bring a draft application for one-on-one guidance.
📧 To reserve your spot: klong@northcountryruraldevelopment.org
📞 518-585-6366
Printable Flyer For April 30th
Program Timeline:
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | 03/28/25 |
| Application Deadline | 05/05/25 |
| Review with HCR | 05/19/25 |
| Awards Announced | 05/26/25 |
| Construction Begins | 07/08/25 |
| Construction Completion (Estimated) | 03/07/26* |
Projects will be scored by a local review committee based on visual impact, economic benefit, alignment with DRI priorities, and readiness to proceed. Applicants must show proof of ownership, financing, and a realistic construction plan.
Media Contact:
Nicole Justice Green Executive Director, NRDC
📧 info@northcountryruraldevelopment.org
📞 518-585-6366