What is the Challenge?
The Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) encourages groups of neighbors within a targeted area to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties with the goal of building confidence in our neighborhoods and spurring others to reinvest.
What are the benefits?
Participating property owners in a Renaissance Block are eligible for the following assistance:
- Micro grant funds up to $1,000 per property, for exterior curb appeal work. For example, if $1,000 is spent, a $500 reimbursement will be made.
- Access to discounts and free materials from sponsoring garden centers.
- Discounts from coordinated purchasing of materials or services.
How can I participate? To enter the 2026 Challenge, you need to:
- Own or live in a property within the targeted grant area. (see map on other side)
- Recruit a cluster of neighbors to participate with you – at least SIX participating properties are needed to make a cluster (homeowners, landlords, and businesses are eligible).
- Complete the pre-application listing the participants in your cluster and their contact information.
- Submit the application to Strong Towns Blono via their website. Pre-applications are available at strongtownsblono.com
- Schedule a group meeting of your cluster participants with the Strong Towns Blono to discuss grant requirements and final application.
- Pre-applications will be reviewed. The number of Renaissance Block clusters will depend on available funding and the pool of applicants.