The Longfellow Business Association (LBA) and the Longfellow Community Council (LCC) are excited to announce a Business Security Matching Grant Program intended to increase safety and reduce crime for businesses in Greater Longfellow. This project is intended to support those who might otherwise find it difficult to afford security improvements to their property. Click here to apply
Eligible business and commercial property owners may apply for up to $2,500 in matching grant funds. This is a matching reimbursement program and grant recipients must demonstrate payment of expenses prior to reimbursement. This is a 1:1 match – LBA/LCC will match business expenses dollar for dollar up to a maximum of $2,500.
All business and commercial property owners (including non-profits and faith communities) located within the Longfellow Community Council boundaries of the Greater Longfellow Neighborhood as defined by the LCC bylaws, (the Cooper, Longfellow, Howe and Hiawatha neighborhoods) are eligible to apply for grant funding. Each business or property owner is limited to one grant. Business owners that rent space must work in coordination with or receive a signature of approval from the property owner. After the priority window closes, grants will be considered and distributed on a first come, first served basis starting on the date a completed application is received.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) analyzes a physical space to assess what changes to a property will make it safer for employees and customers, as well as less inviting to criminals. Before receiving grants, we encourage business owners to schedule an assessment with a Community Crime Specialist to look at the property and help determine which security improvements will have the most effective impact.
Security Lighting
Exterior motion sensing security lighting and costs to install lights. All lighting must be light-emitting diode (LED) and comply with Minneapolis codes regarding lighting restrictions. LBA/LCC recommends that businesses located adjacent to residential properties reach out to their neighbors and consider the impact of any lighting changes to surrounding properties.
Security Cameras
Indoor or outdoor security cameras and installation costs. On-going monthly fees will not be covered.
Alarm System
Purchase and installation of an alarm system. On-going monthly fees will not be covered.
Window Film / Polycarbonate Window Covering
Purchase and installation of security window film or polycarbonate window covering.
Security Shutters & Blinds
Purchase and installation of security shutters.
Doors and Locks
Purchase and installation of doors and locks (improvements, replacement or additional).
Decorative Lighting
Decorative lighting, decorative accent lighting, electrical installations for non-security related lighting, lighting that encroaches upon neighbors, or any form of landscape lighting.
Private Security
Ongoing or monthly maintenance fees
Eligible business or commercial property owners will submit a short grant application, including an estimate of the project cost. Once a completed application is submitted, the application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. The grant program will continue to accept applications until all allocated funds are awarded.
A business may choose the products, company, or contractor of their choice. LBA/LCC encourages businesses to get multiple bids to ensure the best value for the product received. Once an application is approved by LBA/LCC, the Program Manager will notify the applicant and confirm they will be reimbursed for their project. Only purchases made after an applicant has been notified will be reimbursed.
To Receive Reimbursement, applicants must submit all relevant invoices/receipts and proof of payment (check copy or portion of bank/credit card statement confirming the purchase) within 60 calendar days of the application being approved. If the project is not complete within the 60-day period, grant recipients may request an extension.
