2025 Rural Building Reuse Program

The Rural Building Reuse Program, administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, offers financial support to local governments to assist in the renovation and improvement of buildings in rural areas. This state-funded initiative is designed to bolster job creation and economic development through the revitalization of vacant structures or expansion of existing business facilities. Health care facilities in rural areas are also supported under a dedicated funding category. The program features three categories of funding: Vacant Building, Existing Business Building, and Rural Health Care. Vacant buildings must have been unoccupied for at least three months prior to application. Existing businesses must have operated in the proposed facility for at least 12 months. For health care-related applications, the entity must be state-licensed and may include a range of facilities such as hospitals, urgent care centers, and elder care facilities. Eligibility is limited to local governmental units located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties or within rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties as defined by state regulations. Awards are contingent upon direct job creation, and grants require a one-to-one cash match from the applicant. The maximum award is capped at one-half of total eligible renovation or construction costs. Eligible improvements can include HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and structural upgrades within the existing building footprint. The grant program operates on a non-rolling, recurring basis. Application deadlines are scheduled throughout the year, with the next deadline on June 19, 2025, and additional deadlines listed through the end of 2025. The application window opens on January 9, 2025, and the final deadline for the year is December 4, 2025. The next cycle is anticipated to begin in January 2026, with internal checks scheduled for January 8, 2026. Applications are reviewed and awarded by the Rural Infrastructure Authority, which meets six times per year. Interested applicants should direct inquiries to Hazel Edmond, Director of Rural Engagement and Investment, at [email protected] or by phone at 984-297-5082. Detailed application materials are available on the North Carolina Department of Commerce website.