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Overview
The City of Raleigh’s Design Review Commission helps guide how the community looks and grows. They work with people, businesses, and organizations to support good design across the city. Their main goal is to make public spaces welcoming and useful for everyone in Raleigh by encouraging high‑quality, long‑lasting, and sustainable design.
To support this goal, the Commission created the Design Impact Grant (DIG). This grant helps pay for projects that improve public spaces and design in Raleigh. These projects might include research, creative programs, or upgrades to buildings and outdoor areas. The amount of money available each year can change, but past grants have been between $1,000 and $10,000.
Objectives
- Support catalytic projects that address the community's unique needs and desires.
- Empower residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to shape the built environment and character of the city.
- Activate the public realm through innovative proposals and design applications.
- Spur future interest and investment in a particular place.
- Uplift underrepresented populations and communities.
Evaluation Criteria
Successful applications will strive to address as many of these criteria as possible; however, not all requirements need to be addressed to be selected.
- Innovation and Design Quality
- The project elevates the quality of place and character of the city through exceptional design and other innovative practices.
- Community Impact
- The project addresses a specific need or deficiency in the community.
- The proposal improves overall well-being and social cohesion.
- Public Realm Activation
- The project encourages activity in a public space.
- Economic and Social Advancement
- The project uplifts historically disadvantaged populations and communities.
- Feasibility and Durability
- The grant, if/when combined with other dedicated financial resources, is sufficient to fulfill the project vision.
- The project makes a lasting impact on the community.
- There is a plan for long-term maintenance and programming.
Application Requirements
- Applicant Name(s)
- Name of Business, Non-Profit, Neighborhood Organization, etc. that will receive the funds.
- Project Name
- Project Location(s)
- Must be located within Raleigh or its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
- Project Description (500-word maximum)
- Response to each of the evaluation criteria.
- Timeline and Project Benchmarks
- Typically, the project must be effectuated within one (1) year of the disbursement of funds.
- Total Budget:
- Requested funds from the Design Review Commission.
- Financial or in-kind contributions from other parties.
- Itemized breakdown
- NOTE: Funds must be encumbered by June 2026.
- If applicable:
- Plan, rendering, and/or sketch of the proposed project.
- Photos or aerial imagery of the site.
- Photos of similar projects.
- Letter(s) of permission from private property owners.
- Required permits/approvals from the City or other jurisdictions.
- If requested by the Commission upon initial review of the application:
- Maintenance plan
- Programming plan
- Community engagement/outreach strategy
Eligible Projects
- Placemaking Initiatives
- Public Art
- Community Programs
- Academic Studies
- Public Park and Open Space Enhancements
- Any idea that enhances design in the city - be creative!
Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures
- Eligible
- Materials
- Contracted Labor
- Artist/Designer Fees
- Ineligible
- Salaries
- Food and Beverages
- Costs incurred before, or as a result of, the application process
- Personal use items
- Political campaigning of any kind
- Improvements or contributions required by City Code or adopted ordinance (e.g. zoning condition)
Application Timeline
February 2026
Applicants may submit proposals using the online form.
March 2026
Staff and the Design Review Commission review proposals and contact finalists.
April 2026
Finalists present their proposals to the Design Review Commission.
Late-April through Mid-May 2026
The Design Review Commission selects awardees.
Mid-May through June 2026
Depending on the award amount, awardees work with staff to complete the necessary contract paperwork.
July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
Funds are dispersed, and awardees effectuate the project in accordance with the proposed timeline.
