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Elk River Trail Foundation Announces Façade Grant
Program for Clay and
Kanawha Counties
Clendenin, WV — January 30th, 2026 — The Elk River Trail
Foundation is pleased to
announce the launch of its Façade Grant Program, a new
initiative designed to help
business owners and commercial property owners enhance the
exterior appearance of
their buildings and strengthen economic development in the Trail
Towns of Clay and
Clendenin and surrounding areas along the Elk River Trail and
Elk River Water Trail.
The application period will run from February 2nd through April
15th, 2026.
The program will offer up to $1,500 in architectural design
services and up to $20,000 in
construction services and funding for eligible façade
improvements to commercial
properties. The initiative focuses on projects that promote
tourism, community pride,
and downtown revitalization in Clay and Kanawha Counties.
Eligible improvements may include exterior painting, new
signage, window and door
replacements, awnings, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and
other enhancements that
contribute to the overall look and feel of the community. An
architect and contractors
retained by the Foundation will assist applicants in planning
and executing projects that
align with the historic and architectural character of each
town.
“This is an amazing opportunity for local business owners in our
small towns to invest in
the appearance of their buildings and, in turn, the future of
their communities,” said
Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail
Foundation. “By improving
storefronts and building exteriors, we are strengthening our
downtowns, supporting
economic development, and creating welcoming spaces that attract
visitors and
encourage people to spend time—and money—in our Trail Towns.”
Applications, program guidelines, and frequently asked questions
are available online at
www.elkrivertrail.org. Paper applications and printed guidelines
may also be picked up
at the following locations:
1. Clendenin Mayor’s Office
103 1st Street
Clendenin, WV
2. Clay County Courthouse – Town Clerk’s Office
246 Main Street
Clay, WV 25043
Completed paper applications may be submitted in one of the
following ways:
Email: Scan and email the completed application and all required
attachments to
executivedirector@elkrivertrail.org
Mail or Hand Delivery:
Elk River Trail Foundation
107 Koontz Avenue, Suite 109
Clendenin, WV 25045
For additional information or questions about the Façade Mini
Grant Program, please
contact Madison Stone, Executive Director, at
executivedirector@elkrivertrail.org
or by phone at (304) 619-6466.