Residential Exterior Home Improvement Grant

Does your house need a new roof? Want to build a new deck? What about replacing your windows or driveway?

Merriam residents looking to beautify their homes may be eligible for a grant!

The City is investing $120,000 in its 2026 Exterior Home Improvement Grant Program. After all funding has been allocated, a wait list will be created for qualifying applications. The Exterior Home Improvement Grant can be used in conjunction with Residential Sustainability Grant, but one project can't be funded by both programs.

Improvements

Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: roofing, painting, siding, door/window replacement, masonry repair, awnings, building additions, landscaping (must be on the same property/lot as the residence), driveway, and new construction of a residence
Ineligible items include, but are not limited to: playsets, play equipment, swimming pools, spas, sump pumps, foundation repair, lawn care or maintenance, or re-graveling a driveway or any other area
The city reserves the right to determine if a proposed improvement meets program requirements

Applications are accepted beginning January 2, 2026. Applications must be approved before work begins, and work must be completed by September 21, 2026.

Grant Process

Step 1.Understand the requirements

The program will provide a 30% reimbursement for exterior improvements upon completion; maximum reimbursement is $3,000.
Homeowners need to have at least $2,000 in combined repairs/renovations; minimum reimbursement is $600. Property owner labor may be counted toward the minimum investment.
All Merriam residents, who don't live in an apartment, may apply.
Contractor(s) hired to perform improvements must have a current Merriam Occupational license, and if appropriate, a Johnson County Contractor License.
Application must be approved by the city prior to start of work.
Property must be code complaint with the exception of the violation to be addressed by this grant program. All improvements must conform to Merriam codes. All other properties owned by the applicant in Merriam must be code complaint.
Some projects may require a permit. Property owner is responsible for ensuring that all required permits have been obtained. All permits must be in place prior to any work taking place.
One Exterior Home Improvement Grant per property with the same owner per 5 years.
Owners of multiple properties may only submit one property per year.
Property owner must be current on all property taxes in Merriam.
Governmental subsidies or funds utilized for the improvements are not eligible for reimbursement.

Step 2.Gather your information

Homeowner: Must be current on all property taxes
Proof of property insurance
Estimates or bids for contracted work
Site plan (Drawing of your property showing where your project is located. View Samples(JPG, 852KB))

Step 3.Submit your application

Application must be approved before construction can start. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

Apply Online

If you'd like to apply in person, download the application below and bring all documents to the Planning window inside Merriam City Hall.

Residential Exterior Home Improvement Grant Application(PDF, 215KB)

Step 4.We will contact you

City staff will contact you to discuss your project(s), take photos, and will let you know a if permit required.

Step 5.Complete your project

Once approved, work must be completed within 120 days, or by September 21, 2026. City staff will perform a post-project inspection to verify work has been completed and is code compliant. Photos will also be taken.

Step 6.Submit receipts

The City will reimburse grant recipients after receiving at least $2,000 in receipts for completed projects. All receipts should be submitted at the same time.

Recipient must complete a W-9 for the City to process the reimbursement check.

The city at any time, without prior notice and at its sole discretion, can modify or eliminate this program.

State and local grants are ordinarily taxable for federal income purposes. If awarded, the City will report the grant to the IRS and send you a Federal IRS Form 1099. Please consult a tax professional if you have questions about any possible tax liability you may incur.