The Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to support investment and vitality in Brighton’s downtown urban renewal area: the Brighton Hearts the Arts Rental Assistance Grant and the Façade Improvement Grant for 2026. 

 Brighton Hearts the Arts rental assistance grant 

To support local artists and strengthen Brighton’s downtown arts community, BURA created the Brighton Hearts the Arts grant program to help artists and arts organizations offset the cost of leasing physical space within the downtown urban renewal area. 

 Program Details: 

• The program provides rental assistance to qualifying artists and arts-focused organizations. 
• The total program budget is $25,000 for FY 2026. 
• Grant funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and approval. 
• Applicants may request funding for up to 50 percent of their annual lease, not to exceed $15,000 per award. 
• Grant awards are approved or denied at the sole discretion of the BURA commissioners. 
• Receiving a grant in a previous year does not guarantee future funding. 

 Eligible Applicants Include: 

• Arts-focused nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)(3) entities in good standing. 
• For-profit art galleries, museums, and art studios whose primary mission is to exhibit, create, present, and/or sell artistic work accessible to the public. 

 General Eligibility Requirements: 

• The leased location must be within Brighton’s downtown urban renewal plan area. 
• Applicants must hold a current Brighton business/sales tax license. 
• A fully executed lease agreement is required at the time of application. 
• Applicants must be occupying the leased space at the time of award. 
• Home-based studios are not eligible. 
• Applicants may not sublease or share space with other grant recipients. 
• Reimbursement requires proof of rent or lease payment. 

To learn more about the Brighton Hearts the Arts program and apply, visit: 
www.brightonura.org/176/Brighton-Hearts-the-Arts 

Façade Improvement Grant 

BURA is also accepting applications for the Façade Improvement Grant, which is available to downtown businesses seeking to improve the exterior appearance of their storefronts. The program is intended to enhance visual appeal, encourage reinvestment, and attract increased patronage within the downtown urban renewal area. 

To learn more about the Façade Improvement Grant and apply, visit: 
www.brightonura.org/177/BURA-Faade-Improvement-Grant 

Additional Information 

For questions regarding the Brighton Hearts the Arts program, please contact Aaron Herrera at aherrera@brightonco.gov or Yvette Martinez at ymartinez@brightonco.gov. 

About the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) 

Many cities struggle with rundown, blighted areas that reduce the quality of life and economic vitality of the community. Brighton Urban Renewal Authority’s (BURA) mission is to encourage investment and reinvestment in these targeted areas while strengthening the tax base of the whole city. BURA leverages resources and partnerships to deliver high quality community improvements. BURA is an economic catalyst and may assist in development approval, development financing, property acquisition and public improvements. To learn more about BURA, visit www.brightonura.org or call 303-655-2150.