FAQ
What conceptual design services will a design Service grant provide?
The LBCDC works with each design service grant recipient to determine the approach and scope of services that best meets their needs.
Design service grants may include any of the following conceptual design services:
Design service grants may provide the following preliminary design products:
Design service grants may include any of the following conceptual design services:
- Conceptual design studies
- Feasibility studies
- Existing conditions assessments
- Façade improvement consultations
- Advisory services
Design service grants may provide the following preliminary design products:
- Programming studies
- Space plans
- Site and floor plans (existing and/or proposed)
- Elevations (existing and/or proposed)
- Architectural assessments
- Structural assessments
- Building systems assessments
- Preliminary code review/assessments
- Historic preservation assessments
- Conceptual renderings
- Sustainability strategies
- Phasing and implementation plans
- Preliminary cost estimates
Are there Costs associated with design service grants?
All design service grant awards will include a suggested donation to cover LBCDC's overhead costs. This donation will be based on project scope, financial circumstances, and ability to pay. Donations for initiatives and technical assistance will be based on the same criteria.
What will be expected from my organization?
Organizations receiving design service grants are expected to contribute their time and energy to take an active role in the design process. You may be asked to provide additional background information or coordinate community outreach, meetings, and site visits. These responsibilities and others unique to your design service grant will be agreed upon and detailed in a Memorandum of Understanding which outlines your design service grant services, scope and timeline.
Who is eligible to receive a design Service grant?
The design service grantee must be:
- Classified as a nonprofit corporation and qualified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. If you are not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, please contact us for additional information.
- Be seeking pro-bono design services as outlined above.
When should I apply for a design Service grant?
You can seek LBCDC services at any time. LBCDC receives inquiries and questions on an ongoing basis.
what criteria does the LBCDC use to select design Service grant recipients?
We award core grants on an ongoing basis using the following criteria:
- Organizational capacity to fulfill mission and implementation.
- Requests for assistance must be achievable by design service volunteers within a designated timeline.
- Demonstrated support by stakeholders (board, funders, community, public agencies, elected officials)
- Potential to provide opportunities for community participation and engagement.
- Potential to demonstrate principles of good design to a larger audience.
- Potential to improve the quality of life within communities, support the goals and objectives of a neighborhood or district, or provide new models of economic development for addressing equity and community needs.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Please see the contact page to submit your questions.
