FY26 Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program
Request for Applications (RFA)
Release Date: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Submission Deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
RFA ID No: FY26-FO-LO-CLIGP

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program (“CLIGP” or “Program”). The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to support small businesses that (1) have or will sign long-term lease of at least five years in the Chinatown neighborhood in the District of Columbia (“District”) and (2) maintain or enhance the cultural heritage of the neighborhood.

The Program will provide up to $125,000 in total grant funding in FY26 to eligible businesses to (1) offset the costs of rent, or (2) support eligible tenant improvements. Successful applicants may receive the awarded amount annually for up to five (5) years, subject to the availability of funds and an annual certification that the awardee remains in the lease agreement outlined in the RFA. The Program will be funded pursuant to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Limited Grant-Making Authority Act of 2012, effective September 20, 2012 (D.C. Law 19-169; D.C. Official Code §1-328.04(ii)).

FY26 Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program RFA
FY26 Chinatown Lease Incentive Grant Program NOFA 

Information Session - Virtual
Date: May 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Register here

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. Hand delivered or mailed applications, incomplete applications, or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted. 

Completed applications (including attachments) must be submitted through the DMPED’s Grants Management portal. Click here to start your application using DMPED Grants Portal.

DMPED Contact:
DMPED Grants Team Phone: (202) 727-8111
E-mail: [email protected]