LUMBERTON — The Lumberton Main Street Association is forming a grant committee to pursue new funding for downtown businesses, beginning with a $10,000 facade grant as its first test case. 

The Mississippi Power Foundation awarded the funding to the association, which will distribute up to $2,000 per qualifying business in early April. Applications close April 9 and are open to Main Street Association members seeking to improve storefront exteriors. 

Downtown Lumberton has struggled with vacant storefronts and limited retail options in recent years. Association leaders say visible improvements are one way to shift that trajectory. 

John Maroney, executive director of the association, said the facade grant is designed to build momentum and establish a track record for future funding. 

“It is all about just kind of updating the facades of the front of buildings,” he said. “Then to create some pride in the building.” 

Maroney said the association considers five applications a successful first round. Strong participation would signal readiness for larger economic development grants. If interest is low, it could make securing additional funding more difficult. 

Unlike many facade programs, the grant does not require business owners to match the funds, lowering the barrier for participation and allowing the association to quickly gauge community buy-in. 

Alan Triplett, owner of Lumberton Cafe, is among the first applicants. If approved, he plans to use the funds for new signage and a fresh paint job. 

“You don’t have to match; you get up to $2,000 to improve your business. Who’s going to give you that money? It’s hard to get,” he said. 

Triplett and his wife moved to Lumberton in 2022 after nearly two decades running Finest Grind Coffee House in Ocean Springs. What began as retirement became an investment in a town he believes is gaining momentum. 

“As a small town, it takes a community to support the business, and then businesses have to support the community as well,” he said. 

Maroney said long-term success would mean more than fresh paint. He hopes improvements lead to increased customer traffic, stronger sales and a downtown that attracts additional businesses. 

“I want Lumberton to be a place where people, not this rundown city per se, but they see vision. They see what Lumberton can be,” he said.

The grant committee will continue identifying funding opportunities as part of a broader initiative to bring sustained economic development to the city. Applications for the facade grant should be sent to