Strategic Square Footage Reduction Pre-Demolition Planning Loan Program (FY27)
Strategic Square Footage Reduction Pre-Demolition Planning Loan Program (FY27) funds Ohio state higher education institutions' planning to prepare for demolition financing and reduce their physical footprint.
Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (Questions) | October 14, 2026 (Prior Capital Investments Form) | November 9, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per institution; anticipated 0.71% interest and three-year repayment term
Summary: Revolving loans support Ohio state higher education institutions’ planning work needed to apply for demolition financing.
Key Information: Recipients are expected to pursue demolition; ODHE may require earlier repayment if demolition financing is not sought or awarded.
Description
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) administers this pre-demolition planning loan program through the Strategic Square Footage Reduction Fund, established by House Bill 96 of the 136th General Assembly. It supports state institutions of higher education seeking to voluntarily reduce physical square footage but needing assistance with preparatory costs before applying for a demolition loan. This loan finances planning, not demolition itself.
The program prioritizes institutions experiencing declining enrollment and those with the lowest fiscal capacity. Proposed planning must prepare the institution for demolition financing and address how the land will be left clean and safe for its intended future use. Applications also examine strategic planning, facility condition, potential sale or reuse, enrollment trends, and anticipated operating savings.
