Strategic Square Footage Reduction Pre-Demolition Planning Loan Program (FY27)
Strategic Square Footage Reduction Pre-Demolition Planning Loan Program (FY27) supports Ohio state higher education institutions with planning loans to prepare for demolition and reduce physical footprints.
Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Due Dates: October 8, 2026 (Webinar) | October 12, 2026 (Questions) | October 14, 2026 (Prior Capital Investments Form) | October 19, 2026 (Responses posted) | November 9, 2026 (Full application) | November 10, 2026 (Review begins) | Week of December 7, 2026 (Award notification)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per institution; anticipated 0.71% interest and three-year repayment term
Summary: Loans support preparatory planning for Ohio state higher education institutions seeking demolition financing to reduce physical square footage.
Key Information: This is a repayable planning loan, and ODHE may require earlier repayment if demolition financing is not sought or awarded.
Description
The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) administers this program within the Strategic Square Footage Reduction Fund established by House Bill 96 of the 136th General Assembly. It helps state institutions of higher education finance the planning work needed to apply for a demolition loan, rather than paying for demolition itself. Planning must explain how the proposed work prepares the facility for demolition and leaves the land clean and safe for its intended use.
The program supports voluntary reductions in institutions’ physical footprints. Priority consideration goes to institutions with declining student populations and lower fiscal capacity. Applications are then assessed on project information and estimated ongoing operating savings relative to the institution’s budget. Institutions receiving planning loans are expected to proceed toward demolition.
