Strategic Square Footage Reduction Loan Program (Pre-Demolition Loan)
Ohio's program funds pre-demolition scientific and technical planning for public colleges to reduce campus space, supporting architectural, environmental, and engineering studies before demolition.
Funder: Ohio Department of Higher Education
Due Dates: April 15, 2026 (Prior Capital Investments Form) | April 30, 2026 (Fast Track Full Application) | May 11, 2026 (Standard Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per pre-demolition planning loan; 3-year term at 0.54% interest; total program funding $82.65M (FY26).
Summary: Supports Ohio public colleges and universities to fund planning work required before applying for demolition loans to reduce campus square footage.
Key Information: Only state institutions of higher education (ORC 3345.011) are eligible; fast track available for institutions with ≥10% enrollment decline and significant fiscal distress.
Description
This program provides revolving pre-demolition planning loans to Ohio state institutions of higher education to facilitate the reduction of campus physical square footage. The loan is intended to cover planning costs necessary to prepare for a future demolition loan application, helping institutions overcome financial barriers to space reduction. Early rounds prioritize institutions with declining enrollment and limited fiscal capacity, as defined by 10-year IPEDS enrollment trends and financial health metrics.
