Indiana Main Street
Indiana Main Street, from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, supports downtown revitalization with technical assistance, research-based strategies, and tiered recognition for Indiana communities.
Funder: Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
Due Dates: October 2, 2026: Letters of Intent and Foundational Requirement Verification due for ODAN and IAMS | December 31, 2026: ODAN and Aspiring-IAMS full applications due
Funding Amounts: No direct grant funding for application/admission; accepted communities may become eligible for future OCRA grant programs.
Summary: Supports Indiana communities in revitalizing downtown districts through technical assistance, resources, and a tiered Main Street recognition system.
Key Information: Attendance at a 2026 Main Street 101 training is required before applying for ODAN status.
Description
The Indiana Main Street program, managed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), provides a structured pathway for communities to revitalize their downtowns through a combination of technical assistance, capacity building, and access to a statewide network. The program is built around the Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality, helping communities leverage their unique assets and drive sustainable economic growth.
Participating communities can join at different recognition levels—ODAN (OCRA's Downtown Affiliate Network), Aspiring-IAMS, Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS), and Nationally Accredited Main Street (NAMS)—with progressive requirements and increasing access to support and resources. While the application process itself does not provide direct grant funding, designated Main Street communities may become eligible for exclusive grant programs and technical assistance from OCRA.
