Main Street Matters
Main Street Matters supports Pennsylvania communities with planning, business assistance, accessible housing, and physical improvements to revitalize downtowns and surrounding neighborhoods.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: August 31, 2027 (Annual funding deadline) | Rolling (Main Street and Elm Street designation)
Funding Amounts: Category caps of $50,000–$1,000,000; first-designation operations support up to $225,000
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania downtown and neighborhood revitalization through planning, business assistance, housing accessibility, and physical improvements.
Key Information: Individuals, businesses, and property owners cannot apply directly; funding passes through eligible local governments and community organizations.
Description
Main Street Matters is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods. It funds planning, business support, façade improvements, accessible housing, district development, and projects that improve safety and security. Eligible organizations can operate local assistance programs or undertake development projects serving their communities.
The program also offers five-year Main Street and Elm Street designations for targeted investment and revitalization strategies. Main Street focuses on downtowns and commercial districts, while Elm Street connects adjacent residential neighborhood renewal with downtown revitalization. Designation is not required for most funding categories, but designated programs receive priority consideration, technical assistance, and access to designated-community funding.
