Main Street Matters
Main Street Matters by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development funds research-driven revitalization projects to strengthen Pennsylvania’s downtowns and neighborhoods.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: August 31, 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Grant sizes vary by project type: up to $50,000 (planning), $100,000 (façade/business improvement/implementation), $1,000,000 (district development), $300,000 (accessible housing); operations support for designations up to $225,000 over 3 years.
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania communities in revitalizing downtowns and neighborhoods through planning, business assistance, safety, and development resources.
Key Information: Applicants must be local governments, authorities, or nonprofits; individuals and private businesses cannot apply directly.
Description
The Main Street Matters program is a statewide initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) aimed at revitalizing downtown cores and adjacent neighborhoods. The program offers flexible funding to support a wide range of community and economic development activities, including planning, façade improvements, business improvement grants, district development, accessible housing, and implementation projects. Communities may also pursue official designation as a Main Street or Elm Street, which provides priority funding consideration and access to technical assistance and operational support. The program is designed to foster vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities by supporting targeted investments and strategic development tailored to local needs.
