Main Street Matters
Main Street Matters supports Pennsylvania communities with funding for planning, property and business improvements, accessible housing, and district development to revitalize downtowns and nearby neighborhoods.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Due Dates: August 31, 2027 (Funding applications) | Year-round (Designation applications)
Funding Amounts: Category maximums of $50,000–$1,000,000; first-designation operations support up to $225,000
Summary: Supports Pennsylvania downtown and neighborhood revitalization through planning, property and business improvements, accessible housing, development, and community designation.
Key Information: Individuals, businesses, and property owners cannot apply directly; assistance must flow through an eligible applicant.
Description
Main Street Matters is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to strengthen downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods. It funds planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, safety and security, accessible housing, and larger district development projects. Eligible organizations can also administer local façade and business improvement programs that provide assistance to individual properties and businesses.
Communities may pursue five-year Main Street or Elm Street designation alongside revitalization funding. Main Street focuses on downtowns and commercial districts, while Elm Street connects nearby residential neighborhood renewal with downtown revitalization. Designation requires a community-informed strategy and sustainable professional management, and offers technical assistance, training, operations funding opportunities, and priority funding consideration. Designation is not required for most project funding and does not guarantee an award.
