Main Street Matters Program

The Main Street Matters program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), provides funding and technical assistance to help revitalize downtown cores and adjacent neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. This initiative supports local efforts to improve economic vitality, community aesthetics, safety, and accessibility, helping municipalities and community organizations develop healthier and more vibrant spaces. Funding for the program is appropriated under state law, specifically through the Commerce Law and Fiscal Code. Eligible applicants include units of local government (such as counties, cities, townships, and boroughs), redevelopment and housing authorities, nonprofit organizations including economic development and housing corporations, community development corporations, and designated improvement districts incorporated as authorities. Applicants are encouraged to pursue designation as Main Street or Elm Street communities to access additional opportunities, but designation is not a requirement for all forms of support. Funding may be used flexibly across six grant types: Planning, Façade, Business Improvement, District Development, Accessible Housing, and Implementation. Planning Grants support early-stage efforts like feasibility studies and architectural planning. Façade Grants assist in exterior improvements to street-facing properties. Business Improvement Grants fund local programs that distribute microgrants or forgivable microloans to businesses for infrastructure and marketing needs. District Development Grants are designed for larger infrastructure and building improvement projects. Accessible Housing Grants focus on modifications that allow individuals with permanent physical disabilities to remain in their homes. Implementation Grants are available only to current MSM-designated communities for activities aligned with their Five-Year Strategies. Most grant types require matching contributions, ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on grant type and designation status. Match waivers are available for municipalities demonstrating financial hardship or specific demographic qualifications. All applicants must submit a detailed electronic Single Application for Assistance via the DCED portal and include supplemental materials such as project descriptions, maps, cost estimates, funding commitments, and municipal resolutions or notifications. Applications are accepted between July 1 and August 31, 2025. Submissions are evaluated based on designation status, strategic alignment, potential economic and community impact, level of leveraged investment, financial need, and project readiness. Final award decisions are communicated after review, and all funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis following an executed contract. The program requires documentation of expenses, adherence to bidding and prevailing wage rules when applicable, and maintenance of full project records for monitoring and auditing purposes. For more information, applicants can contact DCED staff at 717-787-6245 or via email at dced-msm@pa.gov. Regional offices are available across the state to provide technical support and should be notified of intent to apply.

Contact your DCED Regional Office prior to applying; applications are strengthened by alignment with a Five-Year Strategy and secured private investment.