Funding Opportunities

We are committed to providing grant and funding opportunities to support local Main Street efforts.

Supporting Main Streets

Main Street America offers several grant and funding opportunities throughout the year with the support of corporate partners. Check out our current programs as well as other funding opportunities that are relevant to Main Streets below.

In the Path of Totality Grant Program

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass through communities across the U.S., beginning in Texas and ending for U.S. communities in Maine. The In the Path of Totality grant program will award fifteen (15) grants of $10,000 each to Main Street America (MSA) accredited and affiliate communities located within the path of totality – the areas set to experience the total eclipse. This grant program, funded by the Simons Foundation, presents a unique opportunity for eligible Main Street communities to create meaningful and memorable experiences for residents as they also host visitors for the total solar eclipse. For a list of eligible communities and more information, click here.

The application for the In the Path of Totality Grant is now closed.

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program

T-Mobile partnered with Smart Growth America and Main Street America to invest big in small towns. The T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program awards up to 100 small towns a year with community development project funding—up to $50,000 each. Beginning in April 2021, this $25 million, five-year initiative awards 25 grants per quarter to small towns and rural communities with populations less than 50,000. Projects have spanned technology, education, environment, health care, and more – all with one common focus, making their community stronger. Read about the latest grant recipients here.

The application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant is open now through September 30. Click here to apply.

American Express Backing Small Businesses Grant Program

To back underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience, American Express partnered with Main Street America on a $1.65M grant program called Backing Small Businesses*. Launched in 2021, this program builds on American Express’ ongoing Backing Small initiative to provide economically vulnerable small businesses with financial support and other resources to address their critical needs and challenges. More than 300 grants of $5,000 each were awarded in four cycles over 12 months to small businesses located in older or historic commercial districts across the country, with priority given to businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and preference given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, Veterans, women and people of color. Read about the latest grant recipients here.

The application period is now closed.

*Formerly known as Inclusive Backing

neighborhood champions

American Express Small Business Saturday® Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest

If you were a Neighborhood Champion, fill out our short Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest form by March 31, 2023 for an opportunity to win. This year, our judging panel is looking for the most creative and innovative ways you engaged with younger, “next generation” shoppers (think Gen Z and Millennial) in your community. The Main Street program that had the best celebration and promotions will receive $5,000; one second-place winner will receive $2,500, and three third-place winners will receive $1,000 in recognition of their Small Business Saturday innovation. Winners will be announced and receive their awards in May. Applicants must have signed up and been approved to be a Neighborhood Champion in 2022 and be members of Main Street America to be eligible to enter or win. For Official Rules, click here.

The application period for the Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest is now closed.

Other Funding Opportunities

Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (September 28, 2023) - Grants for financial, technical, and legal assistance in rural and tribal communities. Learn more >

HOPE VI Main Streets (October 12, 2023) - Grants to turn vacant Main Street buildings into affordable housing. Learn more >

Community Heart and Soul Seed Grants (rolling) - Seed funds to establish the CHS community engagement model in your district. Learn more >

Community Facilities Grant Program (rolling) - Federal funding to develop community facilities that provide crucial community services in rural areas. Learn more >

Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program (awaiting next round) - Federal subgrant program that provides funds that can be re-granted to support economic development towns in a rural town or region. Learn more >

Community Foundation Locator - Find your local community foundations, a great source of funding for Main Street programs! Learn more >

Main Street Resource Center

Tools and strategies you need to lead a successful revitalization effort.

LEARN MORE

Supporting Small Businesses

Small business support and resources for Main Street districts.

LEARN MORE

Supporting Entrepreneurs

Tools to lead and develop initiatives that support innovative entrepreneurship.

LEARN MORE