State Capital Budgets Primer
This brief provides insight into where to look for state capital funding, who to connect with, and ideas to make your projects more competitive, given the numerous infrastructure needs across the country.
Richmond, California © Ellen Gailing
Featured Resource
Explore Handbook
Donor Support Handbook
This handbook from Oregon Main Street explores strategies for turning supporters into donors, including a 12-week plan to help you create your own fundraising campaign.
Oregon City, Oregon © Downtown Oregon City Association
Browse Resources
Guide to Congressional Funding for Local Projects
Utilize this one-page resource with case studies from the Percent for Place coalition to plan your approach to advocating for these federal funds.
Washington, D.C. © Samuel Girven
Community Development Block Grant Case Studies
Learn about the many ways in which CDBG dollars are used throughout Main Street communities, from building façade improvements, to green infrastructure, to public facility improvements, and much more.
Federal Funding Sources for Main Streets
This resource from Main Street America offers a list of over 25 grant programs that can be used on Main Streets, with key information like eligible entities and matching requirements.
Danville, Virginia © River District Association
Real Estate’s Small Problem
In this article, Patrice Frey explores how barriers to small-scale real estate development deals stymie growth and wealth building. She explains why building small matters, the problems faced by small-scale developers, opportunities for direct investment and greenhouse gas reduction, and more.
Annual Report Hand-Outs
These sample annual reports show how you can condense key impact stats into a single page to use for marketing and outreach. Published by Lawrenceburg Main Street and Indiana Main Street.
Sponsorship Single Ask
Thibodaux Main Street implemented a single-ask to potential sponsors for its annual events. Rather than approaching sponsors several times per year, the single-ask approach simplifies sponsorships for both the sponsors and the Main Street organization.
Thibodaux, LA © Abigail LaCombe Photography
Work Planning Template
Work planning outlines tasks income, expenses, volunteer hours, staff hours, and outcomes. This template provides a step-by-step explanation of the work planning process.
Budget Template
Enter your income, expenses, and in-kind donations to create a budget and understand the financial health of your organization. Published by Indiana Main Street.
Sponsorship Pamphlet
Sponsorships are an important part of a balanced Main Street budget. They can be used to fund events and initiatives. To secure a robust set of sponsorships, Destination Huntingburg launches a yearly sponsorship campaign using the following pamphlet.
Huntingburg, IN © Chris Flook
Community Building and Partnerships
Use this toolkit from Colorado Main Street to guide you as you develop new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships to drive your community-based efforts.
Richmond, California © Ellen Gailing
Increasing Your Main Street’s Financial Stability
Learn how to convert your engaged supporters into active donors to provide financial stability for your organization. Published by Oregon Main Street.
Featured Resource
Explore Toolkit
Fund Development Toolkit
Published by Michigan Main Street, this toolkit is organized around 10 essential pillars of fund development that will lead your organization through the process of understanding your sustainability, organizing your development team, and choosing the best development tactics to raise funds.
Otsego, Michigan © Otsego Main Street
Latest News & Stories
Announcing the 2025 GM on Main Street Grant Recipients
Meet the recipients of the 2025 GM on Main Street grants!
Main Spotlight: Connecting, Innovating, and Sustaining a Healthy Main Street Movement
Key takeaways from six sessions at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference.
Announcing the Science Discovery on Main Street Grant Recipients
Main Street America is thrilled to announce the 12 Science Discovery on Main Street grant program recipients.
New Webinar Series: Turn Your Grant-Writing Goals into Funded Realities with Intro to Grant Writing
Whether you're new to grant writing or seeking to sharpen your expertise, this four-part webinar series—presented in partnership with Grant Ready Kentucky—will provide you with the tools and insights needed to secure funding and drive your mission forward.
© skynesher/Getty Images Signature
Main Spotlight: A Short Guide to End-Of-Year Fundraising
The holidays are a great time to boost your fundraising efforts and meet your annual goals. Check out these tips for how to run a successful end-of-year fundraising drive.
Advocacy Spotlight: Improving Connectivity in Main Streets through Infrastructure Investments
Learn how Main Streets can tap into federal resources to improve transportation infrastructure, take down barriers, and improve access to key services.
Main Spotlight: How Fredericksburg Main Street Uses Shop Crawls to Boost Downtown Businesses
Shop crawls are a great way to introduce people to your small businesses. Fredericksburg Main Street loves to host shop crawls, and this spring, they tried a new model: the flower crawl.
Apply for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has many benefits for Main Streets. Learn how to apply for federal funding to support EV charging in your community.
500 Small Business Owners Receive $10,000 through Backing Small Businesses Grant Program
American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
Apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program to Support Safety in Your Downtown
Learn how the Safe Streets and Roads for All program is providing grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
Streetscape in Denison, Texas. © Mel Climer — Climer Design
T‑Mobile Helps Drive Local Change with Over $12 Million in Hometown Grants
T-Mobile announced its latest round of Hometown Grant recipients, with 275 communities across 46 states now part of the exclusive crew that will receive funding and support to fuel local projects that help people connect and innovate.
Announcing the GM on Main Street Grant Recipients
Meet the recipients of the 2024 round of GM on Main Street grants.