Apply: Science Discovery on Main Street Grants

The Science Discovery on Main Street grant program provides funding and support to help Main Street communities research, identify, and celebrate their unique scientific assets or history through partnerships and programming.

Through the Science Discovery on Main Street grant program, communities will receive professional support to explore science engagement activities as Promotion, as defined by the Four Point Approach. By connecting the Main Street Approach and science engagement, this program will help your community take steps towards inspiring curiosity, joy, and pride in what makes your community unique and towards attracting visitors through science-inspired events and activities. 

Designated Main Street Communities may apply for one (1) of twelve (12) Discovery Grants of $12,500.

Discovery Grants will be used to:

• Complete asset mapping and a community engagement process to research, explore, and identify local science assets, with support from planning and science engagement experts.
• Devise plans to create with partners new, potential creative signature events and community engagement activities that celebrate and invite others to explore your unique science assets. 

After the Discovery Grant period, there will be an opportunity for up to seven (7) communities to receive Implementation Grants to put their plans into action.

Grantees will also:

• Receive additional 1‑on‑1 technical assistance;
• Participate in cohort learning and connection opportunities, and;
• Receive support for one (1) person to attend the Main Street Now conference in Philadelphia in April 2025 for a special required convening of Science Discovery on Main Street recipients to learn, network, and share ideas.