Virginia Main Street is currently accepting grant applications for FY 2017. Grants are available only to designated VMS communities and must be administered through the designated local VMS organization.

Downtown Investment Grants (DIGs) allow Main Street organizations to take on unique, one-time projects that measurably, creatively and sustainably advance the organization’s goals and strategies.

FY 2017 DIGs are available in two categories:

Design: Projects that will visually enhance the Main Street District. These may include wayfinding systems, street furnishings, façade improvements or other unique aesthetic enhancement projects.

Economic Vitality: Projects that will contribute to the revitalization activity in or near your Main Street District. These projects may include an innovative economic revitalization idea with implementation plan, new independent businesses that create new full time jobs in your Main Street district or other exciting projects that result in positive job creation and fulfills an economic vitality goal from your organization’s current work plan.

The last day DIG applications will be accepted is May 2, 2016. For more information about DIG, click here.

Financial Feasibility grants allow Main Street organizations to work with owners of significant “white elephant” buildings or those with non-productive upper floor space. The purpose is to identify the highest and best use of such properties and to develop sufficient information to allow the owner or Main Street organization to “shop” the rehabilitation and reuse of the property to private developers and investors.

Financial feasibility grants are being accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted. You can get more information about the grants here.