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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bernice Garden in Little Rock's
South Main (SOMA) neighborhood
is a private public-use sculpture
garden that hosts events.

1. Does the Main Street™ program award grants?
2. If my city does not have a street named "Main" can we still apply?
3. My city cannot hire a full-time Main Street™ manager. Can we hire someone part-time or can a volunteer do the job?
4. We have a downtown revitalization program in our town but are not an official Main Street city. Can we call our program "Main Street"™?
5. What is the deadline for Main Street™ applications?
6. Do you have workshops explaining the application process?
7. What role does Main Street Arkansas play in the local non-profit's policy making process? 
8. What are the financial requirements for a program applying for "Main Street"™ status?

Q: Does the Main Street™ program award grants?

A: Main Street™ is a self-help program, but limited grant funds are available to certified Main Street™ communities as budgets allow.

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Q: If my city does not have a street named "Main" can we still apply?

A: Yes. Main Street™ is a program for downtown commercial revitalization, no matter the community's street names.

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Q: My city cannot hire a full-time Main Street™ manager. Can we hire someone part-time or can a volunteer do the job?

A: Main Street programs in cities with a population of 5,000 or greater are required to have a full-time executive director in their employ. Main Street programs in city's under 5,000 in population are allowed a part-time (at least 20 hours a week) employee, but are encouraged to have a full-time director.

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Q: We have a downtown revitalization program in our town but are not an official Main Street city. Can we call our program "Main Street"™?

A: No, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center has a trademark on the term "Main Street"™ and Arkansas cities must be selected through the application process before using the name.

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Q: What is the deadline for Main Street™ applications?

A: The application period is closed. Generally , we accept Main Street applications each fall.

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Q: Do you have workshops explaining the application process?

A: Yes. We will announce the date of the next application workshop once we've received letters of interest which are generally due by July 1.

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Q: What role does Main Street Arkansas play in the local non-profit's policy making process?

A: Main Street Arkansas provides advice and technical assistance, but policy making decisions are left to the local non-profit.

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Q: What are the financial requirements for a program applying for "Main Street"™ status?

A: Communities with a population under 5,000 must have at least $33,800 pledged for 2009, $33,400 for 2010 and $33,500 for 2011.

Communities with a population of 5,001 to 50,000 must have at least $57,200 pledged for 2009, $57,900 for 2010 and $59,600 for 2011.

The funds will go to a variety of uses including, but not limited to: executive director salary, office rental and utilities, promotions, travel, board, committee and director training, and community/downtown assessment (resource team).

The committed funds should come from diverse sources and show a strong public-private partnership. A typical funding formula is:

25% Government
25% Financial Institutions/Industry
25% Local Businesses
25% Other (individuals, fundraisers, grants, etc.)