ActiveOpenNonprofit

Main Street America Community Membership and Designation Resources.

Main Street America membership and evaluation resources can help local partners build a structured downtown revitalization program.

Offered byMain Street Americaverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

Chester is not assumed to be designated. A local organization or municipality can begin with general membership and the evaluation framework, while Community Membership is reserved for designated programs.

Best for: Chester partners considering a formal, preservation-based downtown revitalization organization.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • General members may include organizations and municipalities getting started
  • Community membership is limited to designated Affiliate and Accredited Main Street programs

Eligible uses

  • Revitalization training and tools
  • Peer network
  • Community evaluation and designation preparation
  • Eligibility for selected awards and grants

Uses excluded by the source

  • Automatic use of the Main Street name without designation

Application

How to start.

  1. Review membership options and the Community Evaluation Framework.
  2. Coordinate a local organization and long-term downtown strategy.
  3. Work toward Affiliate or Accredited designation before seeking Community Membership.

Timing: Membership is annual; designation requires evaluation rather than a one-time grant deadline.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • Membership alone does not confer Main Street designation or naming rights.
  • A durable local organization and annual evaluation process are required for designation.

Designation can improve access to training and selected grant opportunities but does not guarantee funding.

Evidence

Official sources.