Local business organizations including the Wayne Business Association and Discover Haverford can apply for a share of $20 million in state revitalization funding before an Aug. 31 deadline.

Pennsylvania's Main Street Matters program, which funds façade improvements, business grants and downtown planning, is accepting applications through the end of the month, according to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce flagged the opportunity on Aug. 3.

Gov. Josh Shapiro secured the $20 million in the 2026-27 state budget he signed July 12. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, redevelopment authorities and business or downtown improvement districts.

That eligibility list puts several local groups in play. The Wayne Business Association, a nonprofit established in 1939 that promotes business and civic interests in downtown Wayne, qualifies. So does Discover Haverford, led by executive director Jeanne Angell, which works to revitalize Haverford Township's business districts and public spaces. Radnor and Haverford townships could also apply directly as local governments.

What the money covers

Main Street Matters funds five categories of work: planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grants, accessible housing programs and district development grants. Communities can also apply for Main Street or Elm Street designation, which unlocks targeted investment tied to a formal revitalization strategy.

The timing aligns with Radnor Township's ongoing "Vision for Wayne 2035 Master Plan," which drew nearly 100 residents to a public workshop in early 2026 and includes retail and parking analyses for downtown Wayne. That type of planning work fits squarely within the grant's eligible uses.

High demand statewide

The program is competitive. The most recent funding round, awarded in May, drew more than 220 applications requesting over $68 million, more than three times the $17.2 million distributed across 56 projects statewide. Since its creation in 2024, Main Street Matters has invested more than $34 million in 137 projects across Pennsylvania.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through DCED's Enterprise eGrants System at grants.pa.gov. Applicants can call 1-800-379-7448 for help completing the application. The deadline is Aug. 31.