Main Street Improvement Grant (MIP)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Operating Assistance Grants include funding for Main Street Improvements​ and Technical Assistance Grant.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides funding to assist Main Street Maryland communities in building capacity to achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals in designated Sustainable Community areas​ throughout the state.

Eligible applicants

• Main Street Maryland communities
• Community development organizations directly supporting Main Street communities

Eligible activities

Grants can be used for operating expenses only. Operating costs can include salary, professional services contracts, technology costs, or other costs related to administering the Main Street program.

Capital project costs are not supported through MIP; however, other DHCD programs do support capital costs, such as State Revitalization Programs​. 

The requested funds should support projects and/or activities that align with the goals and outcomes of the applicant’s annual work plan and contribute to the transformation strategy of the community. All projects and/or activities should be completed within one year; a funding match is not required.

Division priorities

The department strives for all Marylanders to live, work and prosper in communities that are affordable, lovable and just. Great places–lovable places–result from consistent targeted investment in locally driven community reinvestment planning.

To support the core objectives of DHCD, the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization will prioritize revitalization projects that are part of a strategic community plan to:

• Increase the production of mixed-income, middle-market and affordable housing, particularly near transit. DHCD is interested in supporting innovative development approaches—such as modular and off-site construction—to accelerate housing production.
• Increase household and generational wealth building through homeownership, legacy homeowner renovations, and small business development.
• Accelerate the elimination of vacant properties, particularly in Baltimore City.
• Create safer, more appealing public spaces and community facilities that expand access to community services and strengthen neighborhood cohesion.
• Revitalize Maryland's diverse Main Streets, downtowns and commercial cores through projects that: enhance their unique physical, visual, and historic character; improve economic vitality by supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones; and helping small businesses and entrepreneurs connect to resources.

Additional consideration

The Department will give additional consideration to projects that address the overarching priorities of the Moore-Miller Administration, including projects that:

• Invest in designated Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) areas, which represent rural, suburban and urban communities that have been historically impacted by barriers to economic mobility.
• Invest in designated Just Communities​ where all Marylanders, regardless of background, have access to fair housing and economic stability and opportunity, righting the wrongs of the past.

Resources

• Individual technical assistance sessions are available; schedule one online via Calendly​.
• Operating Assistance Grant (OAG) Program and Policy Guide - PDF - 403.53 KB​

Application details

Application Status: Closed
The MIP application is expected to re-open in February 2027.