North Carolina downtowns are the cultural and economic centers of their communities. When Main Street struggles, the community feels it; and when Main Street booms, the community thrives.

Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants (RDEDG)

The purpose of this program is to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity. Funding availability is at the discretion of the Rural Infrastructure Authority.

RDED Grants will support projects that:

• Provide public improvements that help retain business and attract customers to business districts.
• Support publicly owned downtown economic development initiatives that leverage main streets and downtown districts as economic engines.
• Facilitate publicly owned building improvements that are used for community-wide uses or mixed-use development in or on properties that are publicly owned and controlled.

Eligible Activities:

• Public Infrastructure – Improvements to publicly owned infrastructure in a downtown district, that serves a community-wide use, such as lots, alleys, streetscapes, waterfront developments and parks.
• Public Buildings (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned buildings in a downtown district that serve a public, community-wide use, such as a community center, theater, civic center, recreation center, or library.
• Mixed-Use Downtown Development (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned property in a downtown district that may be zoned and developed for a mix of uses. The mix of use may include two or more of the following: retail, restaurant, service, professional, nonprofit, governmental, institutional, or residential.

Please see these guidelines for more specific information. This grant is based on job creation and retention and may help bridge the funding gap for existing Rural Transformation Grant Funds (RTGF). Job projection and an Environmental Review will be required with the application. There is a 5% local match requirement.

 Create an Application 

For more information about the Rural Downtown Economic Development Grant program: 
Elizabeth (Liz) H. Parham
North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center
Rural Economic Development Division
(919) 805-2067
lparham@commerce.nc.gov

Mailing Address:
4346 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4346

Physical Address:
301 North Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27601