EmPOWER Main Street Fund Application – Connecticut Main Street Center

The Connecticut Main Street Center EmPOWER Main Street Fund, launched with a $25,000 grant from United Illuminating, Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas, subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc, provides grant support for main street projects that will spur economic development, small business occupancy, and community pride.

Grant Eligibility

Municipalities, main street nonprofits, and Commissions that meet the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply:

You are a CMSC member in good standing and you have completed a CMSC Main Street Management Assessment within the past year.
Your downtown district is in UI, SCG, or CNG territory.
If a UI, SCG, or CNG customer, you must be in good standing.

Grant funds must be used for projects that contribute to main street vibrancy, including but not limited to lighting, banners, signage/wayfinding, façade improvement, beautification and public art projects, and commercial space buildouts/improvements.

Grant Awards range from $2,500 – $10,000.

Deadline to apply is November 14, 2025 11:59pm EST.

EmPOWER Main Street Fund Grant Application

General Information

Organization/Municipality(Required)

Address(Required)

Executive Director/Department Head(Required)

Grant Contact Person (if different from above)

Email(Required)

Telephone Number(Required)

Tax ID Number(Required)

UI, SCG, or CNG Customer Account Number (if applicable)

Proposed Project Summary

Clearly state what will the grant funds be used for.(Required)

Describe the goals/objectives for this project.(Required)

What CMSC Main Street Management Assessment recommendation does this project address?(Required)

How do you intend to measure the project impact?(Required)

Please describe the mission/responsibilities of the organization/department as it relates to the proposed project, in particular the key decision makers that can ensure the project's completion.(Required)

Describe the staff/partners who will be engaged in the project.(Required)

Describe the organization, municipality, or team's capacity and experience to successfully implement this project.(Required)

What is the project timeline? Please identify specific milestones and deadlines.(Required)

If you do not receive the full amount of funds requested, will you be able to complete the project?

Yes

No

Maybe

If awarded, how will you promote the support received from CMSC, and UI, SCG and CNG?(Required)

Financial Information

Please attach a detailed budget for the proposed project, including additional revenues if applicable.

File

Max. file size: 256 MB.

File

Max. file size: 256 MB.

File

Max. file size: 256 MB.

File

Max. file size: 256 MB.

About Connecticut Main Street Center

CMSC is the expert resource for developing and sustaining vibrant downtowns that fuel our state’s prosperity. Our mission is to assess, educate, convene, and advocate to develop and grow our traditional downtowns, village centers, and urban mixed-use neighborhoods. We provide education and training, resources and technical assistance, and function as the statewide champion for downtowns and Main Streets of all sizes.

CMSC is supported by its Founding Partners, Eversource Energy and the Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD). CMSC is also supported by its Growth Partners, UIL Holdings and the State Historic Preservation Office. More information is available at www.ctmainstreet.org.