2025 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant (OMSRG) is open!

HARNEY COUNTY-The Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant (OMSRG) is open! The OMSRG is open to communities participating in the Oregon Main Street Network. Grant awards are up to $400,000 in matching funds and may be used to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide.

Funded projects must facilitate community revitalization that will lead to private investment, job creation or retention, establishing or expanding viable businesses, or creating a stronger tax base. Projects may include façade improvement, accessibility enhancement, basic utilities, second floor renovations and more. Only organizations participating in the Oregon Main Street Network are eligible to apply. Projects must be within approved Main Street areas. Eligible organizations may collaborate with the local governments and private property owners to apply for projects that will have the biggest benefit to the downtown.

Rick Roy with Main Street Task Force in Harney County will be on Harney County Live Monday morning at 8:30am discussing the Grant process, the qualifications, how to apply and the public meeting being held Tuesday September 17, 2024.

The grant application deadline is March 13, 2025.

Please read the grant guidelines carefully. Highlights:

• Grant award limit is $400,000.
• Match requirement is 30% of the award amount.
• All work must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Places, whether they have historic designation or not.
• Indirect and contingency costs are not eligible for funding or as match.
• Grant administration is eligible as match only and at 4% of the award amount.
• An agreement between the property owner and the Oregon Main Street Network participating organization is required.
• Management of previous Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grants is considered in scoring.
• Connection to plans and goals and public engagement are critical meeting the grant criteria.

Preservation office staff is happy to talk with applicants about potential grant projects and review applications prior to submitting.

A free online workshop specific to the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant will be January 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration is required. Also, grant coordinator Kuri Gill will attend the September 5 Mornings on Main call for an informal conversation and to answer questions about the grant.

Other resources available include:

• Prepping for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant – with tips for organizational preparation and project planning and selection. 
• Heritage Bulletin: Board Involvement with Grants – with tips on organizational success for grant management. 
• Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Rehabilitation – A webinar to share with the team and property owners.

To learn more about the grant, access the grant guidelines, and workshop, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-6085. To learn more about the Oregon Main Street Network and to check your status in the Network, contact Sheri Stuart at Sheri.Stuart@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0679.

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