Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund
Funds Rhode Island municipalities and development organizations to upgrade walkable commercial districts with technical assistance.
Eligibility · United States · US-RI
⚠This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.
The Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund is administered by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to support physical improvements and planning assistance in walkable commercial districts across the state. The program funds two categories of activity: Physical and Streetscape Improvements, which include signage, lighting, façade enhancements, and sidewalk upgrades; and Municipal Technical Assistance, which covers planning, engineering, design, and environmental assessment work. The program is explicitly oriented toward mixed-use commercial areas where foot traffic supports small businesses.
Eligible lead applicants are municipalities, municipal subdivisions, and economic development organizations operating in Rhode Island — for-profit businesses and private developers are not eligible to apply directly. Matching funds are required; the match may include real estate costs or professional services contributions. Priority is given to projects that can be completed within 18 months of award. Previous award recipients with incomplete projects from prior cycles will not be prioritized in current review. The 2026 cycle deadline was May 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM; award amounts are not publicly specified.
Applicants may simultaneously apply for funding through the Site Readiness Program by selecting the appropriate checkbox on the same application form, which allows a single submission to address both commercial streetscape and broader site development needs. Program contact for questions and future cycle announcements is Richard DelFino III at Richard.DelFino@commerceri.com. Organizations interested in future cycles should monitor RI Commerce's website for the next annual opening.
Physical/Streetscape Improvements (signage, lighting, façade, sidewalk) and Municipal Technical Assistance (planning, engineering, design, environmental assessment) in walkable mixed-use commercial areas.
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