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NC Main Street Partners Professional Development Scholarship Fund

The NC Main Street Partners Professional Development Scholarship Fund is designed to support the ongoing growth, expertise, and leadership of North Carolina’s Main Street Directors. This scholarship provides Directors with equitable access to high‑value professional development opportunities, such as trainings, certifications, conferences, and coursework, that strengthen both local programs and the statewide Main Street network. By investing in Director development, NC Main Street Partners helps communities across the state advance their downtown revitalization efforts and achieve stronger economic outcomes. 

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Eligible Courses: 

  • Main Street America Revitalization Professional 

  • UNC School of Government coursework 

  • NC Center for Nonprofits, Nonprofit Management Institute certificate and/or coursework 

  • Historic Preservation certifications and/or coursework 

  • Economic Development certifications and/or coursework 

  • Main Street Now Conference 

  • Other courses relevant to downtown revitalization 

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Non-Eligible 

  • NC Main Street Conference 

 

Registration‑Only Reimbursement Terms 

  • Upon application approval from NC Main Street Partners, you may be eligible up to 50% of registration costs only, not to exceed $1,000. 

  • Travel, lodging, meals, materials, and all other expenses are not eligible. 

  • Reimbursement will be made to the local designated NC Main Street Program, upon receipt of a reimbursement invoice and all required documentation. 

  • Only one scholarship per community, per calendar year may be awarded. 

  • Applicants must be active NC Main Street Directors at the time of application and throughout completion of the course.  

 

Reimbursement Process 

Reimbursement will be made after the Director has successfully completed the approved training and submitted all required documentation.  

Within four weeks of completing the course, email Naomi Riley: 

  1. Reimbursement Invoice 

    • Invoice must include:

      • Managing program name

      • Managing program full mailing address for check processing 

      • Course name and description 

      • Approve reimbursement amount 

  2. Copy of course certificate or proof of completion 

  3. Proof of course payment 

  4. A post‑training reflection describing how the experience will enhance your work and strengthens your local Main Street program 

 

Requirements & Expectations 

By submitting an application, Directors agree to: 

  1. Fully complete the approved training, course, or conference. 

  2. Submit a post‑training reflection or report describing how the experience enhances their work and strengthens their local Main Street program. 

  3. Provide all required reimbursement documentation (proof of payment and completion). 

  4. Notify NC Main Street Partners if they decide not to attend. 

  5. Understand that if they leave their position before completing the course, reimbursement will not be granted. 

 

Scholarship Cycles 

 

1st Round 

  • Opens: February 1, 2027 

  • Closes: February 19, 2027 

  • Awards Announced: By March 5, 2027 

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2nd Round 

  • Opens: July 5, 2027 

  • Closes: July 23, 2027 

  • Awards Announced: By August 6, 2027 ​

Section 1: Applicant Information

Section 2: Eligibility Confirmation

I am an active NC Main Street Director in a designated NC Main Street community.
I understand that scholarship funds are provided as reimbursement after successful completion of all course requirements.

SECTION 3: Professional Development Opportunity Details 

Format:

Upon application approval from NC Main Street Partners, you may be eligible up to 50% of registration costs only, not to exceed $1,000. Travel, lodging, and all other expenses are not eligible. 

SECTION 4: Impact Statement 

Please address the following prompts. (Responses may be brief but should be thoughtful.) 

SECTION 5: Financial Need 

Have you received a NC Main Street Partners scholarship before?

SECTION 6: Commitment & Requirements 

By submitting this application, you agree to: 

Fully complete the training, course, or conference.
Yes
Submit a post‑training reflection describing how the experience benefits your work and advances your local Main Street program.
Yes
Provide documentation required for reimbursement (proof of payment and proof of completion).
Yes

SECTION 7: Supervisor or Local Government Approval 

I attest by way of submission, that I have received approval from the designated coordinating program leadership below. 

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