Purpose: The Oklahoma Main Street Foundation (OMSF) is a public charity with one purpose. The foundation awards grants to community projects that foster downtown historic preservation as defined by The Oklahoma Design Guidelines, a book prepared by the Oklahoma Main Street Center. Preserving the original commercial environment transforms empty buildings into more productive assets through (1) the income produced by new tenets to the property owner, (2) the greater property taxes raised for city services and (3) the economic attraction to potential customers, residents and new businesses. The Main Street approach is a proven method to downtown revitalization and about the only help in economic growth small towns in Oklahoma have. Since Main Street began in Oklahoma (1986), an average of $40.9 million has been reinvested by private property and business owners annually.
Administration: OMSF is administrated by a non-compensated board of directors that meet quarterly to review the status of existing projects and to approve any new projects. All projects are funded through donations that are exempt from federal income taxes. Before any funds are granted, prospective grantees must complete an application (including time schedule) describing the scope of work. The board approves all projects through a majority vote of the directors. Upon approval, the grantee communicates to the board via interim project reports. A representative of the board my visit a project site and review the work with the grantee. A final report with photos will be prepared along with the comments of the grantee.
Impact: Donor contributions will have a lasting and visible impact on Oklahoma communities. Improvements to the built environment will be an attraction that builds pride within the downtown community, adds to the local economy by attracting new businesses and improves the social and cultural connections of the residents. For example, in many areas, upper floor development has been nonexistent for a number of years leaving upper-storied buildings empty inviting rats and other vermin. Loft apartments bring residents to the downtown improving security and inviting businesses to locate there.
Thank You: Your contribution to the OMSF will be appreciated by many. You will play an important part in the downtown revitalization of Oklahoma communities and its people will remember your help. THANK YOU
Administration: OMSF is administrated by a non-compensated board of directors that meet quarterly to review the status of existing projects and to approve any new projects. All projects are funded through donations that are exempt from federal income taxes. Before any funds are granted, prospective grantees must complete an application (including time schedule) describing the scope of work. The board approves all projects through a majority vote of the directors. Upon approval, the grantee communicates to the board via interim project reports. A representative of the board my visit a project site and review the work with the grantee. A final report with photos will be prepared along with the comments of the grantee.
Impact: Donor contributions will have a lasting and visible impact on Oklahoma communities. Improvements to the built environment will be an attraction that builds pride within the downtown community, adds to the local economy by attracting new businesses and improves the social and cultural connections of the residents. For example, in many areas, upper floor development has been nonexistent for a number of years leaving upper-storied buildings empty inviting rats and other vermin. Loft apartments bring residents to the downtown improving security and inviting businesses to locate there.
Thank You: Your contribution to the OMSF will be appreciated by many. You will play an important part in the downtown revitalization of Oklahoma communities and its people will remember your help. THANK YOU