CATTalyst Main Street Program Application

Applicant Information

Community Name

Lead Organization / Entity

Main Contact Person Information

Name

Title / Role

Phone #

Email

Mailing Address

Street

City / Town / Village

ZIP / Post Code

Date of Submission (MM / DD / YYYY)

Population of your municipality

Community Readiness & Commitment

Demonstrated Local Interest & Initiative

Please provide a narrative (500 words) describing existing momentum/interest in downtown or economic revitalization in your community. Include previous planning efforts, community engagement events, participation in related programs, or grassroot activity

List at least two recent (within the last three years) efforts, projects, or engagements that demonstrate this interest.

Organized Local Leadership

Please list the proposed Steering Committee (4-7 members) with name, organization, and sector represented (government, business, nonprofit, education, or resident).

Capacity for Active Participation

Confirm by checking the boxes below that your community is willing and able to:

Attend the kickoff and showcase events

Host a site visit with the CATTalyst COllective team

Assemble and engage local stakeholders in assessment activities and focus groups (in-person and virtual)

Submit timely progress reports and documentation (receipts, photos, narratives)

Be featured in CATTalyst COllective marketing and promotional materials

Describe any constraints your community foresees (e.g. staffing, scheduling, geography) and how you plan to mitigate them. If applicable, explain how you may use the $2,000 planning grant to strengthen participation capacity. (500 words max).

Resource Commitment

Describe how your community plans to provide the required $2,500 local match (cash or in-kind), and how you will track it (e.g., volunteer hours, donated space, local funds, materials.)

Local staff / volunteer time - Match type (cash or in-kind) and Estimated amount of match

Materials / Supplies - Match type (cash or in-kind) and Estimated amount of match

Other (please specify) - Match type (cash or in-kind) and Estimated amount of match

Total Match ($2,500 minimum)

Public Art Installation Commitment

Briefly describe your community's readiness to host and maintain a public art installation, include any ideas for themes, locations, or local artist partnerships if known (300 words max)

Sustainability & Equity Mindset

Describe how equity and community-driven participation are embedded in your work. Identify under-represented groups in your community, explain how under-represented groups will be involved, how decisions will remain inclusive, and how benefits will be widely shared across your community.

500 words max

Required Attachments

Signed letter of commitment from the lead organization/entity, such as the local governing body (town/village), community group, or economic / community-based organization.

Optional: Copies of prior plans or reports documenting local revitalization eƯorts to strengthen your “existing momentum” narrative.

Authorization

By submitting this application, the applicant affirms that the information provided is accurate and that the community is committed to participating fully in the CATTalyst Main Street Program if selected.

Authorized Signature

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

Date

Month

Day

Year

Title / Organization

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online

If you prefer, you may submit a printed application by mail. Please send completed applications to:

Olean Business Development Corporation

Attn: Bob Forness

301 N. Union Street, Suite 401

Olean, NY 14760

All mailed applications must be received by January 13, 2026. You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours of receipt.

For questions, please contact info@cattalyst.org.

APPENDIX A - Selection Criteria & Scoring Rubric

Category Max Points

Demonstrated Local Interest & Initiative 20

Organized Local Leadership 15

Capacity for Active Participation 20

Resource Commitment 10

Public Art Installation Commitment 10

Sustainability & Equity Mindset 15

Required Attachments (Completeness & Quality) 10

Total 100

Ongoing Communication

I would like to receive feedback on my application if I am not selected for a grant in this round. By checking this box, I consent to receive tailored feedback on my application, provided the selection committee has sufficient capacity.

Add me to the CATTalyst County email list. By checking this box, I agree to receive updates about future programs, resources, and opportunities oƯered through the CATTalyst COllective.

CATTalyst Main Street Program Application

Applicant Information

Community Readiness & Commitment

Organized Local Leadership

Capacity for Active Participation

Resource Commitment

Public Art Installation Commitment

Sustainability & Equity Mindset

Required Attachments

Authorization

How to Apply

APPENDIX A - Selection Criteria & Scoring Rubric

Ongoing Communication

Socials

Contacts