Downtown Middletown storefronts and main street

Future Site of the Middletown Community Foundation Park

The Middletown Community Foundation's historic $5M grant to the Middletown Tomorrow Fund supports projects that strengthen, beautify, and activate the downtown core — helping our city center thrive for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Why Downtown Matters

A vibrant downtown is the soul of a community. It's where neighbors gather, where small businesses take root, where history is preserved and new stories begin. The Middletown Tomorrow Fund is a partnership with the the City of Middletown, Butler County and MCF to channel philanthropic investment directly into the physical and economic renewal of Middletown's city center.

Grants are awarded to nonprofits, civic organizations, developers and community groups undertaking projects that improve the downtown experience — from public green spaces and façade improvements to public art, programming, placemaking, and infrastructure that draws people in and keeps them coming back.

"
A strong downtown is a reflection of a community that believes in itself.
— Beth Yauch, Board Chair, MCF

What This Grant Funds

The Middletown Tomorrow Fund deploys capital for a broad range of projects that contribute to a more vibrant, welcoming, and economically healthy downtown Middletown.

Residential Housing

Development and rehabilitation of residential housing in and around the downtown core, supporting increased density, affordability, and a thriving live-work community.

Community Infrastructure

The creation of Middletown Community Foundation Park, additional gathering spaces, wayfinding, accessibility, and other public amenities that make downtown more welcoming for everyone.

Economic Development

Initiatives that support small business growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development, or commercial corridor vitality in the downtown area.

Historic Preservation

Efforts to preserve, restore, or adaptively reuse historic buildings and landmarks that anchor Middletown's downtown character.