Volunteer Opportunities

  • SDDA Committees

  • Event Subcommittees

  • General Volunteering

SDDA COMMITTEES

The Main Street Four Points approach addresses the following areas, and all are welcome to serve on any of the following committees. For additional information, email: stauntondowntown@gmail.com

DESIGN

The Design Committee is dedicated to enhancing the first impression of downtown visitors and improving the visual quality of downtown by addressing all the elements of its environment– not just buildings and storefronts but also signs, kiosks, public improvements, landscaping, seasonal flower baskets, seating, walkways, and lighting.  

Properties in the SDDA district are shown in this map of the Downtown Service District.

Streetscape Plan for the City of Staunton: Streetscape Plans

Through Virginia Main Street, the SDDA offers free façade and sign design, If you are interested contact stauntondowntown@gmail.com.

PROMOTIONS

The Promotions Committee awareness for Downtown to generate retail and dining traffic, create a positive image of downtown Staunton and maintain pride in the central business district through promotional events, partnerships and community awareness activities.

ECONOMIC VITALITY

The Economic Vitality Committee works to strengthen downtown’s existing assets and fulfill its broadest market potential by improving the competitiveness of downtown merchants, recruiting new businesses and converting unused space into housing, offices, or cultural facilities. Find resources for opening and running a successful business in our downtown in the Open a Business section or visit the Downtown Properties tab to find listings!

ORGANIZATION

The Organization Committee oversees membership, member development, fundraising, SDDA  organizational housekeeping. This committee determines member benefits and hosts activities such as the Downtown Round Table, Board elections, annual membership drive, and annual meeting. 

EVENT SUBCOMMITTEES

This year we have 3 Large Scale events we are planning — MADcon (April), SummerFest (August), and the (6 week long) Christmas Season.

MADcon

MADcon (Music. Art. Design Convention) is a three-day gathering for creative professionals to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. Modeled after the energy and cross-disciplinary spirit of SXSW, MADcon blends engaging experiences, thought-provoking sessions, and meaningful networking—designed to spark ideas—fueling inspiration that doesn’t end at the event, but launches what comes next.

SUMMERfest

Celebrate the close of summer at SummerFest, a family-friendly downtown festival filled with local performances, interactive games, and festive moments for all ages. With the sounds of the MBU Marching Band and a lively street-fest atmosphere, SummerFest is the perfect way to end the season on a high note.

CHRISTMAS SEASON

The Christmas Season Downtown is built by the hands and hearts of our volunteers. Their time and creativity bring holiday décor to life, creating the must-see Downtown Holiday Window Walk, support the Christmas Parade, and help make Santa’s Workshop a magical experience for children and families.

GENERAL VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers play a vital role in bringing our events and initiatives to life. Opportunities include hands-on support during day-of events, helping with set-up and guest engagement, sharing promotions across social media, and distributing or hanging flyers around town. Whether you enjoy being in the middle of the action or supporting behind the scenes, there’s a way to get involved. Workshop a magical experience for children and families.

Volunteer Interest Form

Reports & Documents

Grants and Recognition

Recognition

  • 2001 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

  • 2002 Great American Main Street Award (the first Virginia city to win this award)

  • President’s Citation from the Preservation Alliance of Virginia

  • 2001 National Trust Dozen Distinctive Destinations  

  • 2002 President’s Citation ~ Preservation Alliance of Virginia 

  • 2006 and 2007 Virginia Main Street $45 million in Private Investment 

  • 2010 Virginia Main Street 25th Anniversary Award for $50 Million in Private Investment 

  • 2011 Virginia Main Street Award for Outstanding Stewardship of Historic Preservation 

  • 2011 Tourism Business of the Year award from the Staunton/Augusta Chamber of Commerce 

  • Best Shopping Area in the Shenandoah Valley  – Virginia Living Magazine Readers Poll 2012~2018

  • 2012 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Award for fostering over 500 downtown building projects 

  • Virginia Main Street Award Volunteer Hours: 2007 for 15,000; 2008 for 15,000; 2009 for 25,000; 2010 25th Anniversary for 40,000; 2011 for 50,000; 2012 for 65,000; 2013 for 80,000; 2014 for 100,000; 2015 for 110,000; 2016 for 170,000; 2018

  • 2018 $110 Million in Private Investment

Grants 

  • Virginia Main Street $10,000 Small Business Support Relief and Recovery Initiative Grant

  • Virginia Main Street $25,000 Downtown Improvement Grant: 2010 for Street Banners; 2011 for Wharf Lighting; 2012 for Sunspots Pavilion; 2016 for Staunton Stories, Downtown Discount Card, Community Survey; 2017 StauntoNites

  • Virginia Main Street $2,500 Mini-Downtown Improvement Grant: 2013 for BRIGHT Idea Innovation Grants

  • John Marlles Scholarship for Main Street National Conference: 2008 Philadelphia, 2010 Oklahoma City, 2012 Baltimore, 2013 New Orleans, 2015 Atlanta, 2016 Milwaukie, 2018 Kansas City

  • $100,000 Community Business Launch Grant: 2015 BRIGHT REWIRED Business Plan Competition

  • Community Foundation $5,000 Community Grant: Bright Lights on Beverley

  • Community Foundation $2,500 Community Grant: Bright Lights on Beverley

  • https://www.mainstreet.org/mainstreetamerica/theapproach

FAQs

  • The SDDA is funded by a special service district tax of .15 for every $100 in commercial property taxes, a $62,000 appropriation from the City general funds, membership dues, fundraisers, sponsorships, grants, and donations.

    Click Here to make a tax-deductible donation!

  • The SDDA uses the Main Street Four Point Approach®for economic development created by the Main Street Trust for Historic Preservation combined with the Main Street America approach to community transformation. The leadership of the SDDA is provided by a volunteer board of directors and volunteer committee structure, as well as a full-time Executive Director and a full-time Creative Marketing and Events Coordinator. While the SDDA is an independent, 501c3 non-profit, we do have a contract with the City of Staunton that outlines the details of our public-private partnership.

  • The SDDA’s budget, work plan, and end-of-year reports can be found in the Reports & Documents section above.