Grant & Funding Opportunities

City of Worcester: Cultural Organization Grants: (due Mar. 19, 2024): The City of Worcester’s Cultural Organization Grants program “provides grants to arts/cultural non-profit organizations that were negatively harmed by the pandemic. Grant amounts will be determined based on the number of eligible applications received. Total funding is $2.95 million.” To be eligible to apply, organizations must be a 501(c)3 non-profit arts and/or cultural organization based in the City of Worcester. For more information, contact Ethan Melad at emelad@cmrpc.org. 

Mass Broadband Institute’s Residential Retrofit Program (Rolling): The Residential Retrofit Program intends to increase low-income residents’ access to high-quality and affordable broadband access through the replacement of deficient infrastructure with updated wiring and cabling in Public & Affordable Housing properties. Housing operators should submit an expression of interest through MBI’s online form. MBI is coordinating this program with their existing Apartment WiFi program being run through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Your property may be eligible for both programs. Applications with multiple properties will be looked upon favorably, however, smaller-scale projects are also eligible. Contact Kerrie Salwa at ksalwa@cmrpc.org.

604(b) Grant Program: Water Quality Management Planning Grant (Due May 8, 2024): This competitive grant program funds watershed or sub-watershed-based nonpoint source assessment and planning projects. Regional projects are encouraged. To learn more contact Sarah Plutnicki at splutnicki@cmrpc.org. 

MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant (due May 15, 2024): This program awards for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and schools/colleges for short-term waste reduction projects. Eligible projects will promote the reduction of waste produced or extend the lifespan of products. The maximum award is $10,000. Contact Greer Jarvis for more information at gjarvis@cmrpc.org. 

Section 319 Nonpoint Source Competitive Grants Program (Due May 24, 2024) This competitive grant program funds implementation projects that address the prevention, control, and abatement of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. To learn more contact Sarah Plutnicki at splutnicki@cmrpc.org.

EEA Planning Assistance Grants (due May 26, 2024): Support efforts to plan, zone, develop, and conserve land consistent with the Massachusetts Sustainable Development Principles. Priorities include zoning for sustainable housing production, mitigation of climate change through zoning and other regulations, and zoning that advances permanent land conservation. A minimum non-state match of 25% is required. For more information, contact Dominique DuTremble at ddutremble@cmrpc.org.  

FY25 Destination Development Capital (due May 31, 2024): The FY25 Destination Development Capital (DDC) is a competitive grant that will support the improvement of destinations and facilities visited by in-state and out-of-state travelers to improve the direct and indirect economic impacts of tourism in all regions of the Commonwealth. Applications will be accepted for projects in the realm of expanding, constructing, restoring, or renovating Massachusetts tourist destinations. Contact Marc Zappulla at Marc.Zappulla@mass.gov for more information. 

Community One Stop for Growth: (due June 5, 2024): The “One Stop” allows communities to apply to multiple economic development and housing programs through a streamlined process. Programs include MassWorks; Urban Agenda; Massachusetts Downtown Initiative; Rural and Small Town Development Fund; Housing Choice; Community Planning; Brownfields; Site Readiness; Underutilized Properties; Collaborative Workspace; Real Estate Services Technical Assistance; and Commonwealth Places. Expressions of interest are due April 30, 2024. Full applications are due June 5, 2024. Contact Dominique DuTremble at ddutremble@cmrpc.org for more information. 

Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant (due June 14, 2024): The ADA Improvement Grant supports capital improvements that increase access or remove barriers encountered by individuals with disabilities. The Planning Grant is for updating or creating a Transition Plan or Self Evaluation. The Project Grant is focused on the removal of architectural or communication barriers. For more information, contact jsziabowski@cmrpc.org. 

Accelerating Clean Transportation (ACT): School Bus Fleet Deployment (due June 24, 2024): This program provides flexible funding to schools and school districts for the purchase of electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure and depot upgrades. Technical assistance and consulting is offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center through this program to account for gaps in technical knowledge. Contact Julia Moore for more information at jmoore@cmrpc.org 

Safe Streets and Roads for All (due June 26, 2024; August 29, 2024) The Safe Streets and Roads for All is a competitive grant supporting planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injuries on the roads and streets involving roadway users. For more information, contact Yahaira Graxirena at ygraxirena@cmrpc.org or Derek Krevat, MassDOT at Derek.Krevat@dot.state.ma.us 

Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program (due July 11, 2024): Reimburses municipalities for the purchase of land to be used for conservation and recreation purposes. Municipalities with up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plans can apply. The maximum award is $500,000 with a reimbursement rate of 52-70%. Contact Will Talbot at wtalbot@cmrpc.org for more information.

Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program (due Jul. 11, 2024): Reimburses municipalities for purchasing, developing, and renovating parkland and outdoor recreation lands. Municipalities must have up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plans. The maximum award is $500,000 with a reimbursement rate of 52-70%. Contact Kerrie Salwa at ksalwa@cmrpc.org for more information.   

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (rolling through November 2024): These grants benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, and capacity building to address environmental and climate justice challenges and issues. For more information, contact Julia Moore at jmoore@cmrpc.org or Micaela Leonarte Paredes, Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office at micaela.leonarteparedes@mass.gov 

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) 2.0 Grant Program (anticipated late 2024): Added support to build resilience to climate change. This grant program builds on MVP 1.0 to support communities with new processes, tools, and resources. The planning process revisits MVP 1.0 priorities with enhanced involvement of the wider community to conduct equitable climate resilience work. It includes funding to implement a seed project. No match requirement, joint municipal applications encouraged. Contact Sarah Plutnicki at splutnicki@cmrpc.org for more information. 

Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office: This is a new resource that is currently offering federal funding opportunities to qualifying local and tribal governments. This recently introduced Federal Funding initiative presents as an invaluable resource for local leaders, aiding them to optimize federal funding prospects for the benefit of Massachusetts communities. 

Clean Bus Planning Awards (rolling): The Clean Bus Planning Awards program aids in reducing barriers to zero-emission bus deployment by aiding school and transit bus fleets with technical assistance to create comprehensive and customized fleet electrification transition plans. For more information contact CBPA@nrel.gov 

EDA Public Works Program (rolling): The EDA Public Works program provides funding to help communities build, design, or engineer critical infrastructure and facilities. Examples of projects include water and sewer system improvements and the creation or expansion of industrial parks. Projects must advance the EDA’s Investment priorities and be consistent with the region’s current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). They also must be in a geographic region subject to the EDA’s economic distress criteria. The typical EDA cost share rate for projects is 50 percent. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact Kerrie Salwa at ksalwa@cmrpc.org for more information. 

EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (rolling): The EDA’s EAA program provides investments that support a wide range of construction and non-construction activities. Examples of projects include the construction or upgrading of public infrastructure and the procurement of equipment for workforce training programs. Projects must advance the EDA’s Investment priorities and be consistent with the region’s current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). They also must be in a geographic region subject to the EDA’s economic distress criteria. The typical EDA cost share rate for projects is 50 percent. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact Kerrie Salwa at ksalwa@cmrpc.org for more information. 

EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance Programs (rolling): The EDA’s Planning and Local Technical Assistance programs are designed to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment. The Planning program assists eligible recipients in managing and coordinating the development and implementation of regional economic development plans, such as Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), and plans to guide the creation and/or retention of high-quality jobs and private investment attraction. The Local Technical Assistance program strengthens the capacity of local, regional, or State organizations and institutions to undertake economic development projects such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning. Projects must advance the EDA’s Investment priorities. The typical EDA cost share rate for projects is 50 percent. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits. Contact Kerrie Salwa at ksalwa@cmrpc.org for more information. 

Innovative Finance and Asset Concessions Grant Program (due May 10, 2024): Up to $57.72 million will be awarded to assist eligible public entities in evaluating and facilitating public-private partnerships and exploring opportunities for financing and delivery for transportation infrastructure projects. For more information, contact: Maritza Pechin, U.S. Dept. of Transportation at maritza.pechin@dot.gov 

Communities Taking Charge Accelerator (concept papers due May 20, 2024. Full applications due July 16, 2024): This federal funding opportunity will support projects aiming to expand community e-mobility access and provide clean reliable energy. Funding will support innovation in equitable clean transportation and is aligned with strategies detailed in the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. This funding source will support strategic investments at the local level that address barriers to increasing access to electric mobility options for individuals without home charging; increase the transition to electrified fleets; and support the implementation of managed charging systems. Contact foa3214@netl.doe.gov for more information.  

Social and Economic Development Strategies – SEDS (due May 20, 2024): This program supports grants for social and economic development projects essential to the development of thriving Native communities. Contact Carmelia Strickland at Carmelia.Strickland@acf.hhs.gov for more information. 

Rural Health Research Center Program (due May 23, 2024): The RHRC Program supports research that addresses critical issues facing rural communities in their efforts to obtain affordable, adequate, and high-quality health services. Topics of concentration must be related to policy issues geared towards improving health care in rural areas. For more information, contact: Karis Tyner, Health Resources and Services Administration at ktyner@hrsa.gov 

Investments in Advanced Biofuels (due May 24, 2024): This funding opportunity is to increase the production and development of advanced biofuels. This opportunity is available for projects scaling up process steps in biofuel production, and projects focused on developing and testing new technologies for processing bio-intermediates. Contact IRAAAdvancedBiofuelsFOA@ee.doe.gov for more information.  

Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (due May 26, 2024): The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program supports transportation infrastructure projects for rural communities. These projects are to increase connectivity and improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight while generating economic growth for the region and improving the quality of life. For more information contact Aubrei Barton at MPDGrants@dot.gov  

Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection Program (due May 27, 2024): The Strategic Innovation for Revenue Collection Program supports the testing of the feasibility of road usage fees and other user-based revenue systems through pilot programs to help sustain the long-term stability of the Highway Trust Fund. Contact Carlos B. McCloud at Carlos.McCloud@dot.gov for more information. 

Clean Ports Program (due May 28, 2024): This funding program will support the transition into zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure, as well as climate and air quality planning. This is to ensure emissions reduction planning becomes a part of port industry standard practices. For more information contact cleanports@epa.gov 

HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) for Multifamily Housing: (due 3/28/2024; 4/30/2024; 5/30/2024). Provides loans and grants to support projects that improve energy or water efficiency; enhance indoor air quality or sustainability; implement the use of zero-emission electricity generation, low-emission building materials or processes, energy storage, or building electrification strategies; or improve the climate resilience of eligible HUD-assisted multifamily properties. Contact Emily Glaubitz at eglaubitz@cmrpc.org for more information. 

The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (due May 30, 2024): The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds direct grants and loans for projects that improve energy or water efficiency, implement zero-emission electricity generation, enhance indoor air quality or sustainability, energy storage, low-emission building materials or processes, building electrification strategies, or address climate resilience of eligible HUD-assisted multifamily properties. For more information, contact: the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development at  GRRP@hud.go 

IRA Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes (due Apr. 30, 2024): The IRA Assistance for the Adoption of the Latest and Zero Building Energy Codes assists eligible entities in decarbonizing their buildings through the adoption of current national model building energy codes, zero energy codes, or other equivalent codes or standards for energy savings. For more information contact: the U.S. Dept. of Energy at IRACodes@hq.doe.gov 

Water Technical Assistance (due May 31, 2024): Announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Get Lead Out (GLO) initiative will assist 200 underserved communities with quality water infrastructure and identifying and removing lead service lines while ensuring safer drinking water. Contact WaterTA@epa.gov for more information. 

Renew America’s Schools (due June 13, 2024): The Renew America’s Schools Program invests in the transformation of decaying public school infrastructure into more robust and energy-efficient learning environments. The program supports infrastructure upgrades in schools and focuses on rural or high-poverty local educational agencies (LEAs). The goal is to foster healthier learning environments, lower utility costs, and direct funds to support students and teachers. For more information, contact: Luke Anthony Gomes, U.S. Dept. of Energy at luke.gomes@hq.doe.gov 

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) (Anticipated deadline of June 17, 2024): The ATIIP funds projects that will the safety, reliability, and efficiency of active transportation networks and communities, while improving connectivity between active transportation modes and public transportation. Eligible uses include the design, planning, and construction of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails that connect communities. For more information, contact Yahaira Graxirena at ygraxirena@cmrpc.org or Kenan Hall at  ATIIP@dot.gov. 

 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (Anticipated August 2024) Funding from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) and the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP) helps eligible entities address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems owned or operated by—or on behalf of—SLT governments and Tribal governments. Through two distinct Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), SLCGP and TCGP combined will make available $1 billion over four years to support projects throughout the performance period of up to four years which established the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, “appropriating $1 billion to be awarded over four years, including $200 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and $400 million in FY23.” For more information, contact us at crhsac@cmrpc.org 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (Anticipated Oct. 2024): Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) supports states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The program’s guiding principles are supporting communities through capability and capacity building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large infrastructure projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency. For more information, contact Marc Granato at mgranato@cmrpc.org. 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) (Anticipated October 2024): The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Funds are for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA chooses recipients based on the applicant’s ranking of the project, eligibility, and cost-effectiveness of the project. FEMA requires applicants to have a current hazard mitigation plan. For more information, contact Marc Granato at mgranato@cmrpc.org.