Grant & Funding Opportunities

Chapter 90 Program (rolling): The Chapter 90 Program provides municipalities with an annual funding resource for improvements and investments in local transportation networks. Each municipality in the Commonwealth is allocated a portion of program dollars. This allows municipalities to evaluate their own unique transportation goals and needs and allocate funds accordingly. For more information visit www.mass.gov/chapter-90-program 

Cybersecurity Health Check Program (rolling): The Cybersecurity Health Check Program supports local government agencies in providing basic cybersecurity services at no cost. The program will aid in identifying security gaps and their ability to safeguard data and systems from cyber threats. For more information contact CyberHealthCheck@mass.gov.  

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.

Greening the Gateways Program (rolling): Greening the Gateways Program provides funding to increase tree cover in urban residential areas. This will contribute to the reduction of household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree cover in urban residential areas. For more information contact Hilary Dimino at hilary.m.dimino@mass.gov  

MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant (TBD): The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant provides funding of up to $10,000 to schools, colleges, eligible municipalities, regional authorities, non-profit/for-profit organizations; for short-term waste reduction projects. For more information contact janice.pare@mass.gov 

MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund (rolling): The MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund is available for municipalities that have received a district compliance determination letter from EOHLC. The funds will support activities related to housing development, infrastructure projects associated with housing, and acquisitions of property to promote housing. For information contact Email MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund at EOHLCMBTACommCatalyst@mass.gov 

Dam Removal Program/Preliminary Design Services (due November 22, 2024): The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is seeking applications from Massachusetts municipalities for upcoming opportunities for dam removal preliminary design studies. The Dam Removal Program supports the removal of unwanted dams which may alter river function, reduce water quality, trap sediment, and block the movement of fish. For more information contact the Division of Ecological Restoration at MassEcoRestore@mass.gov 

MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant (Next round TBD): This program awards for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and educational institutions 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. 

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) 2.0 Grant Program (Due December 4, 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. 

Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program (due December 20, 2024): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting applications for one cooperative agreement that includes three projects: (1) development/implementation of a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign, (2) expansion of the market for/sales of compost, and (3) increase in education and outreach to households about composting. All applications are required to be coalition applications, and the EPA will only be making one award of ~$39 million. For more information please contact RecyclingEd@epa.gov.  

Community Compact IT Grant Program (anticipated January 6, 2025, due February 6, 2025): The Community Compact IT Grant Program supports innovation and transformation at the local level via investments in technology. Grants up to $200,000 will support implementation by funding one-time capital needs such as technology infrastructure or software. One-time costs related to the capital purchase such as planning, design, installation implementation, and initial training are eligible. 

MHC Survey and Planning Grant Program (due February 3, 2025): The Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey and Grant Planning Program is federally funded to support historic preservation efforts in communities throughout the state. Eligible activities include cultural resource inventories, nomination of significant properties to the National Register of Historic Places, completion of preservation plans, and other types of reporting, studies, projects, and publications that are related to identifying and protecting significant historic sites. For more information contact Michael Steinitz at michael.steinitz@sec.state.ma.us 

Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grant (due February 21, 2025): The Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grant is a 1:1 opportunity allowing up to $10,000 for exterior work on historic properties leased or owned by non-profit organizations. For more information contact Stacia Caplanson at scaplanson@preservationmass.org.​ 

Municipal Fiber Grant Program (anticipated March 10, 2025): The Municipal Fiber Grant Program will fund the closing of critical gaps that exist in municipal networks. Fiber allows communities to centralize the management of IT infrastructure, network monitoring, cybersecurity, records management, and backup and recovery. A cohesive network also creates opportunities to gain economies of scale by aggregating bandwidth purchases and the associated security infrastructure.  

Massachusetts Land Conservation Assistance Program (due April 11, 2025): Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) offers funding to address climate change, achieve the goals of the MA Clean Energy and Climate Plans, and improve greenspaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. Specifically, funding awarded from this program may be used to update municipal Open Space and Recreation Plans (OSRPs), assist with grant applications related to land protection, and plan for the renovation or development of parks. Contact Greer Jarvis at gjarvis@cmrpc.org for more information.  

Community Compact (rolling until funds are exhausted): The Community Compact program allows a community to implement at least one best practice selected from a variety of areas. The community’s chosen best practice will be reviewed between the municipality and Commonwealth to ensure the best practice chosen is unique and reflects relevant needed areas of improvement. For more information contact Jennifer McAllister at mcallisterj@dor.state.ma.us 

Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program (rolling): The Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program allows municipalities to receive up to $25,000 to fund cybersecurity technology upgrades identified through a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment. Funds may be used to support upgrades in equipment, infrastructure, and technology improvement projects, including contractors/vendors or IT-related-staff costs. For more information contact Maxwell Fathy at proposals@masstech.org 

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. 

Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program (rolling): The Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program allows eligible municipalities to be awarded up to $25,000 for cybersecurity technology upgrades. Grants will be determined through a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment to build a municipality’s defense against cybersecurity threats. For more information contact Maxwell Fathy at proposals@masstech.orgmailto:ATIIP@dot.gov

Public Electric Vehicle Charging (rolling): The Electric Vehicle Charging Program provides resources to help determine the costs of proposed Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as identifying potential funding sources. For more information contact the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. 

Technical Assistance for Adoption of Building Energy Codes Assistance (rolling) The Technical Assistance for Adoption of Building Energy Codes Assistance grant will support states and local jurisdictions in adopting, implementing, and enforcing zero energy codes, or equivalent codes and standards, improve residential and commercial construction and retrofits, and transitioning the building stock to more efficient, decarbonized buildings. For more information contact IRACodes@hq.doe.gov 

 Lead Service Line Replacement Program (rolling): The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) are offering 0% percent interest construction loans to lead service line replacement and planning projects grants for assisting public water suppliers with completing planning projects for lead service line inventories and replacement programs. For more information contact MassWaterTrust@tre.state.ma.us  

Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program (rolling): The Cyber Resilient Massachusetts Grant Program allows eligible municipalities to be awarded up to $25,000 for cybersecurity technology upgrades. Grants will be determined through a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment to build a municipality’s defense against cybersecurity threats. For more information contact Maxwell Fathy at proposals@masstech.orgmailto:ATIIP@dot.gov 

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. 

Rural Business Investment Program (rolling): The Rural Business Investment Program provides a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC) license to newly formed developmental capital organizations to aid in meeting equity capital investment needs in rural communities. For more information contact RBIP@usda.gov  

Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance (rolling): This program assists rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits and providing Rural Energy Development Assistance (REDA). Funds must be provided to agricultural producers and small businesses in eligible rural areas. Government organizations, rural electric cooperatives, and public power entities are among the eligible organizations. For more information contact Jordan Henault at Jordan.henault@usda.gov  

On-Farm Labor Housing Loans (rolling): This program provides affordable financing to develop or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for very low to moderate-income domestic, migrant, and seasonal farm laborers. It also provides funding used to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm labor; and the ability of the farmer to provide affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for farm workers. Individual farm owners, family farmers, and farmer associations are among those eligible to apply. For more information contact the USDA Processing and Report Review Branch at MFHprocessing1@usda.gov  

Community Facilities Loan & Grant Program (rolling): This program provides funds to improve, construct, develop, and finance essential community facilities for rural communities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, certain schools, childcare centers, fire and rescue, public safety facilities, libraries, and town halls. Government organizations, public bodies, and community-based non-profit organizations are among those eligible to apply. For more information contact Lyndon Nichols at lyndon.nichols@ma.usda.gov  

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program (rolling): This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Funds can be used to buy, build, repair, and improve public water and waste treatment and collection systems. Government organizations and non-profit organizations are among those eligible to apply. For more information contact Lyndon Nichols at lyndon.nichols@ma.usda.gov  

Hometown Grants (rolling on a quarterly basis): The Hometown Grant is an initiative to support community projects including but not limited to historic revitalization, creating downtown assets or destinations, and improving community gathering spaces. Projects that focus on a sense of place or could lead to future investments are of interest. For more information visit https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants#FAQs 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (Anticipated late 2024): BRIC supports states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation, 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 late 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. 

Brownfields Assessment Grants (due November 14, 2024): The Brownfields Assessment Grants funding for communities to develop inventories of existing brownfield sites and assist in site-specific cleanup plans, community involvement activities, and conduct planning and site assessments, and develop reuse plans related to brownfields. For more information contact Elyse Salinas at brownfields@epa.gov 

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (due November 21, 2024): These grants benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, and build capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. For more information, contact Julia Moore at jmoore@cmrpc.org or Micaela Leonarte Paredes, Federal Funds & Infrastructure Office at Micaela.leonarteparedes@mass.gov 

Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (Phase 2 anticipated December 2024): The Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize is a three-phase competition awarding up to $4 million to competitors to increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from electronic scrap, also known as e-scrap. Eligible participants can include individuals, teams of individuals, private entities, and nonfederal government entities. For more information visit www.americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/e-scrap.  

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (due December 1, 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 

Project SCALES (due December 13, 2024): Supporting Community Agriculture & Local Education Systems (SCALES), is a grant opportunity that allows participants to propose innovative and collaborative approaches that reimagine the school food system and can be sustained and scaled in other communities. Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about transformational partnerships and projects, especially those that bring new industries into the school food supply chain. For more information contact projectscales@boisestate.edu.  

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants for Communities (due December 20, 2024): The EPA is requesting applications for projects that implement the creation of a circular economy, that improves local post-consumer materials management programs (including municipal recycling), and that improve local waste management systems. The minimum award floor for this grant is $500,000, and the maximum award ceiling is $5,000,000. For more information, please contact SWIFR@epa.gov.  

Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program (due December 20, 2024): The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting applications for one cooperative agreement that includes three projects: (1) development/implementation of a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign, (2) expansion of the market for/sales of compost, and (3) increase in education and outreach to households about composting. All applications are required to be coalition applications, and the EPA will only be making one award of ~$39 million. For more information, please contact RecyclingEd@epa.gov.  

Solid Waste Management Grant Program (due December 31, 2024): The Solid Waste Management Grant Program aims to reduce pollution of water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste sites, with a focus on rural areas. Eligible entities include public bodies, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and academic institutions. The award ceiling is $1,000,000. For more information contact cynthia.leonard@usda.gov.  

Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current (due January 15, 2025): The Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current is federally funded through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program, provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This funding opportunity aims to deliver mitigation funding to the disaster survivor experience and reduce or eliminate flood risk to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating communities, and repetitive flood damage to structures and buildings insured by the NFIP, following the event of a flood-related disaster while enhancing community flood resilience. For more information contact mtegrants@fema.dhs.gov. 

Rural Business Development Grants (due February 28, 2025): Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Business Development Grant supports business opportunities, enterprise projects, finance training/leadership programs, purchasing/developing land, repairing/modernizing buildings, finance planning, or purchasing equipment to lease to small or emerging businesses. For more information contact Lyndon Nichols at Lyndon.nichols@usda.gov. 

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (due May 31, 2025, for Tribes applying) The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program assists states, local governments, and tribes in implementing strategies for energy reduction, reducing fossil fuel emissions, and improving energy efficiency. For more information contact eecbg@hq.doe.gov.