Grant & Funding Opportunities

Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program (rolling): The Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grant Program seeks to improve cybersecurity through end-user training, evaluation, and simulated phishing campaigns. Through four Learning Paths, local government agencies must choose one or more: Traditional, Advanced, Comprehensive, and Education. Cybersecurity awareness training will ensure employees know the latest techniques cyber criminals use, how to identify phishing scams, and their role in keeping their organizations safe from cyber-attacks. For more information contact CyberAwarenessGrant@mass.gov. 

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  

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 

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. 

Massachusetts DER Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program (anticipated Spring 2025): The DER’s CRMA Grant Program funds projects to replace or remove an undersized, perched, and/or degraded culvert located in an area of high ecological value. It encourages applicants to replace aging culverts with better-designed crossings that meet improved structural and environmental design standards and flood resiliency criteria. It is a reimbursable grant; however, DER may not always be able to fund the full amount of a project. 

Municipal Energy Manager Grant (due January 31, 2025): The Municipal Energy Manager Grant (MEM), supports municipalities in hiring a dedicated resource to manage energy efficiency, energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from facilities; with a focus on K-13 school facilities. The MEM Grant will aid in supplementing the cost of a new or existing municipal employee designated as the Municipal Energy Manager and provide rebates and incentives for energy management projects and initiatives. For more information visit Masssave.com/  

Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program (due January 31, 2025): The Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program will fund projects to support communities and public water suppliers to reduce indoor and outdoor water use and enhance water loss control programs. As droughts become more prevalent due to climate change, water users across the Commonwealth seek ways to reduce water usage and improve drought preparedness. For more information contact purvi.patel@mass.gov. 

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 

The Mass Trails Grant (Due February 3, 2025) The program provides support to communities, public entities, Native nations, and non-profit organizations to design, create, and maintain the diverse network of trails, trail systems, and trails experiences used and enjoyed by Massachusetts residents and visitors. MassTrails Grants are administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Grant amounts are dependent on the project and its needs, with a minimum grant award of $5,000 and a maximum grant award of $500,000. Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared-use pathways, and the amenities that support trails. Contact Nate Lewis at nlewis@cmrpc.org for more information.

Community Compact IT Grant Program (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. 

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (statement of interest due February 10, 2025): The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funds to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments so they may rebuild in manner that mitigates or reduces future disaster losses in their communities. For more information contact Marc Granato at mgranato@cmrpc.org.

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.​ 

Operating Grants for Organizations (anticipated February 2025): The Operating Grants for Organizations is an unrestricted grant for Massachusetts-based, nonprofit cultural organizations with year-round operations offering public programming in the arts, humanities, or sciences; grants start at $6,000. For more information contact Ethan Melad at emelad@cmrpc.org. 

Creative Experiences (anticipated March 2025): The Creative Experiences is open to organizations (including schools) to fund festivals, projects, residencies, and other cultural activities in the arts, humanities, and sciences. This program combines Festivals & Projects and Creative Projects for Schools into one program. For more information contact Ethan Melad at emelad@cmrpc.org. 

Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program (due March 7, 2025): The Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program grants financial assistance for the purchasing of land on existing Department of Environmental Protection-approved drinking water supply protection areas, or land that is in estimated protection areas that are identified and planned future water supply wells or reservoirs. For more information contact Vanessa Farny at Vanessa.Farny@mass.gov. 

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.  

 Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia (due March 14, 2025): The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants will provide awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million each. Entities eligible to apply are federally recognized Tribes and Intertribal consortia. This opportunity aims to make improvements to local waste management systems, improve local post-consumer materials management programs, and implement the creation of a circular economy for all strategy series. For more information contact SWIFRTribal@epa.gov. 

InnovateMass Program (due March 17, 2025): Through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the InnovateMass Program provides grant funding to startups and innovators to demonstrate new clean energy and climate technologies, or innovative combinations of existing tech that demonstrates a strong potential for commercialization while providing significant measurable clean energy and/or climate benefits. This grant round supports a “Gridtech Spotlight” opportunity for innovators to partner with a Massachusetts electricity utility on grid technology. For more information email innovate@masscec.com. 

Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grant (anticipated April 1, 2025): The SMRP Municipal Grant supports local efforts in composting, recycling, reuse, source reduction, program advancement, and enforcement activities that reduce disposal. Applicants must complete and submit a Certification of Minimum Eligibility Criteria form and certify that a “Buy Recycled” Policy is in place, to the knowledge of all purchasing staff. For more information contact Rachel.smith@mass.gov. 

Landscape Partnership Grant (due April 3, 2025): The Landscape Partnership Grant supports efforts focused on protecting conservation land. Local, state, and federal governmental agencies and non-profit groups can partner on this grant in a collaborative effort to protect properties that meet the minimum acreage required based on county. Potential applicants are encouraged to participate in the information session on Tuesday, January 28^th, 2025. For more information contact Vanessa Farny at Vanessa.Farny@mass.gov. 

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.  

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 

DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity (TBD) The DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity will provide funding to 20 – 50 projects with awards ranging from $2 – $50 million per award. This opportunity is open to state, local, and Tribal governments, and other communities of less than 10,000 residents. Projects funded will prioritize the improvement of cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; greenhouse gas emission reduction, modernizing or providing electric generation facilities, developing microgrids, or increasing energy efficiency. For more information email OCED@hq.doe.gov. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) (TBD): 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) (statement of interest due February 10, 2025): 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.

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. 

Community Energy Connectors: Regional Clean Energy & Economic Development Support Opportunity (due January 28, 2025): This funding opportunity aims to increase the capacity of local and regional stakeholders to boost economic development through clean energy. This program seeks organizations that can support disadvantaged communities, and Tribal communities to improve their access to clean energy resources and economic opportunities. For more information contact  info@energywerx.org.  

Community Microgrid Development Support (due January 31, 2025): The Community Microgrid Development Support participants will receive funding and/or technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) to deploy or design a microgrid that aligns with community-defined priorities, or to enhance the performance of an existing microgrid technology. Microgrids generating power from renewable energy reduce the dependence on imported fuels, contributing to self-sufficiency and resilience in communities. For more information contact cmap@nrel.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. 

2025 AARP Community Challenge (due March 5, 2025): The AARP Community Challenge grant program is a part of the AARP Livable Communities Initiative that supports communities becoming thriving spaces for residents of all ages. The grant opportunities include the Flagship Grants, Capacity-Building Microgrants, and Demonstration Grants. For more information visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge2025. 

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia (due March 14, 2025): The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia, provides funding to improve local consumer materials management programs including municipal recycling; as well as improvements to local waste management systems. For more information contact SWIFRTribal@epa.gov. 

Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (due March 14, 2025): The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program supporting the preservation of landscapes, sites, and properties (cultural resources) listed on the State Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations or a municipality. For more information contact Paul.Holtz@sec.state.ma.us. 

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. 

DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity (due TBD) The DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity will provide funding to 20 – 50 projects with awards ranging from $2 – $50 million per award. This opportunity is open to state, local, and Tribal governments, and other communities of less than 10,000 residents. Projects funded will prioritize the improvement of cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems; siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines; greenhouse gas emission reduction, modernizing or providing electric generation facilities, developing microgrids, or increasing energy efficiency. For more information email OCED@hq.doe.gov.