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.

Housing Choice Designation (due Apr. 26, 2024): Rewards municipalities for housing production and adoption of housing best practices. Designated communities get exclusive access to a Housing Choice Capital Grant program under the Community One Stop for Growth and preferential treatment for other state grant and capital funding programs. The Housing Choice Designation lasts 5 years. Contact Emily Glaubitz at eglaubitz@cmrpc.org for more information. 

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. 

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant Program (April 24, 2024): Funding to address climate change impacts including extreme weather, sea level rise, inland and coastal flooding, and extreme heat. Applicants must have completed the Community Resilience Building (CRB) process (or another EEA-certified process) and “MVP Community” designation via the MVP 1.0 planning process. There is a 25% cash or in-kind match requirement. Please contact Sarah Plutnicki at splutnicki@cmrpc.org for more information. 

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

EEA Planning Assistance Grants (anticipated May 2024): Support efforts to plan, zone, develop, and conserve land in ways 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.  

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. 

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.   

Accelerating Clean Transportation (ACT): School Bus Fleet Deployment (anticipated spring 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/consulting is offered by MassCEC within this program to account for gaps in technical knowledge. Contact Julia Moore for more information at jmoore@cmrpc.org

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. 

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 

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 

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. 

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. 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (due April 19, 2024): FMCSA grant funding is available for projects that support the reduction and severity of crashes and hazardous materials incidents with highway safety measures. For more information visit the FMCSA website. 

Low or No Emission Program (due Apr. 25, 2024): The Low or No Emission program provides funding to state and local governments for the leasing or purchasing of zero or low-emission buses, and the construction, acquisition, and leasing of required supporting facilities. For more information visit the Federal Transit Administration.   

Challenge America (due Apr. 25, 2024): Offered by the National Endowment for the Arts to support small organizations, including municipalities, for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. For more information, contact Ethan Melad at emelad@cmrpc.org   

Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (due Apr. 26, 2024): The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program provides resources for community-based suicide prevention efforts that meet the needs of Veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connections to VA and community resources. For more information, contact: the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs at VASSGFoxGrants@va.gov 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) (Anticipated Oct. 2024): The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used 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 state, local, federally recognized Tribal governments, and U.S. territories to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for hazard mitigation assistance projects. For more information, contact Marc Granato at mgranato@cmrpc.org. 

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program 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