EmPower Massachusetts Grant Opportunities

EmPower Massachusetts is a grant initiative administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) that aims to foster equitable access to clean energy solutions for historically underserved populations. Recognizing that low-income households, renters, and non-English-speaking residents in Massachusetts often face disproportionate energy burdens and limited participation in energy efficiency programs, MassCEC designed EmPower to address these disparities. The program operates by investing in community-based organizations and other eligible applicants to explore, design, and implement initiatives that deliver tangible clean energy benefits to disadvantaged groups. Through a two-tiered funding structure, the grant encourages both early-stage innovation and full-scale implementation of community-led clean energy solutions. The program offers two types of grants: Innovation and Capacity Building Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (occasionally up to $50,000) for developing ideas and building organizational capacity, and Implementation Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 for projects that are ready to be deployed in communities. These funds can be used for a wide range of activities including staff support for concept development, technical studies, professional services (e.g., legal, accounting), and community engagement. Implementation grants focus more heavily on outcomes and require applicants to define specific goals for improving clean energy access or reducing energy burdens in targeted communities. Eligibility for the EmPower Massachusetts program is deliberately inclusive, welcoming a wide variety of applicants such as community-based organizations (CBOs), federally recognized and state-acknowledged tribes, non-profits, individuals, municipalities (including those with municipal utilities), clean energy implementers, and financial institutions. However, to ensure community representation and equity, all applicants except for CBOs and Tribes are required to apply in partnership with at least one CBO. This stipulation supports MassCEC’s goal of grounding projects in the lived experiences and needs of the communities served. The application process is straightforward but structured. Interested applicants must review the appropriate Request for Proposals (RFPs), download and complete Attachments 1 and 2, and submit them either via email or online form. Submissions must also confirm review of Attachment 3, the template grant agreement. Optional but encouraged support includes pre-application office hours, video resources, and personalized calls. Applicants may also submit drafts for feedback ahead of final submission, and specific coordination is required if proposals include workforce development strategies. Applications for the FY26 cycle opened on August 25, 2025. For Innovation and Capacity Building Grants, applications are accepted on a rolling basis through March 26, 2026. For Implementation Grants, there are two review deadlines: October 23, 2025 and March 26, 2026. Awards for each round are announced approximately 8 to 12 weeks following the deadlines. For recurring applicants or future planning, MassCEC offers detailed information about program timelines, office hours, and future updates on their website. The program evaluation includes follow-up questions within a month of each deadline, and the grants are awarded based on alignment with program goals, community engagement strategies, and the capacity of the applicant to execute the proposed work. For inquiries, applicants can reach the EmPower team at [email protected] or call MassCEC directly. This program continues to be a significant part of Massachusetts’ clean energy transition by prioritizing equity and inclusion.

Early engagement, use of office hours, and partnerships with CBOs are encouraged.