Seasonal Communities Grant Program

The Seasonal Communities Grant Program (SCGP), administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), is a new formula-based grant initiative introduced under the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Established as part of the Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the 2024 Massachusetts Acts), the SCGP aims to provide targeted support to municipalities designated as Seasonal Communities—localities that experience significant fluctuations in seasonal employment and housing demand. These communities face distinct challenges in housing development and infrastructure planning, which the SCGP seeks to address with specialized funding mechanisms. The SCGP allocates approximately $2 million annually across fiscal years 2026 and 2027, totaling $4 million, contingent upon final state budget approvals. Grants are distributed non-competitively according to a formula that guarantees a minimum of approximately $50,000 per community, with additional funds based on population size according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Awards are capped at approximately $175,000 per community. In FY26, 14 municipalities that accepted the Seasonal Communities designation by December 9, 2025 are eligible to receive funds. Grant funds may be used for a broad range of planning, zoning, housing development, and horizontal infrastructure activities. Eligible uses include housing needs assessments, drafting or revising zoning bylaws, planning and supporting housing developments, and infrastructure projects such as sewer lines, utility extensions, and road improvements. Notably, administrative costs such as grant management or procurement staffing are ineligible. Projects must expend funds by June 30, 2026, and awards are issued on a cost-incurred reimbursement basis. Projects already underway that align with the grant’s objectives are eligible for support. Municipalities must submit one or more SCGP Project Proposal Applications to receive funding, with a submission window open from December 9, 2025, at 9:00AM through January 9, 2026, at 11:59PM. Proposals should outline how the requested funds will be used within the scope of eligible activities and funding timelines. A public guidance webinar is scheduled for December 16, 2025, and optional office hours are available through January 6, 2026, for technical questions. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, readiness, and financial feasibility. Projects must either be fully funded through the SCGP or be components of larger projects for which the grant provides gap funding. Only costs incurred in FY26 will be reimbursed. Award announcements are anticipated in February 2026, with contracting to follow shortly thereafter. For further information, applicants are advised to consult the official Notice of Funding Availability and direct questions to McKenzie Bell, Senior Community Grants Coordinator, at [email protected]. A PDF of the full NOFA is available at https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy26-scgp-nofa/download.

Projects must be ready to start upon award and complete spending by June 30, 2026. Only FY26-incurred costs are reimbursable.