Massachusetts grants for County governments

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to assist our agency with conducting important integrated pest management (IPM) evaluations on multiple private landowner properties throughout Massachusetts. NRCS recognizes the importance of increasing the use of IPM practices on cropland including orchards and on areas privately managed for shellfish aquaculture production. IPM has been an underutilized practice in Massachusetts This agreement will be used to provide training on IPM for NRCS staff and affiliates while also providing needed technical assistance for NRCS customers with IPM site visits.NRCS-Massachusetts is making a funding opportunity available for applicants to submit proposals with an award ceiling of $400,000 and a minimum project award of $200,000. NRCS will be awarding a cooperative agreement for up to a five-year period. If, in coordination with NRCS, additional resources are needed at a rate that exceeds this schedule, NRCS may add funds to this agreement to support continued partnership over the performance period.The primary goal is to expand IPM to NRCS customers throughout Massachusetts. The project list ranges in size from 1-acre farms to several hundred-acre farms. Applicants will identify the average number of IPM site visits and written IPM plans that they could complete in any contract year with a minimum of ten per year being acceptable for this agreement. NRCS will work with the selected applicant to make the choice of priority IPM site visits each year of the agreement based on interest and need. Applicants will be required to hold 1-2 IPM trainings per year for NRCS staff and partners to expand their knowledge on the subject. Applicants should provide a list of training ideas to NRCS for the length of the agreement. Applicants will be awarded based on the specified scoring criteria in Section E of this announcement. Eligible applicants include: all domestic applicants. Applicants should be familiar with all applicable state, federal, local laws, policies, and regulations that apply to IPM in the locales of Massachusetts.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 29, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to regional transit authorities, councils on aging, and non-profit transportation providers to enhance transportation services in rural and small urban areas.

This funding program provides financial support to Massachusetts municipalities for acquiring and developing parkland, focusing on enhancing recreational opportunities and climate resilience, particularly in underserved communities.

The Mass Cultural Council is accepting applications for its Festivals & Projects Grants. Donor Name: Mass Cultural Council State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Prioritization Mass Cultural Council envisions a diverse creative and cultural sector that is valued as essential in the Commonwealth. To that end, priorities have been established to support programmatic practices that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through the services to the sector. Prioritization will include the following: Festivals, projects, or activities that significantly incorporate, and/or are primarily focused on arts, humanities, or sciences. Festivals, projects, or activities that align with the agency values of public service and inclusion. Applicants that have not received funding from Mass Cultural Council in the last three fiscal years (FY24, FY23, FY22: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024), or that are applying to Mass Cultural Council for the first time. Applicants participating in the Agency’s Card to Culture. Festivals, projects, or activities that are free to the public. Applicants that self-identify as led by and serving people of the global majority — Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Latinx, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and all other ethnicities of color. Applicants wishing to make this BIPOC Centered Organization identification will need to fill out a form in the Agency’s grants management system. Festivals, projects, or activities in cities and towns that are below the state’s median household income and below statewide educational attainment. This includes but is not limited to places designated as Gateway Cities. Applicants operating under parent entities are advised that, if demand exceeds available funding, Mass Cultural Council may limit the number of grants awarded to any one parent organization. Funding Information Festivals & Projects provides one-year grants of $2,500 to fund activities that provide public benefit using the arts, humanities, or sciences, taking place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Who can apply? The following organizations are eligible to apply: Non-Profit Organization: registered to do business in the Commonwealth, in good standing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at time of application (not dissolved or revoked) and listed in the Corporate Division’s Business Entity database, OR is a Massachusetts organization registered with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. For-Profit Organization: organized or registered to do business in the Commonwealth, in good standing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at time of application (not dissolved or revoked) and listed in the Corporate Division’s Business Entity database, AND is one of the following: A Profit Corporation, Multiple-Member Limited Liability Company (including C Corporation, S Corporation, and Partnership LLCs), Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership. Single Member Limited Liability Companies and Sole Proprietorships are not eligible for this program. Government Entity: a federally recognized Tribal, State, or Municipal government entity in Massachusetts. Unincorporated Organization: with a Massachusetts address, conducting 50% or more of its programming in Massachusetts, operating with an eligible fiscal agent. For more information, visit MCC.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that acquire, create, and preserve open spaces, historic resources, recreational land, and community housing in Wellfleet.

The FY25 LAND Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), offers financial assistance to Massachusetts municipal conservation and agriculture commissions. The program supports the acquisition of conservation land to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and address climate change impacts. Eligible projects include purchases of land or conservation restrictions, and all properties acquired under this program are required to be open to the public for passive recreation. Grant renwed every year

Supports the construction, purchase, expansion, or upgrade of workforce or training-related infrastructure to better meet the needs of the offshore wind industry.

Focuses on funding new initiatives or expanding existing workforce training programs and studies in the offshore wind sector, with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIJ) principles.

This track supports projects that examine the impact of climate change on communities within Massachusetts, highlighting local knowledge, experiences, and strategies for resilience. Offering up to $20,000, the grant focuses on narrative projects that use humanities methodologies to discuss climate-related changes and challenges. Projects should not include capital projects, feasibility studies, or collections preservation. Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to a broader understanding of climate impacts on local communities.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant - Open Track offers funding up to $20,000 for projects that amplify under-recognized narratives and voices in Massachusetts. Focused on using humanities tools such as inquiry, contextualization, and reflection, this grant seeks to enhance public understanding of the diverse histories and experiences within the state. Projects eligible for funding include oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, and other humanities-focused initiatives. The grant is competitive, with applications reviewed based on their contribution to a more inclusive narrative of Massachusetts.

The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and schools/colleges, for short-term waste reduction projects. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects must focus on reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products via donation, rescue, reuse and/or repair in Massachusetts. Funding Information Individual Micro-Grants have a maximum award of $10,000, with a total available budget up to $125,000. MassDEP reserves the right to award more or less than the full budget available for this program. Eligible Expenses Grant funds may be used for costs associated with developing and implementing the proposed project such as, equipment, signage, outreach/education, event space rental fees, event marketing/promotion, professional services (e.g., legal, engineering, design) and new personnel (consultants, contractors, or staff that will dedicate additional hours to the proposed project for a specified and finite period of time). Eligible Projects  Eligible projects include but are not limited to: Purchase inventory technology or other software to increase operational efficiencies. Examples include inventory management systems, online market-place platform development, environmental benefits calculators, and reporting systems. Develop or expand programs to collect and redistribute reusable clothing, footwear, bedding, electronics, home goods, and other items via social service agency networks, furniture banks, schools, and institutions. Develop reusable transport packaging systems that replace limited-life packaging used in manufacturing, transportation and/or distribution with durable alternatives designed for many years of use. Examples include the replacement of cardboard boxes with reusable hand-held plastic totes or crates and switching to reusable pallet wraps instead of using disposable plastic film used to secure loads onto pallets. Convert from single-use to reusable food service ware at schools, food service businesses, or institutional cafeterias (e.g., dishwashers, electrical, plumbing, minor kitchen modifications and/or reusable dishware). Note: Purchase of food service ware for establishing a new program/new construction is excluded. Install bulk dispensing systems in commercial, retail and/or hospitality settings for food, beverages, personal care products (soap, shampoo, lotion), or cleaning products. Projects must replace single-use packaging. Develop or expand programs to repair used furniture, appliances, electronics, bicycles, or durable household goods for resale or distribution. May include purchase of tools and supplies and/or set-up of training program. Develop textile/clothing/footwear repair programs, at or in conjunction with a second-hand goods retailer or distributor. Creation or expansion of food donation collection, storage, and distribution programs (e.g., purchase of community fridge or pantry at a community center for food rescue distribution). Develop community repair training or apprenticeship program for home goods, textiles, clothing, footwear, electronics, bicycles, etc. Develop and host trainings on deconstruction techniques targeting the construction industry, tech/carpentry schools, or individuals engaged in building and renovation work. Conduct a deconstruction pilot program involving one or more buildings (municipal or private). Promote recovery and resale of used building materials in remodel, renovation, and new construction projects to close the loop and reduce waste. Develop/expand and promote community tool-lending libraries or Library of Things. Develop and/or promote statewide community repair or fix-it events for the general public; set up a community repair space. Eligible Applicants An organization or business (for-profit or non-profit) properly licensed to do business in Massachusetts. A regional entity, such as a solid waste management district, solid waste/recycling cooperative or regional planning authority, as long as the entity is recognized as a governmental body under Mass General Laws. An individual Massachusetts city or town, or a MA municipality acting as a lead for a multi-town regional initiative. Pre-K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, both public and private. For more information, visit MassDEP.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is designed to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises.  With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. The following are examples of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects Food Processing Infrastructure – Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households. Non Retail: Food Commissaries – Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities. Food Co-Ops – Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or  greater access to affordable, fresh food. Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets – Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities. Food Hubs – Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities. Commercial Markets – Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas. Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets – To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities. Who May Apply? Massachusetts Municipalities. Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations. Individual Residents of Massachusetts. Examples of ineligible project areas: Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work. Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment. Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement. For more information, visit MDAR.

Grant Opportunity: 2024 Equity Workforce Planning and Capacity Grants – Massachusetts Donor: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/20/2024 Grant Size: $894,422 - Planning Grants: $20,000-$50,000 - Capacity Grants: $30,000-$150,000 Duration: 2 years Details: The grants aim to provide funding and technical assistance to organizations focused on supporting minority and women-owned businesses, individuals from environmental justice neighborhoods or low-income communities, members of tribes, underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry. The program seeks to expand access to career and business opportunities in climate-critical fields and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Goals: The program aims to grow Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across economic opportunity categories. It seeks to produce a diverse bench of highly trained new workers and thriving minority and women-owned businesses. Funding Information: Total funding available is $894,422 for Planning and Capacity Grants. Eligibility Criteria: Community-based entities, post-secondary educational institutions, K-12 school districts, vocational schools offering a Career Technical Initiative evening program, for-profit entities such as training companies or trade associations, federally recognized and state-acknowledged tribes, workforce development organizations (nonprofit and for-profit), Massachusetts Workforce Investment Boards are eligible to apply as lead applicants. For more information visit MassCEC website.

This program provides funding to the City of Malden for home rehabilitation, social services, and community improvements that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.