Massachusetts Income Security and Social Services Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Brookline, Massachusetts, to enhance access to essential services and emergency assistance for individuals and families, particularly those from marginalized communities.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Transit Connectivity Grant Program for Regional Transit Authorities. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Under Section 1596-2406 of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Act, MassDOT has up to $10 million to award grants to Regional Transit Authorities RTAs) for the creation or altering of routes that advance connectivity between existing public transportation routes including, but not limited to RTA routes and MBTA routes. Awards will be made on a competitive basis with funding provided contractually. Eligible Projects Funding will be provided for operating projects that address the criteria outlined below. opportunities for increased ridership opportunities for increased total mileage covered in a single trip (i.e., coverage) opportunities to reach low-income individuals. Eligibility Criteria Regional Transit Authorities can apply for grants for the creation or altering of routes that advance connectivity between existing public transportation routes. For more information, visit MassDOT.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center seeks qualified consultants or professionals with experience in clean transportation, municipal procurement, on-street electric vehicle charging, and utility coordination to serve as a technical consultant and project manager under MassCEC’s On-Street Charging Program. Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In January 2024, the Healey-Driscoll administration provided American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to MassCEC to develop a program that will improve access to affordable EV infrastructure for residents in multi-unit dwellings. The Program aims to increase the supply of overnight curbside parking with an emphasis on positive impacts for Low Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC). In addition to increasing charging station access, MassCEC, in close collaboration with the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER), plans to pilot innovative On-Street Charging technologies, models, and ownership structures. Through this program, MassCEC intends to demonstrate successful deployments of innovative On-Street Charging options in order to promote wide-scale adoption across the Commonwealth. Through this Program MassCEC aims to:  Increase access to On-Street Charging options and reduce barriers to EV adoption for LIDACs in MA;  Pilot innovative On-Street Charging models that can be replicated and scaled across the Commonwealth;  Develop resources for municipalities in MA to implement On-Street Charging solutions independently; and  Ensure that small and diverse MA-based businesses are included in the Program and meaningfully compensated to foster MA workforce development. Funding Information Total Funding Available: $11,250,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Applicants include sole proprietors, professional consultants, nonprofits, institutions or companies with multiple employees. MassCEC encourages Applicants to form a team with sub-vendors (“Applicant Team”) to provide all the requisite experience required for the Scope of Work, including subvendors responsible for procurement, installation, and maintenance of On-Street Charging stations. Proposals must be submitted by a single lead Applicant and must clearly identify relevant Applicant Team sub-vendor(s) with whom to jointly respond to this RFP and their respective roles and experience. MassCEC strongly encourages Applicant Teams to include and meaningfully compensate MA-based vendors and small businesses, as well as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ, Portuguese, and/or Disability-Owned Business Enterprises) (“Diverse Suppliers”). For more information, visit MassCEC.

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the Swim Safe Access Grant. Donor Name: City of Boston State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swim lessons are one effective strategy to reduce drowning risk; some studies estimate that swim lessons can cut a child’s risk of drowning by up to 90 percent. Providing lessons that are free and easily accessible to families lowers barriers to access, especially for low-income residents.  Funding Information Total Amount Available for Grant Program: $250,000 Award Amount per Grant per Organization: Up to $49,999 Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:  Applicants must be a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants may apply for programs that run on an ongoing basis. Funding will NOT be available for one-time events.  Programming sites must be located in the city of Boston. Only beginner level swim programs will be eligible for funding under this grant. The goal of this program is to get as many residents as possible to have basic water safety skills, so this funding is not available for intermediate or advanced-level swim classes.  Programs funded by this grant must be free for participants.  Programs must be able to demonstrate that they either operate the aquatics facility where the programming will take place or that they have a partnership with an aquatics facility that can accommodate the proposed program.  Preference will be given to programs that serve Boston residents that are predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups or underserved markets. Swim Safe Award Recipient Requirements  If selected, the following will be required to remain in compliance:  Applicants or programs must be currently in operation or starting no later than October 1, 2024.  Award recipients will be required to attend a virtual Mandatory Award Orientation.  Award recipients must submit regular reports on program outcomes. The report format will be provided by the Mayor’s Office of Human Services. For more information, visit City of Boston.

The Middlesex Saving Bank is accepting applications for its Social Service Grant Program. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Focus Areas The Social Services Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on: Shelter – including affordable housing, homebuyer education programs, foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling programs, housing for the homeless, and emergency home repairs. Hunger Security – including projects and programs to provide food for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative. Clothing and Basic Needs – includes projects and programs that work to provide clothing and personal hygiene products to low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations.  Veterans & First Responders – including projects and programs that benefit the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria  To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

The Middlesex Saving Bank is accepting applications for its Social Service Grant Program. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas The Social Services Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on: Shelter – including affordable housing, homebuyer education programs, foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling programs, housing for the homeless, and emergency home repairs. Hunger Security – including projects and programs to provide food for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative. Clothing and Basic Needs – includes projects and programs that work to provide clothing and personal hygiene products to low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations.  Veterans & First Responders – including projects and programs that benefit the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria  To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

Applications are now being accepted for the John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: Massachusetts County: Middlesex County (MA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Middlesex Savings Bank, John was supportive of the Foundation and its efforts to help strengthen local non-profits. John also believed in the importance of leadership and the need to develop and recognize strong leaders. Funding Information The award provides a one-time grant of $20,000. Selection Criteria The Selection Committee seeks to recognize experienced, nonprofit leaders who demonstrate the ability to develop and implement effective organizational strategies. The ideal nominee will demonstrate the following capabilities and characteristics: Creates and stewards collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of their organization in a manner that produces tangible benefits to the community. Brings innovative ideas forward and to fruition. Builds organizational and individual capacity and expertise. Instills passion in themselves and the people with whom they work. Demonstrates the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations that deliver essential health care and human services to underserved elderly populations in Bristol County, MA, with a focus on programs benefiting older women.

This fund provides financial assistance to local charities in Newton, Waltham, and Watertown, MA, that help individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

This fund provides financial support for educational, food, health, housing, and shelter programs in communities north of Boston, with a focus on organizations in cities like Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Equity Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Equity Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways leading to climate-critical priority occupations for: individuals from Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Neighborhoods or low-income communities; members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes; members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce; and current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry (“Fossil Fuel Workers”). Applicants may apply for Equity Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Goals: This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors while creating opportunities for underserved individuals most impacted by climate change who are typically excluded from opportunities in these sectors. These funds will enable applicants to: Recruit individuals from EJ Neighborhoods or low-income communities, individuals from federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes within the Commonwealth, members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and Fossil Fuel Workers to explore and enter climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address social and economic barriers and increase the likelihood of long-term career success. Address common barriers to equitable access to climate-critical careers through more intentional career awareness and navigation support. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information MassCEC anticipates awarding a total of $10,750,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations: $200,000-$1,200,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand B: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness: $50,000-$600,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training: $50,000-$750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Note: If Applicant is not an entity with the ability to hire staff or receive funds, consider forming a partnership with another group that can act as a fiscal agent. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Climate Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations. The Climate Training grants are designed to help Massachusetts meet clean energy and climate tech employer needs while providing high-quality training and support opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. Applicants may apply for Climate Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Climate-Critical Upskilling for Incumbent Workers; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Goals Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure FY24 Grants Goals  This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors through a range of project and program models, all of which should center employer and participant needs in the design and program implementation. These funds will enable applicants to: Expand recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand career advancement programming and upskilling training opportunities to help workers gain valuable skills while businesses expand capacity to support the state’s climate goals. Leverage effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships by providing the resources to launch and/or expand programs. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address potential barriers to entry and advancement in climate-critical occupations. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information Anticipated Available Funding: $6,450,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations:  $100,000- $800,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand B: ClimateCritical Upskilling for Incumbent:  $100,000- $600,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support ClimateCritical Training: $50,000- $750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.

The Susan Bradbury Animal Welfare Fund supports nonprofit organizations that run programs and services that provide safe havens and care for domestic and/or wild animals in Essex County. Donor Name: Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) State: Massachusetts County: Essex County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Applicants are invited to apply for grants up to $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must represent qualified 501(c)3 nonprofits serving Essex County. ECCF is committed to non-discrimination. They support organizations that use all reasonable efforts to recruit, hire, train, promote and serve persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where such status is a bona fide qualification for the service being provided and is related to the organization’s mission. Grants will not be awarded: To individuals. For sectarian or religious purposes. For political purposes. For debt or deficit reduction. For capital campaigns for buildings, land acquisition or endowment. For more information, visit ECCF.

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.

Community Engagement Planning Grants in Massachusetts aim to provide support to community-based organizations, municipalities, and other entities to facilitate meaningful community input in the development and deployment of solar energy projects owned by electric and gas distribution companies. The program goals include enabling informed community engagement, providing flexible funding for stakeholder meetings and public participation incentives, building capacity for future collaboration in clean energy projects, creating a framework for robust future community engagement, and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholders.