Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Competitive Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed to support municipalities that have achieved designation as Green Communities and are actively working toward reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This competitive grant initiative aligns with the Commonwealth’s broader Clean Energy and Climate Plan goals for 2025 and 2030, which emphasize decarbonization, energy efficiency, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The program reflects Massachusetts’ commitment to enabling local governments to lead in climate mitigation through infrastructure upgrades, electrification, and renewable energy adoption. The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to eligible municipalities for projects that improve energy efficiency, expand renewable energy use, and support building decarbonization. Funding is offered through three primary pathways: prescriptive measures, traditional energy conservation measures, and building decarbonization projects. Eligible uses include upgrading HVAC systems, installing electric vehicle infrastructure, improving building envelopes, deploying battery storage, and implementing renewable energy systems. The program also includes provisions for workforce development and community outreach initiatives. However, certain activities such as feasibility studies, energy audits, and non-commercial appliance purchases are explicitly excluded. The total program funding is capped at thirty million dollars across fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with funding distributed across multiple application blocks. Standard grant awards are capped at two hundred fifty thousand dollars for most project categories, while building decarbonization projects may receive up to five hundred thousand dollars. These larger projects require a minimum community match of twenty-five percent, or ten percent if the project benefits Environmental Justice communities or vulnerable populations. Additional funding adjustments apply to Climate Leader Communities and specially eligible municipalities, which may face modified award caps based on prior funding levels. Eligibility is restricted to municipalities that have been formally designated as Green Communities and that meet specific compliance and reporting requirements. Applicants must demonstrate progress toward energy reduction goals and maintain adherence to program criteria. Additional eligibility considerations apply to special designations such as Climate Leader Communities or those meeting long-term performance thresholds. Projects must also align with municipal energy reduction plans and demonstrate measurable benefits, including energy savings and emissions reductions. Projects that directly benefit Environmental Justice communities are given priority consideration during evaluation. Applications must be submitted electronically through the designated online grant portal and must include a completed grant table, supporting documentation such as audits or technical studies, and a certification signed by the municipality’s chief executive officer. The application process is structured around four submission blocks with fixed deadlines, allowing municipalities multiple opportunities to apply within the funding cycle. Required materials include detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, utility incentive documentation, and supporting technical specifications. Evaluation of applications is based on several criteria, including project viability, cost effectiveness, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and benefits to vulnerable populations. Additional considerations include the applicant’s past performance, completeness of the application, and alignment with state climate goals. Priority is given to projects that eliminate fossil fuel use and demonstrate strong cost-to-impact ratios. Applicants are also encouraged to coordinate with utility providers to identify available incentives and maximize project efficiency. The application timeline spans multiple deadlines, with final submissions accepted through April 9, 2027 for the last block. Awarded projects must begin implementation within a specified timeframe and are subject to quarterly reporting requirements. Final reports and compliance documentation are required to ensure accountability and measure outcomes. For programmatic or technical inquiries, applicants may contact the designated program representative via email. The program operates as a recurring competitive grant opportunity with structured cycles and evolving funding availability.

Prioritize projects with strong greenhouse gas reduction and cost effectiveness metrics; demonstrate clear benefits to environmental justice communities and readiness for implementation