Holyoke Community Preservation Act Committee Grant

The City of Holyoke Community Preservation Act Committee administers funding through the Community Preservation Act, a Massachusetts state law enacted in 2000 and adopted locally by the City of Holyoke in 2016. The program is designed to preserve community character and enhance quality of life by investing in projects that serve public needs. Since its adoption, the committee has distributed more than five million dollars toward initiatives that reflect these goals, including housing developments, historic restorations, recreational facilities, and improvements to public spaces. The funding cycle referenced here represents the committee’s fiscal year 2027 grant opportunity. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects within Holyoke that align with the allowable uses defined under the Community Preservation Act. These uses include historic preservation, the creation and maintenance of recreational resources, the protection of open space, and the development of community housing. Funded projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the residents of Holyoke and contribute to the long term sustainability and accessibility of community assets. Past funded initiatives such as housing at Appleton Mills, accessibility improvements at the Miracle League Playground, and restoration efforts at Veterans Park illustrate the breadth of eligible activities. Funding is administered through a structured, multi step application process. Applicants must first complete and submit an eligibility application form, which serves as a preliminary screening tool to determine whether a proposed project aligns with program requirements. Only applicants whose projects are deemed eligible are invited to proceed to the next stage, which involves submission of a full application. Following submission, applicants are required to participate in public presentations that outline the scope, community benefits, and budget of their projects. Final funding decisions are made through recommendations from the Community Preservation Act Committee to the Holyoke City Council, which holds approval authority. Eligibility requirements are governed by the broader Massachusetts Community Preservation Act guidelines. While specific applicant types are not explicitly listed in the announcement, the program is oriented toward projects that serve the public interest within the City of Holyoke. Applicants are expected to ensure compliance with allowable use categories and demonstrate alignment with local community priorities. Additional eligibility guidance is available through the state level CPA Funding Allowable Uses Guide, which outlines permissible project types and funding constraints. The application timeline begins with the opening of the eligibility phase, with eligibility forms due by September 4, 2026. This date represents the first critical milestone in the funding cycle. Subsequent deadlines for full applications and presentations are not specified in the announcement but are contingent upon successful advancement through the initial eligibility review. The funding opportunity is part of a recurring annual cycle tied to the city’s fiscal planning process, suggesting that similar opportunities will be made available in future years. Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance throughout the application process. The program design emphasizes accessibility and support, with the CPA Administrator serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries, clarification, and assistance. Application materials, including eligibility forms, are made available upon request and are also published through official city channels. This approach ensures that prospective applicants have access to the information and resources necessary to prepare competitive submissions. The evaluation process prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact, feasibility, and alignment with the statutory goals of the Community Preservation Act. While specific scoring criteria are not detailed, the requirement for public presentations indicates that transparency, public benefit, and fiscal responsibility are central considerations. Approved projects ultimately receive funding through formal adoption by the City Council, completing the review and allocation process.

Contact the CPA Administrator early to confirm eligibility and receive guidance throughout the process