Cool & Connected Mini-Grants

The Cool & Connected Arlington Mini-Grants Program is a locally administered funding initiative developed by the Town of Arlington, Massachusetts to address increasing climate-related heat risks within the community. The program is funded through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) 2.0 program, a state-supported initiative designed to help municipalities adapt to climate change impacts. Arlington was selected as one of a limited number of pilot communities, and this grant program represents a direct outcome of multi-year planning, community engagement, and vulnerability assessments focused on protecting residents from extreme heat events. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the creation and enhancement of accessible cooling spaces throughout Arlington. These spaces are intended to function as community hubs during periods of extreme heat, offering relief, safety, and access to supportive services. The program emphasizes serving vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, seniors, immigrants with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities. Through this initiative, the Town seeks to expand both the physical infrastructure and social programming necessary to mitigate the health risks associated with heat waves. Funding may be used across several categories, including programming, facilities and ambience improvements, and personnel support. Eligible uses include expanding services during heat events, installing or upgrading cooling equipment such as air conditioning units or fans, improving accessibility and comfort of public-facing spaces, and training staff or volunteers to respond effectively to heat-related emergencies. However, funds are restricted to approved project activities outlined in the grant agreement and cannot be used for expenses such as debt repayment, property acquisition, travel, or general operating overhead like rent and utilities. All expenditures must follow procurement guidelines and demonstrate sound business practices. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning grant recipients must initially cover project costs and then submit documentation for reimbursement. To receive funds, recipients must register as vendors with the Town of Arlington by submitting a W-9 form. Reimbursement requests require detailed invoices and proof of payment, and funds are disbursed via check after approval. All work must begin only after the execution of a formal grant agreement, and any expenses incurred prior to that agreement are not eligible for reimbursement. Eligibility is open to a broad range of organizations that provide services or access to the community. This includes small businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and other civic entities such as restaurants, arts organizations, and retail establishments. Applicants must be in good standing with the Town, meaning they must be current on tax obligations and free of active building or health code violations. The program encourages participation from diverse sectors to build a distributed network of cooling centers across Arlington. The application process requires submission of an online application form following a review of program guidelines. While specific application components are not fully detailed, applicants are expected to propose projects aligned with the program’s objectives and categories. Applications are due by May 31, 2026, and awards will be announced on June 12, 2026. All funded projects must be completed, and final reports submitted, by June 30, 2027. Reporting requirements include both quantitative and qualitative data on project outcomes and may involve periodic check-ins or site visits by the assigned grant manager. Program oversight is managed by the Town of Arlington’s Department of Planning and Community Development, with an assigned grant manager providing technical assistance and compliance support. The program may include monitoring activities such as quarterly reporting and on-site reviews, particularly for larger or more complex projects. Technical assistance is available as needed to ensure successful implementation. Questions and support requests can be directed to the program’s designated contact, ensuring applicants and recipients have access to guidance throughout the grant lifecycle.

Ensure project aligns strictly with approved budget categories; prepare documentation for reimbursement; demonstrate community impact and accessibility